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
Tis the season... as we step into Thanksgiving it was time to break out this classic film by an animator friend of mine, made many years ago...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jn4D...
I Was A Thanksgiving Turkey (1986)
YouTube video by VHS Kingdom
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:13 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Hangin' around one more time with the fine #Rhino High Fidelity restoration of The Monkees' hit 4th LP Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. My listening report is on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky #music #monkees
Hangin' around one more time with the fine Rhino High Fidelity restoration of The Monkees' hit 4th LP Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd. My listening report is on Analog Planet (dot com).
November 24, 2025 at 8:17 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
My listening report on #RHINO Records' excellent new Rhino High Fidelity edition of The Monkees' classic fourth album, "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd." is on #AnalogPlanet (dot com). #musicsky #music #monkees
www.analogplanet.com/content/rhin...
My listening report on RHINO Records' excellent new Rhino High Fidelity edition of The Monkees' classic fourth album, "Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd." is on Analog Planet (dot com). https://www.analogplanet.com/content/rhino%E2%80%99s-high-fidelity-series-aaa-180g-1lp-edition-monkees%E2%80%99-hit-1967-album-pisces-aquarius
November 24, 2025 at 7:29 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Stepping up energy w/ this 1985 OJC copy of #PaulBley' s 1954 first on Charles Mingus' Debut Records label. Super elusive to find the original 10-inch, I'm more than thrilled as this adds "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Yes, #Mingus and Art #Blakey playing an Xmas tune! #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz
Stepping up energy w/ this 1985 OJC copy of Paul Bley's 1954 first on Charles Mingus' Debut Records label. Super elusive to find the original 10-inch, I'm more than thrilled as this adds "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." Yes, #Mingus and Art #Blakey playing an Xmas tune! #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz
November 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Slow shufflin' into Monday w/ #DukeEllington 's lovely 1955 Blue Light 1930s sides compilation. This doesn't show up often, usually with the pretty blue cover (lower right) beat up. Yesterday at Berkeley Amoeba I found this alternate design in the bargain bin. 1of2 #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
Slow shufflin' into Monday with Duke's lovely 1955 Blue Light 1930s sides compilation. This doesn't show up often, usually with the pretty blue cover (lower right) beat up. Yesterday at Berkeley Amoeba I found this alternate cover design in the bargyn bin. Guessing its a late 50s recasting as many did after Miles Davis' Kind of Blue success. Curiously, the pressing is identical to the 1955 (same stampers). Clues anyone? No listings of it on Discogs.
November 24, 2025 at 4:33 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Taking a moment to bask in the glory of an amazing 45 gifted by my other vinyl angel: the debut by Television. Likely unplayed, washing removed a thin layer of storage locker grime. Sounds amazing. Seems to be a 1st press, 81975-A/B runouts, flat label. Thank you again, vinyl angel! #musicsky #music
Taking a moment to bask in the glory of an amazing 45 gifted by my other vinyl angel: the debut by Television. Likely unplayed, washing removed a thin layer of storage locker grime. Sounds amazing. Seems to be a 1st press, 81975-A/B runouts, flat label. Thank you again, vinyl angel! #musicsky #music
November 21, 2025 at 7:40 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
markjacob.bsky.social
The New York Times' story about Trump calling for the execution of members of Congress ran on Page 16 today, with an itty-bitty promo on the front about halfway down the page.
No wonder Trump thinks he can get away with anything.
November 21, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
wajali.bsky.social
Keep this story in the news.

"Man Detained by ICE Found Dead, Hanging With Hands and Feet Tied—Attorney"

www.newsweek.com/ice-detainee...
Man detained by ICE found dead, hanging with hands and feet tied—attorney
The Chinese national died in Pennsylvania in August, but his family's requests for answers from DHS have gone unmet.
www.newsweek.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:33 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Just received a rejection letter from a company in NH to which I never applied. Phishing scam, perhaps? What fractured times...
Just received a rejection letter from a company in NH to which I never applied. Phishing scam, perhaps? What fractured times...
November 21, 2025 at 5:56 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Prepping for tomorrow's record swap , I found a gem upgrade in boxes of LPs gifted by a vinyl angel. Collectors of vintage soul know how hard it is to find pristine original LPs. This 1972 hit by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway typically was played hard, resulting in ...

cont'd #musicsky #music
Prepping for tomorrow's record swap (at the Make Out Room here in SF), I discovered a gem upgrade in the boxes of LPs gifted by one of my vinyl angels. Collectors of vintage soul know how hard it is to find genuinely clean original LPs. This 1972 hit by Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway typically was played hard, resulting in many well-loved copies in the marketplace. This copy looks virtually unplayed, the cover almost perfect. Thank you again vinyl angel!
November 21, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
denverwaxfiend.bsky.social
This will allow users to remake songs...make it stop
November 20, 2025 at 5:38 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Today with my editor at Analog Planet (dot com) we preview-review the new restored, renovated, remixed & remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP #Beatles Anthology set. A major release on many levels. #musicsky #music

www.analogplanet.com/content/beat...
Today with my editor at Analog Planet (dot com) we preview-review the new restored, renovated, remixed & remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP #Beatles Anthology set. A major release on many levels. #musicsky #music https://www.analogplanet.com/content/beatles%E2%80%99-massive-180g-12lp-anthology-collection-aims-enthrall-new-and-seasoned-fab-four Today with my editor at Analog Planet (dot com) we preview-review the new restored, renovated, remixed & remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP #Beatles Anthology set. A major release on many levels. #musicsky #music https://www.analogplanet.com/content/beatles%E2%80%99-massive-180g-12lp-anthology-collection-aims-enthrall-new-and-seasoned-fab-four
November 20, 2025 at 5:14 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Spinning again the amazing final side of the new #Beatles Anthology Vol. 4 (prolly 10th time this past week!). On the eve of its formal release, I tag team with my editor to preview-review the newly restored & ratcheted-up 12LP set on Analog Planet (dot com). A major release. #musicsky #music
Spinning again the especially amazing final side of the new Beatles Anthology Vol. 4 (probably the 10th time this past week!). On the eve of its formal release, I tag team with my editor Mike Mettler to preview-review the newly restored, renovated, restored, remastered, remixed and remarkably ratcheted-up 12LP set on Analog Planet (dot com). A major release for Beatle fans.
November 20, 2025 at 5:08 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Seems a good time to play this ode to Piggies
youtu.be/BlMXKz1DImA
The Rutles - Piggy In The Middle
YouTube video by TheRutlesVEVO
youtu.be
November 19, 2025 at 10:58 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Refresher listen to my original mono LP of Coltrane's A Love Supreme before the new Acoustic Sounds reissue. I'd completely forgotten I had a well loved but remarkably good sounding OG sans cover which I stored w/ my Stereo copy (2nd press, red-ring label, cover shown here). 1of2. #musicsky #jazzsky
Refresher listen to my original mono copy of Coltrane's A Love Supreme before spinning the new Acoustic Sounds reissue. I'd completely forgotten I had a well loved but still remarkably good sounding original without a cover which I stored with my Stereo copy (2nd press, red-ring label, cover shown here). Maybe with the reissue some old monos will come out of the woodwork and I'll be able to find a cover for this sweet orphan.
November 19, 2025 at 7:55 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Finally saw the majestic Grizzly Bear last night so I'm starting the day with their fine album, Shields. I'll also say the quiet part out loud which I've not seen many say: Grizzly Bear's music is a 21st Century twist on what many of us know as progressive rock. Lovely stuff. #musicsky #music
Finally got to see the majestic Grizzly Bear last night so I'm starting the day with one of their fine fine albums, Shields. I'll also say the quiet part out loud which I've not seen many say: Grizzly Bear's music is a 21st Century Brooklyn twist on what many of us know as progressive rock. Lovely stuff.
November 19, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
acyn.bsky.social
AOC: Should this AI bubble pop, we should not be entertaining a bailout of these corporations while healthcare is being denied to Americans and SNAP is being denied to Americans —
November 18, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Reposted by Mark Smotroff
governor.ca.gov
Donald Trump and Greg Abbott played with fire, got burned — and democracy won.

This ruling is a win for Texas and for every American who fights for free and fair elections.
November 18, 2025 at 8:00 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I'm not a huge Gerry Mulligan fanatic, but I like his early '50s cool jazz releases on 10-inch LPs. Just enough Baritone sax but not too much. Found this nice 1953 album at Redwood Records in Santa Cruz over the weekend for 5$. Neat trippy cover, shadow Chet Baker behind Gerry. #musicsky #jazzsky
I'm not a huge Gerry Mulligan fanatic, but I like his early '50s cool jazz releases on 10-inch LPs. Just enough Baritone sax but not too much. Found this nice 1953 album at Redwood Records in Santa Cruz over the weekend for 5$. Neat trippy cover, shadow Chet Baker behind Gerry. #musicsky #jazzsky
November 18, 2025 at 7:12 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Record Rescue - From Offshore Sounds' fun 1st Anniversary dollar-bin-blowout on Saturday, this 1962 #MiltJackson reissue of his 1955 LP -- Basically the 2nd #MJQ sans Lewis with #HoraceSilver instead -- was dirty & well loved. Cont'd...

#musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz
Record Rescue - From Offshore Sounds' fun 1st Anniversary dollar-bin-blowout on Saturday, this 1962 Milt Jackson reissue of his 1955 LP -- Basically the 2nd MJQ sans Lewis with Horace Silver instead -- was dirty & well loved. But with some good washings its playing decently with the mono cartridge (clicks 'n pops for sure but not distorted or skipping). Cover cleaned up nicely. A good starter copy...
November 18, 2025 at 5:46 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Dang… The one time I didn't use my magic starter word… but I got it on the second

Wordle 1,613 2/6

⬛⬛⬛⬛🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
November 18, 2025 at 2:13 PM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Ages ago when I was still living in NJ in the 1980s, someone at a used shop told me to watch for a rare version of Merle Saunders Fire Up w/ flaming font lettering. Essentially a Jerry Garcia Band joint, I searched for years but only found the common flame color standard font. 1of2 #musicdky #music
Ages ago... literally... I think when I was still living in NJ in the 1980s, someone at a collector's used shop told me to watch for a rare version of Merle Saunders Fire Up with flaming font lettering. Essentially a Jerry Garcia Band joint, I searched for years but only found the more common flame colored standard font. 4 or 5 years ago I found a German pressing with the flame font (which is very nice) but this weekend for the first time I found a US copy. If Discogs is accurate, this seems to have been a 1977 reissue, probably short lived. Sounds warmer than my German LP. For now I'll keep both. Found at Offshore Sounds in Santa Cruz.
November 18, 2025 at 5:35 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
I was this week years old when I made a connection between John Coltrane's "India" & The Grateful Dead's "Dark Star." Some motifs on Trane's piece at the start which hint at the Dead's melody... similar sequence of notes... not exact but enough that it caught my attention. #musicsky #jazzxky #jaz
I was this week years old when I made a connection between John Coltrane's "India" and The Grateful Dead's "Dark Star" ... there are some melodic motifs on Trane's piece at the start which hint at the melody the Dead came up with for Dark Star... similar sequence of notes... not exact but enough that it caught my attention...
November 18, 2025 at 4:45 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
Lets have a little fun. Found a quite rare early copy of The #Beatles Abbey Road today. Who knows what the difference is? Found for 20 in a new arrivals bin. Vinyl plays OK given its age and a lot of play. But the cover is in beautiful shape, which is what matters here. #musicsky #music
Lets have a little fun. Found a quite rare early copy of The Beatles Abbey Road today. Who knows what the difference is? Found for 20 in a new arrivals bin at a local shop. Vinyl plays OK given its age and a lot of play. But the cover is in beautiful shape, which is what matters here.
November 18, 2025 at 3:20 AM
marksmotroff.bsky.social
NowPlaying: John & Yoko live at Madison Square Garden 1972. My listening reports on this new Power To The People are up. The 4LP on Analog Planet (dot com); 9CD/3Bluray on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #music #johnlennon #yokoono
NowPlaying: John & Yoko live at Madison Square Garden 1972. My listening reports on this new Power To The People are up. The 4LP on Analog Planet (dot com); 9CD/3Bluray on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #music #johnlennon #yokoono
November 17, 2025 at 4:59 PM