Mark Smotroff
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social
1.4K followers 66 following 4.4K posts
Mostly music including my reviews on Analog Planet and eCoustics.
Music is love...
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marksmotroff.bsky.social
My listening report on the new Vinylphyle edition of The #VelvetUnderground 's legendary debut is on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky #music #loureed #johncale #andywarhol #nico

www.analogplanet.com/content/new-...
My listening report on the new Vinylphyle edition of The Velvet Underground's legendary debut is on Analog Planet (dot com). https://www.analogplanet.com/content/new-vinylphyle-series-180g-1lp-all-analog-reissue-velvet-underground-nico%E2%80%99s-highly
December 13, 2025 at 7:26 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
joncooper-us.bsky.social
Exclusive: Trump’s Department of Veterans Affairs will abruptly eliminate as many as 35,000 health care positions this month. The cuts come after a massive reorganization effort already resulted in the loss of almost 30,000 employees.
VA plans to abruptly eliminate tens of thousands of health care jobs
Strains on the Veterans Affairs system could grow with the elimination of as many as 35,000 mostly unfilled health care positions, including doctors and nurses.
www.washingtonpost.com
December 13, 2025 at 5:31 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
If you know The Billy Nayer Show's version of "It Must Be Santa" then you understand the kind of mad kickstart energy I was seeking this morning after waking up from a strange dream (more on that at the end of this post).

Cont'd #musicsky #music #xmas #christmas #comedy #christmasmusic
If you know The Billy Nayer Show's version of "It Must Be Santa" then you understand the kind of mad kickstart energy I was seeking this morning after waking up from a strange dream (more on that at the end of this post). If you don't know this version of "It Must Be Santa," and enjoy a bit of Spike Jones meets Frank Zappa meets Weird Al hilarity, do seek it out. This is the full band version. On YT you'll find a solo keyboard/drum machine version from singer/writer Cory McAbee's Billy Nayer Show short film called "The Man On The Moon." But for maximum impact of couplets like "gingivitis" and "non-specific urethritis" or "righteous dude" with "looks better when he's nude," you really should seek out the single. Did Dr. Demento ever play this? Grateful I got to see The Billy Nayer Show once at Bottom of the Hill here in San Francisco and thank Sean Mylett for introducing me his universe. Also, a Happy Holidays shout out to John Kruth who appears on this now rare single. :-) Oh, and the dream involved my late Malamute running away on a trail in Marin County, causing some apparently deserving Buster Keaton-worthy mayhem with other dogs and their nimby-like owners. So random...
December 13, 2025 at 6:17 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Peel Slowly And See - Perfect Friday night vibe is another spin of the wonderful new Vinylphyle edition of The Velvet Underground's legendary debut (with peelable banana). My listening report about this fine, long overdue audiophile-worthy reissue is now on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky #music
Peel Slowly And See - Perfect vibe for this chilly Friday night is another spin of the wonderful new Vinylphyle edition of The Velvet Underground's legendary debut (complete with peelable banana, but Imma not gonna do that!). My listening report about this fine and long overdue audiophile-worthy reissue is now on Analog Planet (dot com).
December 13, 2025 at 3:10 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Great news for San Francisco art/music fans. As an added attraction to the Gary Floyd tribute show which Bill Daniel has been curating w/ support from Gary's partner (a gallery of Gary’s artwork, 8 bands, film screenings), I struck video gold in my archives for the event. More... #musicsky #music
Hey Kids! Some great news. As an added attraction to the amazing Gary Floyd tribute show which Bill Daniel has been curating with full blessings and support from Gary's partner Lilith Beorning Longino -- a gallery full of Gary’s artwork, 8 bands, and a film screening -- I have dug down into my archives and struck video gold. I had video footage of Gary's amazing band Black Kali Ma transferred from 8mm video. My old band ("ing") opened for them at that show back in 2002, which was around the time I got to be friends with Gary and had my video camera running capturing our set and theirs. This is the first time I've seen this footage since 2002 and it will be the first time anyone has seen it. Here is a snippet (in comments below) to whet your palette. Event at: Pretty Gritty SF, 428 3rd Street (the old Rayko Photo Center building).
December 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Friday holiday energy from Shonen Knife: "Space Christmas." The 1st record by theirs I bought back in the '90s, an all time Xmas fave. How can it not be with Ren & Stimpy worthy lyrics like... (cont'd)

#musicsky #music #xmasmusic #christmas #christmasmusic #holidaymusic
Friday morning holiday energy from Shonen Knife: "Space Christmas." The first record by theirs I bought back in the '90s, an all time Xmas fave. How can it not be with Ren & Stimpy worthy lyrics like: "I'm waiting for Santa Claus He's riding on a bison sleigh I'm waiting for Christmas gifts I wanna get a space ship" Have a great Space Christmas today and everyday...
December 12, 2025 at 5:37 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Not exactly sure what they are singing about but I assume its about Christmas... manic fast Latin jazz sounds from Puerto Rico. Felix Del Rosario Y Su Orquesta: Exitos Navidenos En Tiempo de Merenge Volumen 3. #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #latinjazz #music
Not exactly sure what they are singing about but I assume its about Christmas... manic fast Latin jazz sounds from Puerto Rico. Felix Del Rosario Y Su Orquesta: Exitos Navidenos En Tiempo de Merenge Volumen 3.
December 12, 2025 at 4:15 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
As I got deep into exploring the vast universe of music created by members of The #WreckingCrew, I zero'd in on guitarist #TommyTedesco as a personal fave. I still pick up pretty much any vintage LP where I find him featured. Cont'd.

#musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz #xmasmusic #christmasmusic
As I got deep into exploring the vast universe of music created by members of The Wrecking Crew, I zero'd in on guitarist Tommy Tedesco as a personal fave. I still pick up pretty much any vintage LP where I find him featured. Along the way I discovered "Guitars,Inc" which made a few fine LPs in 1958/59. Looks like EZ listening but much sophisticated arrangement is to be found within, at times third-stream jazz leaning with unusual interplay of the guitars. Think early Ferrante & Teicher / Les Paul but played by the likes of Al Hendrickson, Howard Roberts, Bobby Gibbons, Bob Howe, Bill Pitman and Tommy. And then there is that cover: because nothing says holiday cheer than a rifle spearing a wreath bejeweled with sparkly ornaments over a roaring fireplace.
December 11, 2025 at 6:25 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
This is one of my all time favorite oddball holiday LPs, The Joy Strings contains a jaw dropping "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" set to essentially The Animals' 1964 hit arrangement of "The House Of The Rising Sun" (a folk song about a brothel, for those not in the know). Cont'd #musicsky #music #xmas
This is one of my all time favorite oddball holiday records, The Joy Strings' contains a jaw dropping "O Little Town Of Bethlehem" set to essentially The Animals' 1964 smash hit arrangement of "The House Of The Rising Sun" (a traditional folk song about a brothel, for those not in the know). Very Beatle inspired, the band were actual Salvation Army members. The original 1966 UK cover was more traditional but Epic Records repackaged it for the US market as post Sgt. Pepper psychedelia. Amazingly this promo somehow ended up in the original offices of Rolling Stone when they were based here.
December 11, 2025 at 6:21 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
One more spin of the Plangent Processes restored version of The Bill Evans Trio's classic Explorations in the new 5LP boxed set. Sounds so great. My listening report is on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music
One more spin of the Plangent Processes restored version of The Bill Evans Trio's classic Explorations in the new 5LP boxed set. Sounds so great. My listening report is on eCoustics (dot com).
December 10, 2025 at 8:09 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My listening report on the excellent new 5LP Bill Evans Trio boxed set -- featuring the seminal 1959-61 recordings restored via Plangent Processes -- is now on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz #BillEvans

www.ecoustics.com/music/bill-e...
My listening report on the excellent new 5LP Bill Evans Trio boxed set -- featuring the seminal 1959-61 recordings restored via Plangent Processes -- is now on eCoustics (dot com). https://www.ecoustics.com/music/bill-evans-haunted-heart-5lp/
December 10, 2025 at 7:37 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Roger Kellaway is an artist I discovered in 1981 when I interned at A&M Records in NY (his cello quartet LPs on that label are lovely). Known for writing closing theme “Remembering You” for legendary TV sitcom “All in the Family," there's much more to his #music. Cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz
I never see anyone post about Roger Kellaway, an artist I discovered the Summer of 1981 when I interned at A&M Records in NY (his cello quartet LPs on that label are lovely). He came up in the '60's scene and is perhaps most well known for writing the closing theme “Remembering You” for the legendary TV sitcom “All in the Family.” Found this 1967 live LP in the bargain bin at Offshore Sounds and its a surprising smoker w/ Chuck Domanico/bass (Red Mitchell on one track), John Guerin/drums, Tom Scott/sax and perhaps coolest, Paul Beaver on "Tape Recorder" (yes, they mix in musique concrete elements, which is pretty neat). Some may know Beaver from the pioneering electronic music duo Beaver & Krause; they were also sales reps for the original Moog Synthesizer, introducing it to the universe at The Monterey Pop Festival that same year.
December 10, 2025 at 6:32 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Music Minus One (MMO) LPs are curious, often offering generic backing but periodically delivering great performers.The challenge is finding them in good shape. This features Ray Bryant, Kenny Burrell, George Duvivier & Art Taylor, in fairly pristine condition. Recent thrift find. #musicsky #jazzsky
Music Minus One (MMO) LPs are curious, often offering students generic backing, but periodically delivering great performers which can be enjoyable listens. The challenge is finding them in good shape, as students often scratched these up while practicing. This 1965 Volume with Ray Bryant, Kenny Burrell, George Duvivier & Art Taylor is in fairly pristine condition. Recent thrift find.
December 10, 2025 at 6:17 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Yesterday I bought some records from someone who had reached out to me, needing to downsize quickly due to getting pushed out by a landlord. Got a handful of interesting LPs. Now playing: Canray Fontenot & Alphonse "Bois-Sec" Ardoin's Les Blues Du Bayou. (cont'd)
#musicsky #music #cajunmusic #blues
Yesterday I bought some records from someone who had reached out to me, needing to downsize quickly due to getting pushed out by a landlord. Got a handful of interesting LPs. Now playing: Canray Fontenot and Alphonse "Bois-Sec" Ardoin's Les Blues Du Bayou, a 1966 release on Melodeon Records, recorded in Virginia. Super pure: fiddle, accordion, triangle and vocals. Most of what I left behind were really pretty beat up or super common things I already had or didnt want). I didn't really need all the records I got. But the seller clearly appreciated the funds for what I did buy so it felt good ultimately.
December 10, 2025 at 5:30 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Needing to kick my butt out of the funk real quick after this morning's sad news, I'm spinning a bit of bargyn bin joy I found yesterday: My Son The Surf Nut is producer Jack Marshall with probably a boat load of Wrecking Crew players. Cont'd

#musicsky #music #surfmusic
Needing to kick my butt out of the funk real quick after this morning's sad news, I'm spinning a bit of bargyn bin joy I found yesterday: My Son The Surf Nut is producer Jack Marshall with probably a boat load of Wrecking Crew players. Side 1 is comedy schtick. Side 2 is music but also comic (think Jan & Dean on steroids who might even be on this). The music at points flies off the Dead Man's Curve into sloppy garage punk madness. Fun stuff. I have a stereo copy of this which I found a few years back but couldn't leave this mono copy behind for a 1$. Note: Cover art by future psych poster legend Rick Griffin.
December 9, 2025 at 5:47 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Remembering angelic lead singer of The Mavericks, Raul Malo, who has left us after a long battle with cancer. Rest in peace, Raul. When I reviewed their 2015 LP "Mono" Raul got excited by my posts (commenting on it) as I was the first to figure out it was mixed in Mono! Cont'd. #musicsky #music
Remembering the great Raul Malo, angelic lead singer of The Mavericks, who has left us after a long battle with cancer. This is their 2015 album titled Mono. When I reviewed this, Raul Malo got excited by one of my posts (commenting on it) because it turns out I was the first (the only one up to that moment) reviewer to figure out that the album was actually mixed in Mono! He seemed very happy about this, which of course left me with a glowing memory forever. When I put this on just now, I happened to choose Side 2. The opening song there is called "Let It Rain," and Raul's lyrics feel incredibly poignant: "Wherever this old road ends up winding through May it take me home so I can be with you As I lay in bed waiting for my dreams I'll rest my weary head and maybe get some sleep Oh let it rain So it can wash away Sorrows and pains Before a brand new day I will do my part to never let you see Before the teardrops start, let it rain on me" Rest in Peace, Raul. Thank you for the music and inspiration. Condolences to his family and bandmates at this tremendously difficult time.
December 9, 2025 at 4:14 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
A year ago I found an stereo DJ promo of an LP by #jazz guitar legend Barney Kessel. An album I'd never seen before, surprisingly great arrangements of music from then smash hit Broadway rock musical, Hair. Today I found a Mono promo. Cheap & in nice condition, I had to get it. #jazzsky #musicsky
A year ago I found an stereo DJ promo of an LP by jazz guitar legend Barney Kessel. An album I'd never seen before, he plays surprisingly great arrangements of the music from the then smash hit Broadway rock musical, Hair. Today I found a Mono promo. Cheap and in nice condition, I had to get it.
December 9, 2025 at 7:36 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Cant tell you how many times I've seen this late '60s compilation from San Francisco station KYA that were trashed. Today I scored a copy that has a near perfect cover w/ an LP that isn't destroyed. Fun 1966-69 #psychedelic leaning pop, art by R. Crumb, Basil Wolverton and Bosco. #musicsky #music
Cant tell you how many times I've seen this late '60s compilation from San Francisco radio station KYA that were trashed. Today I scored a copy that has a near perfect cover and an LP that isn't destroyed. A fun slice of 1966-69 psychedelic leaning pop with artwork by R. Crumb, Basil Wolverton and Bosco. Now Playing: KYA 21 Golden Gate Greats, Vol Two
December 9, 2025 at 5:16 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
The Live at Earl's Court 3LP set within the 5LP/Bluray 50th Anniversary boxed set celebrating The #RollingStones mid-70s hit "Black And Blue" is a kick. Giving it another spin here. My listening report on this and the full collection is on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky #music
The Live at Earl's Court 3LP set within the 5LP/Bluray 50th Anniversary boxed set celebrating The Rolling Stones' mid-70s hit "Black And Blue" is a kick. Giving it another spin here. My listening report on this and the full collection is on Analog Planet (dot com).
December 8, 2025 at 9:02 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My listening report on the excellent new 5LP&Bluray boxed set celebrating The Rolling Stones' mid-70s hit Black and Blue is on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky #music #RollingStones

www.analogplanet.com/content/50th...
My listening report on the excellent new 5LP&Bluray boxed set celebrating The Rolling Stones' mid-70s hit Black and Blue is on Analog Planet (dot com). https://www.analogplanet.com/content/50th-anniversary-super-deluxe-180g-5lp1bd-box-set-celebrating-rolling-stones%E2%80%99-underrated
December 8, 2025 at 8:36 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Saw a great film starring Brendan Fraser called "Rental Family" beautifully filmed in Japan, thd storyline surprises/charms. No spoilers. There is a scene where Fraser meets an old actor and looks at his vinyl collection, pulling out this Charles #Mingus LP. Cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music
Yesterday we saw a wonderful film starring Brendan Fraser called "Rental Family" beautifully filmed in Japan and with a storyline that surprises and charms. No spoilers here. But... there is one scene where Fraser is meeting with an 80 year old forgotten actor and is looking at his vinyl collection, pulling out this Charles Mingus album. The actor comes to life seeing Fraser holding the Mingus album, launching into a rejoicing rant over the freedom of jazz. I was so pleased by this moment, I knew I had to break out my copy to kickstart my day today. I just realized this is an unusual edition: a 1964 German pressing (which came housed in a standard US sleeve according to Discogs). Can't remember where I got this but I suspect the NY address sticker on the label of a military person probably bought it while serving overseas.
December 8, 2025 at 5:52 PM
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