Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 9hWoke with an earworm for The 4 Deuces' "W-P-L-J" but can't find my 78 RPM disc. Thus, I'm forced (twist my arm) to play Zappa's version on Burnt Weeny Sandwich (where most of us 1st heard the song). Got this promo in a trade with a friend some years back (w/ poster). 1of2 #musicsky #music #zappa 140
Reposted by Mark SmotroffBlue Turquoise @bluet-urquoise.bsky.social · 29/09/2026How do we really feel? This is the time we all need to speak out the elections are up ahead and anyone that reads our comments will benefit. 1435184144652
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 29/09/2026One more spin of the jaw-dropping pre-master early mix of Frank #Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention's 1966 masterpiece, Freak Out! This is in the new 60th Anniversary boxed set which I review on Analog Planet (vinyl) and eCoustics (CD/Bluray). #musicsky #music 1122
Reposted by Mark SmotroffRobert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 28/09/2026When authoritarians get backed into a corner, they lash out and resort to fear-mongering. This is why Trump is running ominous taxpayer funded ads. But we’re going to organize our friends and neighbors, turn out to vote in November, and deliver a resounding blue wave. Spread the word. 341146323
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Monday More Mantra - "More" is my theme for Monday. This supposed sequel to Oliver Nelson's "Blues & The Abstract Truth" probably would have been better received with a different title. This is a perfectly fine swingin' session with some great players. More... #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 150
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 28/09/2026Sunday night energy I needed right now from Thomas Walsh and his merry mates in Pugwash. If you like The Beatles, XTC, The Kinks, Emitt Rhodes, Brian Wilson and Jeff Lynne's ELO universe (including The Move and Idle Race) you will enjoy these excellent albums. Highly recommended. #musicsky #music 030
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 28/09/2026When your fave record shop has a beautiful copy of the 2nd Mar-keys album "Do The Pop-Eye" (1962) and you have store credit, you grab it. Sounds great. This is effectively Booker T & The MGs w/ a horn section (may be variances track to track). Another fun find at Tunnel Records. #musicsky #music 070
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 27/09/2026Road Tunes: music for early Sunday morning errands. Some vintage Lester Young sides from the Savoy vault. #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 180
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 26/09/2026My reviews of both 60th Anniversary boxed sets celebrating Frank Zappa's iconic & influential Freak Out! album are up on Analog Planet (5LP vinyl) and eCoustics (5CD/1Bluray). #musicsky #music #zappa www.analogplanet.com/content/moth... www.ecoustics.com/music/frank-... 141
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 26/09/2026Finally found the first 10" LP by Cuban bandleader/composer Machito, circa 1951, backed by Charlie Parker, Flip Phillips, Chico O'Farrell,etc. In beautiful condition, cover pristine (David Stone Martin art), vinyl very clean for its age. Got this in a trade w/ Tunnel Records. #musicslyv #jazzsky 091
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 26/09/2026We decided to stay in tonight and cherry pick a film from my non-streaming non-online physical media collection of DVDs and Blu-ray Discs. (remember them?). Ended up re-watching an old favorite, A Private Function, which I am pretty sure I saw in a theater back in the day. Cont'd #movies #film 220
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 25/09/2026With a cover like this and it being a white label promo copy, I had to grab this Sam The Sham album (it was cheep). Far from the implied psych of the cover, its still fun. I mean, who else could pull off a groovy-funky boogaloo version of Old MacDonald Had A Farm? #musicsky #music #vinyl 040
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 25/09/2026For those curious, found the Hermeto Pascoal album ( posted about just before this streaming on YT. Enjoy! #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz youtu.be/B17bz0x21dA?...youtu.beNo Mundo dos Sons | Hermeto Pascoal & Grupo | Álbum Completo | Selo SescYouTube video by Selo Sesc 030
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Been immersed in Zappa's music this week (reviews to come!) but have also been thinking of the late great #HermetoPascoal who created music I think Zappa would have liked. , "No Mundo Dos Sons" a 2017 album by Hermeto and Grupo is mind numbingly wonderful. Cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music 160
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 25/09/2026Finally found a reasonably priced pretty clean copy of #PeterGreen 's first solo album. I have a feeling Mr. Green spent some time listening to The Grateful Dead's #DarkStar (a good thing in my book). Diggin' it so far. Kinda pre-echoes electric Hot Tuna (also a good thing). #musicsky #music 140
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 24/09/2026John Coltrane turned 100 yesterday. In remembrance I'm playing one of the 1st albums of his music I bought. In the 70s Fantasy Records repackaged vintage sides for a new generation - thoughtful good sounding comps! Happy Birthday Mr. Coltrane. Thanks for the eternal inspiration. #musicsky #jazzsky 072
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 24/09/2026For those who don't yet fully comprehend what is going on around them right now, a respected dictionary definition... #signofthetimes #wakeup #voteinnovember 010
Reposted by Mark SmotroffRobert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Trump's approval rating just hit an all-time low. Polling for Republicans ahead of the midterms is tanking too. Good news. But do not let the unpopularity of Trump and the GOP result in you becoming complacent. We need to show up this November in numbers so huge that victory cannot be denied. 1212946890
Reposted by Mark SmotroffAngry @angrystaffer.bsky.social · 23/09/2026No matter what side of the aisle you’re on, this argument should be chilling. Trying to limit freedom of the press under the guise of national security is what tinpot dictators do. That’s not how a functioning democracy works. 915111973705
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Late nite energy with Portand's The Helio Sequence. Finally spinning their 3rd album on #vinyl scored at The Plastic Pancake last month. Taking this photo from a distance I suddenly saw the faces in the cover art, dots my brain never connected close up. #musicsky #music 020
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 23/09/2026Albums on Word Pacific Jazz can be hit or miss. Collaborations covering hits of the day are often disappointing. But, I like both Richard Holmes and Ernie Watts so for 4$ I took a chance at Grooves Records. Glad I did - this is a funky little bootyshaker. Cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music 230
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026This 1966 song knocked me out in the early '70s when I first heard it. Sadly it is still painfully relevant. Thankfully, it still rocks like a MOFO. Listen. #musicsky #music #zappa youtu.be/rFNkacckLBU?... 160
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026This 1966 song knocked me out in the early '70s when I first heard it. Sadly it is still painfully relevant. Thankfully, it still rocks like a MOFO. Listen. #musicsky #music #zappa youtu.be/rFNkacckLBU?...youtu.beTrouble Every DayYouTube video by The Mothers Of Invention - Topic 030
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026My week kicks into higher gear with a refresher spin of my original Mono copy of Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Inventions' Freak Out before listening to the new 60th Anniversary boxed sets (reviews to come). Cont'd #musicsky #music #zappa #vinyl 1130
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026Soft landing into Tuesday w/ a great reissue of Moodsville Records' 1960 series debut by Red Garland's fine trio. New from Craft Recordings & Acoustic Sounds, my 3 reviews on these restored #vinyl runs on eCoustics (dot com). #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music www.ecoustics.com/reviews/mood... 030
Reposted by Mark SmotroffRobert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 21/09/2026When Elon Musk's groups spent $20M+ on Wisconsin's 2025 Supreme Court race, his involvement backfired and his candidate lost by 10 points. Now his super PAC has quietly spent $14M+ on key midterm races, including the Texas Senate race. Would be a shame if people found out.nbcnews.comElon Musk is flying under the radar in the Texas Senate race. Republicans want to keep it that way.One Republican involved in the Texas Senate contest called Musk’s in-your-face campaigning in Wisconsin last year “a mis 22960053730
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026My daily vibe, in a nutshell... #musicsky #music #jazz #jazzsky #vinyl #nowplaying 040
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 22/09/2026When I was learning Trumpet and getting deeper into music, Dizzy Gillespie was arguably my first jazz hero. Tone for days, brilliant inspiring solos, passion, fire & joy all wrapped in one cool daddy-o BeBop hipster package. 1of3 #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz #vinyl #DizzyGillespie 1151
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 21/09/2026I first started collecting original pressings of LPs because '70s/'80s reissues were pretty awful. These days, great remasters & restorations have changed the music-scape so I'm happy to add them to my collection. Craft Recordings scores again with ... Cont'd #musicsky #music #blues #vinyl 130
Reposted by Mark SmotroffRobert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 21/09/2026The Trump administration is considering data center-related projects across at least 17,600 acres of public land — far more than previously reported. Reminder: 70% of Americans oppose data centers, but Trump is heavily invested in the corporations pushing AI. Always follow the money.washingtonsun.comTrump Is Considering More Data Centers on Public Lands Than Previously KnownThe data center proposals cover at least 17,600 acres of public lands across six Western states. 1101682965
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 21/09/2026(Long Post) One of my fellow record swap vendors yesterday announced he was blowing out his stock at 50% off. I had to grab this Beatle knock off he had on hand. An obvious pirate (Taiwan was infamous for these back in the 60s/70s), it turns out this was... Cont'd #musicsky #music #beatles 140
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 21/09/2026Was doing a search for an ID code on an obscure album (post to come) when Discogs drew a blank and for some reason asked me "Do you mean Radiohead?) Is this an AI engine trying to be hep? #musicsky #music 010
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Sunday 9/20 I'll make my first appearance hawkin' rekkids at the Alameda Record Swap 11AM-5PM (Faction Brewing, 2501 Monarch Street, Alameda). I'll have lots of #vinyl (45s & LPs) plus some rare Reel2Reels. Look for me under: "The Record Hound*" See you there! #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 120
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 20/09/2026Couldn't leave a cover this delectable at Groove Merchant Records the other day (especially for 2$!). Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith, lighthearted & playful somewhere between early Les Paul (jazz trio, "Rubarb Red"), Django and later Jerry Garcia & Dave Grisman. Fun! #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 061
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 19/09/2026You know you've reached a certain level of celebrity when your albums show up in thrift shops. I actually do like Billie Eilish from the get go. This is her 2019 debut (won 3 Grammys!) on glow-in-the-dark vinyl. And yes, I found this at an off the beaten track thrift the other day. #musicsky #music 061
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Hey Soul Sisters, this ain't Mr. Mister. Obscure 1964 LP by organist Gloria Coleman (ex of saxman George Coleman) features 3 women w/ drummer Pola Roberts. Guitar 'n sax by Grant Green & Leo Wright. Bargain find off the beaten track. Never new this existed. Swings! #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 060
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 19/09/2026Its not perfect but its a white label promo of The Kinks' Arthur and it was only 3$ so I'm good with it. Wanted one of these for a long time. Another off the beaten track find down in Monterey County this week. #musicsky #music #records #vinyl 060
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 19/09/2026(Long post but worth it) Behold the wonderment that is "The Associated Soul Group"... a collection of covers and inspired originals so disparate that it might snap your mod-a-go-go stretch elastic pants. 1of4 #musicsky #music #vinyl 150
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 18/09/2026In The Moodsville - My listening report on Craft Recordings' excellent Acoustic Sounds-produced reissue of a rare 1961 Coleman Hawkins album is on eCoustics (dot com) #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz #vinyl www.ecoustics.com/music/colema... 080
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 18/09/2026Another fun find from Groove Merchant: a 1953 Benny Carter 10" LP w/ #DavidStoneMartin cover art I've never seen before. Nasty old tape on split seams (right) came off easily & cleaned up OK. Securing from inside w/ tape. Cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 240
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 17/09/2026Found two 10” David Stone Martin covers for my collection at Groove Merchant yesterday. Vol. 2 of Jazz At The Philharmonic features a wonderful image of Lester Young. I have a 1947-era 12” 78 RPM version but this is the first 10” I’ve stumbled upon. Great lineup too! #msicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 0110
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 16/09/2026Popped into the great Groove Merchant Records yesterday for a long overdue visit and came out (surprise, surprise) with some neat and super fairly priced gems. Notably, some groovy 10-inchers such as this 1953 4-song LP by guitarist Jimmy Raney... cont'd #musicsky #jazzsky #music #jazz 060
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Your Random Factoid Of The Day: And then I learned that Bobby Brady was the voice of Oblio in The Point! youtu.be/FCDGjhoj4fs?...youtu.beOblio meets the Pointed ManYouTube video by Athbhreith Athbheochan 020
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 15/09/2026At least once a year I get an earworm for arguably my favorite Bob Dylan album, New Morning (which depending on my perspective at the moment is just ahead or just a hair behind Blood On The Tracks as his best work). Cont'd #musicsky #music #dylan 130
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 15/09/2026Its taken a lifetime but the Internet has delivered something I always dreamed about in the back of my head. From an IG entity called TurboIsland, not sure if this will be a real T-shirt or is just a tribute. Either way it is great fun. #captainbeefheart #capncrunch #safeasmilk #musicsky #music 050
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 14/09/2026The new Definitive Sound Series edition of Marvin Gaye's Let's Get It On is my featured Analog Planet review. Learn how this bested an original 1973-era LP & also how Michael McDonald (Doobie Bros, Steely Dan) may have been influenced by it . #musicsky #music www.analogplanet.com/content/marv... 020
Mark Smotroff @marksmotroff.bsky.social · 14/09/2026SomehowI missed that amazing singer Michael McDonald likely found his signature harmonic blend for The Doobie Brothers & Steely Dan on this 1973 Marvin Gaye song. I discuss it in my review of the new DSS audiophile remaster on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky #music www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTGA...youtube.comPlease Don’t Stay (Once You Go Away)YouTube video by Marvin Gaye - Topic 030
