Mark Smotroff

Mark Smotroff

@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Mostly music including my reviews on Analog Planet and eCoustics. Music is love...

2K followers77 following5.7K posts

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

I don't know this person but her post coming across my Linkedin feed resonated. I reshared it there and now here. I think she summed up the bottom line perfectly: "Because AI doesn't buy from you. People do."

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Never knew this 1972 Astrud Gilberto album on Perception Records existed. Arranged by Deodato, backed by Airto, Bill Cobham, Mickey Rocker, Patrick Adams, Ron Carter, etc. Nice condition bargain bin find. #musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz #vinyl

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Old 10-inch LPs typically don't show up in pristine condition, so one must adopt a step up strategy. This 2$ bargain bin find is a modest upgrade (only the 2nd time I've ever seen this), w/ better vinyl & less shelf worn cover art. Shelly Manne & Russ Freeman (1955) #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

All You Need Is ‘Love Stories' : Spinning Thee Sinseers’ picture perfect new sophomore release, an album bursting with heart and brilliant East LA soul. My review is on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #music #soul #souldies #theesinseers

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

In all my years of crate digging including collecting albums featuring vintage #cartoon characters, I've never seen one featuring Terrytoons characters like Heckle & Jeckle and Dinky Duck (circa 1959). Until today that is: 2$ bargain bin find at Amoeba. 1of2 #musicsky #music #vinyl #cartoons

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Good trivia: One of the Terrytoon Players here was Roy Halee, singing voice of Mighty Mouse and H&J and father of the same-named future producer/engineer who worked with Simon & Garfunkel among many others in the 60s-70s.

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Sweet 'n slinky lowrider cruising into Monday with this excellent Kevin Gray remaster of War's Greatest Hits. My listening report is up on Analog Planet (along with a reissue of Minnie Riperton's debut). #musicsky #music #vinyl

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Monday Morning Earworm - For a couple months now I've had an earworm for Jona Lewie's brilliant non-hit "God Bless Whoever Made You." I used to have two copies of his debut solo LP but one got purged along the way and now I know why. Cont'd #musicsky #music #stiffrecords #nicklowe

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Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Digging deeper still, realize that "God Bless..." was at one point an unreleased tune from a last Brinsley Schwarz album which included Lowe's future solo hit "Cruel To Be Kind." Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

I have to track down that CD from 1988 with those recordings. That said, I'm going to file US press with my Nick Lowe albums and purge the rest as Lewie's own music is ok but nothing I need to own beyond this one comp. End

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Monday Morning Earworm - For a couple months now I've had an earworm for Jona Lewie's brilliant non-hit "God Bless Whoever Made You." I used to have two copies of his debut solo LP but one got purged along the way and now I know why. Cont'd #musicsky #music #stiffrecords #nicklowe

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

The US the tracklist was altered dramatically to include that single and his Top 20 UK hit "You'll Always Find Me in the Kitchen at Parties." Found that US version (right) at the swap meet yesterday cheep (w/ very different inner sleeve). Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Digging a bit deeper I realize that "God Bless..." is such a standout because it was written by Nick Lowe and the backing band is much of Graham Parker's band The Rumor. Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

This 1951 era #BlueNote Records #78RPM disc by James Moody sounds real nice! The disc is remarkably flat and well centered and even tho' there are plenty of scuffs and evidence of frequent play it sounds pretty nice. 2$ at the Down Home Records parking lot swap meet today. #musicsky #jazzsky #music

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

My first early bird score at this morning's Down Home Music parking lot sale is this 1960 Gene Ammons album for 3bux. I have a decent mono copy but have never seen a stereo version. Great band w/ Tommy Flanagan & Ray Barretto. Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Vinyl is "well loved" condition but after two washings it sounds remarkably crisp and clear (save for some inevitable ticks 'n pops). The cover is in great shape (no seam splits), which is half the battle with these old Gene Ammons LPs. Hopefully I'll find a better disc someday.

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Hadn’t planned on participating in a record swap this weekend but when I learned of Down Home Records’ Sunday morning parking lot sale on Saturday night, I scrambled to prep. An early morning dig, I was there at 6:30. Many were already busy scoring early bird buys with flashlights in hand. Cont'd

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Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

If you haven’t been to this store it is well worth the easy journey up to El Cerrito. This is the birthplace of the legendary Arhoolie Records (Americana/Blues/Folk) label, a hallowed space full of music history and continued influence. Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Hadn’t planned on participating in a record swap this weekend but when I learned of Down Home Records’ Sunday morning parking lot sale on Saturday night, I scrambled to prep. An early morning dig, I was there at 6:30. Many were already busy scoring early bird buys with flashlights in hand. Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

It was great fun and great to see many familiar faces and community friends. Next time I do this sale I will prepare more blow out bargain goodies. Nonetheless, I broke even with travel expenses and my share of early bird crate diggin’ finds. Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Additionally, I was a bit (as the Brits say) “chuffed” to learn than I made it on to Down Home Records’ display window celebrating past parking lot digs! (lower left, sporting my Andy Partridge "Pop" T-shirt). Cont'd

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Saturday morning vibe... And yes I can still (more or less) sing the falsetto like Eddie Holman on this hit (which I've loved since I was 8 years old. #musicsky #music #soulmusic

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

More fun finds at Tunnel Records today, first time I've ever come across this 2nd album by The Olympics (ie. "Hully Gully") that wasn't trashed to bits. Note the nifty hype sticker for the remake of their hit as "Peanut Butter" by The Marathons. Cont'd #musicsky #music #vinyl

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

However, the interwebs sez it was actually The Vibrations but as The Olympics were on tour, The Vibrations were asked to demo it and "somehow" Arvee Records issued it under a fake name, turning out another hit. Ah, old skool rekkid bizness madnezz fun for a bargain $10

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Finally got my hands on a decent (and reasonably priced) copy of Little Eva's debut which is also effectively the debut LP by Carole King (who co-wrote 7 of the 12 songs as well as co-arranging -- w/ Claude Ogerman --& conducted the orchestra!). Great fun! #musicsky #music #vinyl

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Notkeeping this as I have nicer condition versions of the individual albums (similar cover) but this is an interesting artifact which I've only seen once prior: an early vinyl boxed set. . 1951 release of excellent 1947 recordings of Satchmo in Boston. #musicaky #jazzsky #jazz #music

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Collecting vintage Fania Records #vinyl is a lot like collecting vintage Blue Notes. Usually when you find them they are played hard but somehow clean up ok and sound good. A year ago I found a rough starter copy of this 1975 Ray Barretto album. Today I found .... cont'd #musicsky #music

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

...a slight upgrade (believe it or not!). Sounds terrific. Someday I'll find the cover version with a diecut gatefold image of the congas. But for 2bux at a thrift, I can't complain.

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Always keep an eye on the new arrivals bin because you never know when you'll find a nice condition early press (1B/1B) of a classic 1968 Grateful Dead album for 8$.

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Haven't played this in ages. The Perfect Stranger album includes numerous pieces in orchestral form that #Zappa had performed/recorded with his bands including "Naval Aviation in Art?" & "Dupree's Paradise." East Coast peeps: note the Crazy Eddie sticker, where I bought this! #musicsky #music #vinyl

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

This is the best local San Francisco music news I've heard in a long time! Bottom Of The Hill will live on! Quoting Guided By Voices: The Club Is Open! Full story at this shortened link: tinyurl.com/yc77e6zc #livemusic #sanfranciscomusic #musicsky #music #theclubisopen

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Sunny bargain bin energy. For 3$ I took a chance on this King Sunny Ade LP even tho' it was marked "check warp." Otherwise clean, indeed there is a small bump warp which does not impact play. Remarkably warm sounding direct to 2-track early digital recording from Seattle in 1988. #musicsky #music

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

This doesn't apply to Bluesky so far, but for those still on FB, if someone is challenging your post aggressively, look at the profile before responding. Most times its a hacked account (few or no friends, no recent posts, old/ no photos, etc.) trying to stir engagement. Block/hide/delete.

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Sometimes, musical stars align advising what to play. I recently spoke with a friend about The Move's one appearance here at San Francisco's Fillmore & the official live LP from 2012. Then yesterday I saw The Nazz' promo film "Open My Eyes" which The Move open with here. Cont'd #musicsky #music

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

So it was time to play this. Pre-emptive Note: if you are thinking of commenting on how you have a better recording of this but never share it w/ the band or world at large, please don't bother. This has happened every time I post this on FB/IG. Until the band issue an upgrade, this is great.

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

How did I never know that there was a surround sound mix of the Buena Vista Social Club album ? Happy find over at Amoeba (cheep!). Has this been reissued on Blu-ray? #musicsky #music #jazzsky #jazz #cubanmusic

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Boogie Woogie-ing into Tuesday with Meade Lux Lewis. One of several recordings the great honky-tonk pianist made for Norman Granz and issued w/ David Stone Martin cover art. This is on Granz' short lived "Down Home" series label which focused mostly on trad jazz releases. 1of2 #musicsky #jazzsky

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

I don't see many posts of early folk- & country-rock so here is one to consider: the debut of Ian & Sylvia's Great Speckled Bird. Produced by Todd Rundgren, a fine album/band. They were in great form on the Festival Express tour (look for that 2003 concert film; highly recommended). #musicsky #music

Mark Smotroff
@marksmotroff.bsky.social

Stepping up the pace with another the new-old David Jones album. First time compilation of original singles produced by legendary Shel Talmy (The Kinks, The Who) plus a side of unreleased demos. Fun early insights into the future David #Bowie. My review: on Analog Planet (dot com) #musicsky #music