Mark Smotroff
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social
1.4K followers 66 following 4.3K posts
Mostly music including my reviews on Analog Planet and eCoustics.
Music is love...
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
Been curious about bag-pipe #jazz player Rufus Harley, but was waiting for a cheap point of entry to check out his #music. Found this minty white label promo at Amoeba (Berkeley) for a super reasonable 7$. I'm glad he switches to flute & sax as the bagpipe gets tiresome. Cont'd #jazzsky #musicsky
Been curious about bag-pipe jazz player Rufus Harley, but was waiting for a cheap point of entry to check out his music. Found this minty white label promo at Amoeba (Berkeley) for a super reasonable 7bux. I'm glad he switches to flute & sax as the bagpipe gets tiresome. His playing is more emotive on Side 2. I'll try some of his other LPs in the future; this is a good toe in the water.
December 6, 2025 at 8:49 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I was amazed to find an autobiography by person whose name I first learned as a kid from a George Harrison B-side, no doubt inspiring the title of this book: "Miss O'Dell." A fascinating rock 'n roll insider adventure that is insightful yet often cringe worthy. Cont'd. #musicsky #music #reads
I was amazed to find this in the first place, an autobiography by person whose name I first learned sbout as a kid from a George Harrison B-side, which no doubt inspired the title of this book: "Miss O'Dell." A fascinating rock 'n roll insider adventure that is insightful yet sometimes cringe worthy. if you're a fan of the Beatles (she was on the rooftop for their last performance) you probably want to read this but her story also involves the Rolling Stones, CSNY, Leon Russell, James Taylor, Joe Cocker and many others. Many jaw dropping moments....
December 6, 2025 at 4:54 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I often splurge on unknown recordings if they are cheep, such as this one off by Warren Phillips and The Rockets. It does rock. And it is apparently the guys from #SavoyBrown who left to form #Foghat. Choice 50s rock 'n roll covers done great. Cont'd #musicsky #music
I often splurge on unknown recordings if they are cheep, such as this one off by Warren Phillips and The Rockets. It does rock. And it is apparently the guys from Savoy Brown who left to form Foghat. Choice 50s rock 'n roll covers done great. Not surprising Dave Edmunds (who was also originally on Parrot with his band Love Sculpture as was Savoy Brown) produced Foghat's first album.
December 6, 2025 at 6:19 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Finally found a clean UK copy of Interview's debut, Big Oceans. One of my favorite "no hit wonder" bands, I've loved their two LPs since I got turned on to them in the early '80s. Worth picking up if you enjoy pop that falls somewhere between early #PeterGabriel & #XTC. Cont'd

#musicsky #music
Finally found a clean UK copy of Interview's debut, Big Oceans. One of my favorite "no hit wonder" bands, I've loved their two albums since I got turned on to them in the early '80s. This is only the 2nd time I've seen/found a UK copy (last one was beat up); domestic US copies are what you see mostly, always in the bargyn bins. Worth picking up if you might enjoy a pop leaning band that falls somewhere between early Peter Gabriel and XTC.
December 6, 2025 at 4:50 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
For an album which had an extended birth beginning around 1980, it turned out remarkably strong. Refresher listen to the 2018 "final" version after having just listened to the 2025 Dolby Atmos remix (review to come). Now Playing: Fly From Here by Yes (Drama/Buggles era of the band). #musicsky #music
For an album which had an extended birth beginning around 1980, the final incarnation turned out remarkably strong despite one or two missteps. Refresher listen to the 2018 "final" version after having just listened to the 2025 Dolby Atmos remix (review to come). Now Playing: Fly From Here by Yes (Drama/Buggles era of the band).
December 6, 2025 at 3:52 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
More holiday fun from my vinyl angel: a minty white label promo of Otis Redding's (IMO) double A-side xmas single, "Merry Christmas, Baby" b/w "White Christmas." Produced by Steve Cropper (RIP), as far as I know this post-humous release only appeared on 1968's Soul Christmas LP. #musicsky #music
Starting the day with more holiday fun, another from my vinyl angel: a minty white label promo of Otis Redding's (IMO) double A-side xmas single, "Merry Christmas, Baby" b/w "White Christmas." Produced by Steve Cropper (RIP), as far as I can tell this post-humous release only appeared on the 1968 Soul Christmas album. Thanks again to the vinyl angel!
December 5, 2025 at 4:57 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Only one place for me to start this holiday season, with an amazing 45 gifted by one of my vinyl angels: the rare 1963 promo EP from Phil Spector’s Philles Records celebrating the instant classic “A Christmas Gift For You” LP. Still speechless. Thank you so very much, vinyl angel! #musicsky #music
Only one place for me to start this holiday season, with one of the amazing 45s gifted me by one of my vinyl angels: the rare 1963 promo EP from Phil Spector’s Philles Records celebrating the instant classic “A Christmas Gift For You” LP. Still speechless, all I can say again is: Thank you so very very much, vinyl angel!
December 5, 2025 at 5:14 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Not my favorite version of my favorite Yes album but one of the most curious: a banded / edited / tracked DJ promo of Tales From Topographic Oceans. The new 50th anniversary edition will have (new?) single edits so I'm curious if any of these will resurface. Cont'd #musicsky #music
Not my favorite version of my favorite Yes album but one of the most curious: a banded edited tracked DJ promo of Tales From Topographic Oceans. This came from the collection of legendary San Francisco DJ/Producer and free form radio pioneer, Tom Donahue. The new 50th anniversary edition will apparently have single edits so I'm curious if any of these will resurface there...
December 4, 2025 at 5:42 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Early '70s #Stax vibing with Israel Tolbert. Never heard of him prior to finding this at a recent record swap. A friend sellng there recommended it in our trade. Not disappointed. Nice stuff. This was his only album but there are many singles so perhaps there is a comp somewhere. #musicsky #music
Early '70s Stax vibing with Israel Tolbert. Never heard of him prior to finding this at a recent record swap. A friend sellng there recommended it in our trade. Not disappointed. Nice stuff. This was his only album but there are many singles so perhaps there is a comp somewhere.
December 4, 2025 at 4:05 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Refresher listen to my best condition original of The Velvet Undergound's debut before spinning then new "Vinylphyle" series reissue... #musicsky #music #loureed #velvetunderground
Refresher listen to my best condition original of The Velvet Undergound's debut before spinning then new "Vinylphyle" series reissue...
December 3, 2025 at 7:31 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Refresher spin of The Freewheelin' Bob #Dylan before playing the new Record Store Day reissue of the original withdrawn (mega rare) 1st version w/ 4 different (then controversial) songs. I found this mono promo years ago but you'd only know by seeing the back cover, so here we are. #musicsky #music
Refresher spin of The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan before playing the new Record Store Day reissue of the original withdrawn (and mega rare) first version of the album with 4 different (then controversial) tracks. I found this mono promo some years back but you'd only know it by seeing the red rubber stamp on the back so here we are...
December 3, 2025 at 5:38 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I explore saxophonist Willis Jackson's LPs randomly as I find them on the cheap. This 1$ thrift find is another. The 3 Beatles covers here so perfectly encapsulate that cheesy swingin' 60s groovy mod-a-go-go vibe, they could easily be used in an Austin Powers flick. Cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz
I explore saxophonist Willis Jackson's LPs randomly as I find them on the cheap. Generally fun lighthearted spins. This dollah thrift find is another, a 70s reissue (sans by then-taboo smoking photo cover). The 3 Beatles covers here so perfectly encapsulate that cheesy swingin' 60s groovy mod-a-go-go vibe, they could easily be used in an Austin Powers flick. What saves it is Willis blowing sincerely and the band behind him grooving rock solid. Non essential but also fun to have around.
December 3, 2025 at 4:25 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I still have to go through the others to see how they play but two are UK imports of Forever Changes. There are also two well loved mono Da Capos. For the price I couldn't leave them behind...
December 2, 2025 at 8:04 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Last post for the afternoon - I have stuffs to get dun! One of 8 (yes, eight!) Love LP I found over the weekend for 1$ each. This is the only one in nice shape aside from 3 surface scuffs which play through inaudibly; about as close to perfect as I've ever seen for Love LPs. Cont'd #musicsky #music
Last post for the afternoon (as I have stuffs to get dun!). This is one of 8 (yes, eight!) Love albums I found over the weekend for 1buc each. This is the only one in nice shape aside from 3 surface scuffs which play through inaudibly this is about as close to perfect as I've ever seen for a Love album. I still have to go through the others to see how they play but two are UK imports of Forever Changes. There are also two well loved mono Da Capos. For the price I couldn't leave them behind...
December 2, 2025 at 8:04 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
1959-era 6-eye stereo of Miles Davis' Porgy & Bess from the bargyn bin. 3bux in nice enough shape to play on my best turntable (2 scuffs play through near invisibly). I have a real nice 60s 2-eye stereo but this is the first time I've found a 6. Cont'd

#musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz #milesdavis
1959-era 6-eye stereo of Miles Davis' Porgy & Bess from the bargyn bin. 3bux in nice enough shape to play on my best turntable (2 scuffs play through near invisibly). I have a real nice 60s 2-eye stereo but this is the first time I've found a 6. This album convinced me to listen to Miles seriously. It was one track, from a Beach Boys SMiLE bootleg in the 80s (for real!) which got me - it sounds like Brian Wilson.
December 2, 2025 at 7:15 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Starting my day with John #Coltrane 's 1965 masterwork A Love Supreme in glorious monophonic sound. My listening report on this new 60th anniversary first time reissue of this much sought after version is on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz #mono #vinyl
Starting my day with John #Coltrane 's 1965 masterwork A Love Supreme in glorious monophonic sound. My listening report on this new 60th anniversary first time reissue of this much sought after version is on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz #mono #vinyl
December 2, 2025 at 6:12 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Hearing John Coltrane's A Love Supreme in Mono is in many ways a revelatory experience. My review of the new 60th Anniversary reissue of this previously hard to find and sought after version is on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz #coltrane
www.ecoustics.com/music/john-c...
Hearing John Coltrane's A Love Supreme in Mono is in many ways a revelatory experience. My review of the new 60th Anniversary reissue of this previously hard to find and sought after version is on eCoustics (dot com). https://www.ecoustics.com/music/john-coltrane-love-supreme/
December 2, 2025 at 5:43 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I don't usually seek out "New Age" musics but I do love the ambient music of Brian Eno, Harold Budd, Robert Fripp, etc. which at times veer into that territory. This first album by Iasoa (pronounced ya-sos) intrigued me, a private press circa 1975, landing somewhere between: cont'd #musicsky #music
I don't usually seek out "New Age" musics but I do love the ambient music of Brian Eno, Harold Budd, Robert Fripp and others which at times veer into that territory. This first album by Iasoa (pronounced ya-sos) intrigued me, a private press circa 1975, landing somewhere between... Brian Eno's early ambient work, Roger Eno, Kit Watkins, Ralph Towner's Oregon and The Paul Winter Consort's Icarus. 3$ from the bargain bin. Might just be a keeper actually...
December 2, 2025 at 5:40 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
While running errands at a local supermarket, I noticed someone had put out rice for the birds who were feasting on it, including some pretty red-tipped blackbirds of some sort. When they went away for a moment I propped up my phone to try and capture some video.

More... #nirds #birdsky #nature
December 1, 2025 at 5:52 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Zootopia 2 was great! Go see it on the big screen in a proper theater. So much fun.
Zootopia 2 was great! Go see it on the big screen in a proper theater. So much fun.
November 30, 2025 at 4:56 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My listening report on Craft Recordings fine Original #Jazz Classics series reissue of Art Pepper's iconic/rare 1957 "Surf Ride" LP is on eCoustics (dot com). (Note: cover art on this post adjusted to protect sensitive algorithmic eyes). #musicsky #jazzsky #music
www.ecoustics.com/music/art-pe...
My listening report on Craft Recordings fine Original #Jazz Classics series reissue of Art Pepper's iconic/rare 1957 "Surf Ride" LP is on eCoustics (dot com). (Note: cover art on this post adjusted to protect sensitive algorithmic eyes). #musicsky #jazzsky #music https://www.ecoustics.com/music/art-pepper-surf-ride/
November 29, 2025 at 7:41 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My review of the Blu-ray edition of #PaulMcCartney & #Wings' new 32 track retrospective is on eCoustics (dot com). Also on vinyl, CD & streaming, this is the first time this music is in #DolbyAtmos and in some instances even in 5.1 surround. #musicsky #music

www.ecoustics.com/reviews/wing...
My review of the Blu-ray edition of Paul McCartney & Wings' new 32 track retrospective is on eCoustics (dot com). Also on vinyl, CD & streaming, this is the first time this music is in Dolby Atmos and in some instances even in 5.1 surround. https://www.ecoustics.com/reviews/wings-blu-ray-collection/
November 29, 2025 at 4:33 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Road Tunes: Booker T. & the M.G.'s McLemore Avenue. Amazing tribute released some 6 months after Abbey Road ... #musicsky #music
Road Tunes: Booker T. & the M.G.'s McLemore Avenue. Amazing tribute released some 6 months after Abbey Road ...
November 29, 2025 at 3:22 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
A key factor for #RecordStoreDay success is where you shop and when you get to the store. This year I'm not in San Francisco and decided to skip Santa Cruz as I was just there 2 weeks ago and have done RSD there many times... cont'd

#musicsky #music
A key factor for Record Store Day success is where you shop and when you get to the store. This year I'm not in San Francisco and decided to skip Santa Cruz as I was just there 2 weeks ago and have done RSD there many times (usually ending up 3rd or 4th in line at Street Light Records no matter how early I arrive). This year I'm trying RSD in Monterey so here I am at 8:30 a.m, first at Recycled Records which opens at 10. Now, of course, I just have to hope they actually have the albums I want... Fingers crossed.
November 28, 2025 at 5:08 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
A friend sent this to me today… Had to re-share it. Beatle fans will appreciate this...  Happy Thanksgiving!
A friend sent this to me today… Had to re-share it. Beatle fans will appreciate this...  Happy Thanksgiving!
November 28, 2025 at 1:33 AM