Mark Smotroff

@marksmotroff.bsky.social

1913 Followers 75 Following

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

Wrapping up the day the way it started, playing The Bill Evans Trio. This is another score from Friday's jazz estate sale, a 1964 era mono pressing in quite good shape for a buc (yeah, I know this never happens anymore but, here we are, miracles occur!). Not minty like some of the others but still nice enough to play on my best turntable and a step up from the 1966 reissue I had (ugly green label, stereo). Playing very well.
Easing into a busy Sunday with a score from Friday's early morning estate sale. This is probably a 1961 era press of the 2nd Bill Evans Trio LP from 1960 in remarkably clean condition. Save for the scratch on the lower right of the cover, its fairly pristine. I have an earlier (small label) press in poor-but-playabe condition which I'll likely purge now. This was in the dollarbin at the sale!
Even though it was priced higher than the rest of the bargyn buys at yesterday's amazing estate sale score, I had to grab this original 1965 Joe Henderson blue note LP. Even at the price on the cover it's still a steal, especially in this condition.
Blue Note Magic - Had some mad luck at an early morning estate sale which had advertised cheap jazz (most 1-2$ each). Turned out way better than I might have dreamed. While most of the albums were remarkably clean, I'm playing this Horace Silver first as it turned out to have some dubious looking hairline scratches across parts of side one which I was curious to hear. Amazingly, they play through with just some relatively quiet ticks, nothing major or annoyingly invasive to the music. The magic of a vintage Blue Note LP! This seems to be a 1959 original press, RVG stamped in the deadwax plus the Plastylite "ear," West 63rd Street address on label and cover.
Found a real nice white label promo of Mott The Hoople's 1970 debut at Amoeba, tucked away in the racks and priced very fairly. Glad I had some store credit handy. Unfortunately some fool took off the orange promo sticker but perhaps someday along the way I'll find one to replace it (they fall off sometimes on certain albums).
It'd be kinda fun if Ford brought back the Edsel as a limited edition EV in the face of this news. "The Edsel is generally cited as the American automotive industry's biggest disaster. But the projected annual sales target compared to actual sales is actually worse for the Cybertruck. It may be time to put a new car on this ignominious throne." https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/looking-cybertruck-biggest-flop-automotive-145559135.html
Record Rescue - Original 1958-era Celia Cruz LP found in pretty good shape at a thrift. Ugly duct tape came off fairly easily. Sticky glue residue removed with Goo Gone (1st time its worked!). Came out good. Was even able to repair a laminate tear (may have been there previously). Fun early Afro Cuban sounds (possibly recorded in Cuba).
You know the times are a strange-changing when Alex Jones is calling for his impeachment. Seems real. Check the news.
This hurts: Glen Hansard has left us. I came on board when a friend urged me to hear the soundtrack to Once which knocked me out. Then saw the equally brilliant film. Then started digging into his catalog with The Frames and later with Marketa here as The Swell Season. Such a great performer and songwriter. So many of the songs here always hit that special zone for me, causing chills down the spine, goosebumps and eve tears. Rest in peace, Glen. Thank you for the music and inspiration.
I was today years old when I learned that Donna Jean Godchaux (of The Grateful Dead in the 1970s) was one of the backing vocalists on Cher's 1969 now-classic "3614 Jackson Highway" (at the time of release it was a commercial flop but critically acclaimed). Pretty sure that is her in the hat on the right next to co-producer Tom Dowd.
I still enjoy Elvis Presley’s earliest recordings but I can’t claim to be a deep fan. One of the rare 78s I found at a Sunday afternoon garage sale is a 1955 RCA reissue of one of Elvis’ early Sun Records sides (which was apparently not a hit initially when issued in 1954). As with my earlier Carl Perkins post, the significance here is the condition. This disc probably was not played much if at all. Sounds amazing despite inaudible discoloration to the shellac (probably due to dirty water exposure at some point). Without that, this could easily be listed as “Mint” but probably is more like “Near Mint” at best technically. There is only one of these on Discogs in only “G+” condition but the seller’s description sounds more like Poor given there is chip in it plus scuffs!
Still kinda stupidly excited about scoring some rare 78s this weekend at a garage sale. Iconic titles in remarkably good shape, especially since they likely spent the last 20-50 years sitting in closets, garages and storage lockers crammed in sloppily with hundreds of other 78s. Somehow these survived. Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes" b/w "Honey, Don't" released in 1956 is among the first Rockabily records issued. Playing nicely and sounding amazing after cleaning, there is some mostly inaudible discoloration to the shellac probably due to dirty water exposure at some point. Amazingly the labels are clean.
First spin of a record by saxophone honker Illinois Jacquet with a David Stone Martin cover. Never saw this anywhere. Found over the weekend at a record store/night club in Pacific Grove (can't remember its name). Wasn't cheap but not super expensive either so I grabbed it. Coolest part here is Count Basie playing organ on some tracks. An odd purchase for me: He's not a sax player I particularly like (he was a name in the 1940s Jazz At The Philharmonic scene). Not one of DSM's better works either... rather brooding actually with a more scribbly style to his work in the late 70s for Progressive Records. Release in 1956 on Clef Records. 1957-era reissue on Verve. Non essential listening for most... a completist score for me...
My listening report on the new Vinylphyle audiophile edition of Heart's debut, "Dreamboat Annie," is on Analog Planet (dot com) https://www.analogplanet.com/content/heart%E2%80%99s-classic-mid-1970s-debut-album-dreamboat-annie-sails-onward-refreshed-and-revitalized
And then I learned a name for this: Frisson! What music gives you #goosebumps or makes you #shudder? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frisson
We watched " My Neighbor Totoro" again tonight. Maybe if we all think and wish really hard and call out to him he'll rescue America from its present madness...
File Under: Records I Did Not Buy At A Thrift Shop Today..
Road Tunes: "Finally, the punk rockers are taking ____". Revisiting and enjoying this great compilation of early Flaming Lips recordings with new insights as I am reading a great biography about them. Actually, I don't know if it's entirely the book or simply that I've been a fan for such a long time that I can more fully appreciate these early recordings as part of their bigger trajectory… You can hear the future directions emerging increasingly with each record...
Sometimes I find an intriguing looking -- but trashed -- album I'd not heard of in the bargyn bin or out in the wilds and grab it anyhow... This one by Funk Inc. is a smoker. How'd I miss this? Need to find a nice copy and check out their other albums.
I didn't "need" another copy of this 1953 Charlie Parker Big Band album as I have a really very nice condition original which I'm playing now. But finding what appears to be a very old Japanese edition in the bargyn bin with a quite different color palatte, I had to get it. The LP inside is pretty messed up and a US pressing, so perhaps (as one of the folks at Amoeba suggested) it was a special edition provided to military bases back in the day? Clues anyone?
Was super happy to find a very clean upgrade of The Whisper's 1969 debut at the flea market last weekend. I probably should revisit their later albums which never did much for me initially...
Working on a review of a Dusty Springfield album, my mind jumped to Elvis Costello’s non-LP tune “Just A Memory” which she covered (I think he wrote it for her). Then I got an earworm for “Ghost Train” also on Elvis’ UK "New Amsterdam" EP issued around 1980’s Get Happy LP (my fave EC, btw). Listening to Ghost Train on Rhino’s fine expanded 2CD Get Happy (30-song bonus disc!!), I realized it sounded different (alt. mix or perhaps just the CD squashing the sound oddly on the car stereo). So it was time to spin the original 45 RPM EP (incl. picture disc variant). Sounds much better here. So, yes, I have two boxes of EC singles. There are still many rarities I don’t own which remain elusive or out of reach price-wise. I keep searching. Anyhow, this post is for those of you who didn’t know I am a deep Elvis Costello fan.
Beyond the film soundtrack, I've never explored the variant versions of The Rocky Horror Show. This is the 1974 cast recording from its early run at the Roxy in LA (which led to the film's development). Didn't realize (and should have given its producer) are all the Wrecking Crew cats here: Tommy Tedesco, Hal Blaine, Dean Parks, Larry Knectel, Joe Osborne and even Danny Kortchmar. Fun spin. Flea market / thrift find.
Reading a fascinating biography about The #FlamingLips so revisiting their early stuff knowing more about its genesis is interesting. This is a 2nd press of their 1984 debut EP (circa 1985). Features Mark Coyne (Wayne's brother) on vocals. #musicsky #music
Finally got my hands on a affordable, if imperfect, copy of Don Shirley's 1956 opus Orpheus In The Underworld. Growing up, I remember seeing this everywhere cheap (as are most of his albums) but ever since the movie Green Book, it has rocketed in scarcity/value. The cover was painted by Shirley. I need to see the film. As I understand, there is a scene with it on his wall so fans of the film have snapped these up since, probably for framing. I respect Mr. Shirley but never connected with his music. Maybe this will change things (or i might put it in a frame!) I need to listen more. Stravinsky liked him, maybe I will too...
Blue Oyster Cult's "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" vs. Heart's "Crazy On You"
Record Rescue - Why try to save a messy flea market found 1964 Sonny Rollins reissue? Despite scuffs & a rollercoaster warp plus library card cover damage, this alternate cover (no seam splits) doesn’t seem to have ever been reissued. Plus, its mono, on the rare-ish gold Prestige label. Challenging Process: hair dryer & clothes iron didn’t work on library card (removed upper sticker EZ). Goo gone useless (usually is). Lighter fluid helped a bit. Frustrated, I tried a water dampened cotton pad. Voila! It came right off! Someday I may try to get this flattened but for now it plays ok, sounding way better than it looks. I’m happy.
Fancy That : Blind flea market buy for its trippy cover and compelling record label — Poison Ring Records — this 1971 East Coast regional release by one-off studio band “Fancy” is more interesting than expected. Not quite psych (or prog as the cover might indicate) there are some solid guitar solos and even pretty baroque folk moments (replete with cellos ’n stuff). Its kind of like Peter Green’s Fleetwood Mac with a hint of Buckingham-Nicks aesthetic but a ballsier singer a la Bonnie Bramlett/Janis. Bronx NYer singer Christine Bernardoni later changed her last name to Ohlman and (per the wiki) has had a long association with Saturday Night Live as a singer. Not jawdrop amazing, but better than many bluesy singer songwriter albums I’ve heard from this period… For 5bux in perfect shape I’m glad I picked it up.
Recent Reads: Graham Nash, Ruth Brown, and Mal Evans. Each insightful, at times harrowing, often uplifting. Incredible insights that help connect dots as to what really happened in early rock & roll and R'nB,, The Beatles' arc as well as the Hollies vantage point within the British invasion leading to and through Crosby Stills Nash & Young.
Much needed afternoon energy, giving the new Rolling Stones' great new album Foreign Tongues another spin before adding it to the collection. My listening report is now on Analog Planet (dot com).
First time finding an early album by jazz pianist composer Toshiko Akiyoshi, then married to saxophonist Charlie Mariano. Never got into her later big band music but I'm enjoying this small band vibe. Flea market score yesterday. Not mint, but very playable and only 3$.
Good morning grooves as I begin my next journey 'round the sun (yesterday was my birthday!). Scored this quite clean 1962 album by Johnny Pacheco y su Charanga at a garage sale on Saturday for 1buc. If you collect vintage latin jazz vinyl you know clean copies are elusive just like soul and other jazz. Pachecho is an important voice who founded Fania Records and this was apparently the first Latin band to play the Apollo.
You know that none of the serious diggers were out this morning when I got to a garage sale in the city an hour late and found this rare Pete Jolly album in nice shape, for $1! #musicsky #jazzsky #jazz #music
My review of the fine new Rolling Stones album, Foreign Tongues, is up now on Analog Planet (dot com). Strong, even topical, songs, solid production and much better sound than the last one... https://www.analogplanet.com/content/rolling-stones%E2%80%99-new-foreign-tongues-180g-2lp-set-licks-its-studio-predecessor-production
Finally got my hands on the recent 50th Anniversary Blu-ray of Wish You Were Here. Haven't had time to compare / contrast with the Immersion boxed set (which I will) but mostly wanted to hear the remastered official bootleg of the 1975 LA show. Think its super cool they credit the original taper and I assume they got a hold of his original master tape for this. Glad I didn't buy the RSD vinyl edition, however, knowing it was here in 96/24 resolution.
Wrecking Crew Joys - Years ago I found a decent (but cheep!) white label promo of arranger, composer, producer Jack Nitzsche's 1963 first LP, The Lonely Surfer. Sadly, the cover was torn & the spine messy. Last weekend I found a beat up stock copy at a garage sale with a nicer cover which I've paired with the WLP (partial upper seam split fixed from inside with tape).
Record Rescue - Picked up this 1953-55 era Norman Granz-produced Jam Session LP for 5bux. Vinyl ok, cover potentially dubious. Fortunately the tape came off easily. Most of old glue residue came off with a bit of effort (took about 20 minutes). I don't think I have this David Stone Martin cover (might be in storage). Musically it is a fun but dated blowing session with legendary players. Still neat to have.
Chill morning vibes before a meeting.... Bossa Nova by Tito Puente, 1962 release on music industry despot Morris Levy's iconic Roulette Records label. Recent thrift find.
Encouraging News: FDA approves cholesterol pill more powerful than statins https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/u-s-approves-pill-for-cholesterol-that-drives-levels-down-far-below-statins/
David and Larry Ellison Sued by Paramount Investor Alleging ‘Illegal’ Side Deal With Donald Trump to Secure U.S. Approval for Warner Bros. Takeover
Good morning energy only ruined by a terrible early stereo mix which places the entire band on one channel and vocals, chants, percussion and an occasional instrument in the other. Phil Moore III is the son of the like-named pianist/orchestrator who made some interesting records in the 1950s. Ok Latin / Bossa soul-jazz vibes which has moments but doesn't quite ascend to Vince Guaraldi / Cal Tjader territory. Swap meet bargain find.
Given I own the UHQR 2LP 45 RPM edition and a rare white label promo mono, did I really need this 1968 tri-color label 1st press stereo of my favorite Jimi Hendrix album in nice condition for 13bux? Yes, of course as it is a nice upgrade over my red/orange stereo 2nd press which I'll now purge (along with the beat up tri-color orphan LP I have).
A step in the right direction, found this pretty clean 1973 edition of one of my favorite Capt. Beefheart albums, Mirror Man, at a thrift for 5bux. Remarkably elusive for me, I've long had this on CD and the 1999 clear vinyl Scorpio quazi-reissue/pirate, the latter of which sounds just so so. This sounds much much better. Still hoping to someday find a unicorn rare pristine 1971 original with the die-cut cover that isn't ripped to shreds. Kandy Korn is arguably my fave Beefheart tune.
Useful info from a trusted source on the current outbreak. Stay safe amidst all this madness. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/what-we-know-about-the-cyclosporiasis-outbreak-linked-to-produce
Scored an original stereo copy of Blues Magoos' 1967 2nd album Electric Comic Book at a garage sale. (I've long had a nice Mono). $2. Included the rare comic book insert which came with (I assume) earliest editions. Never saw one before. Groovy innersleeve! #musicdky #music
Capitol/UMe's wonderful new Vinylphyle remastered reissue of Jellyfish's 2nd album, Spilt Milk, is a major improvement over previously released versions. A 2LP set now, in short the music spread across 3 sides gives it more room to breathe. But its more than just that, as my listening report explains on Analog Planet (dot com)
Late afternoon #Jellyfish energy. Wonderful new 2LP Vinylphyle remastered reissue a major improvement over previous versions. In short, the #music spread across 3 sides gives it more room to breathe but its more than just that. My listening report explains on Analog Planet (dot com). #musicsky
Road Tunes: Sunday morning energy, revisiting this Remix album which is working for me better than expected… Many Remix albums leave me flat, but this is kind of fun as it's using a lot of 1950s bebop recordings for its base.
My good deed for the day on our evening walk tonight… I heard a buzzing in the brush and noticed a beautiful dragonfly lying still. I realized it was alive but stuck in some grasses... Didn't get the whole thing on video but you get the idea. It feels good to help nature when you can.
"A tincture of rocksteady,reggae and sweet soul" from the 1st solo album by Joey Quiñones of LA's TheeSinseers. All new original songs take you on a sweet stroll thru vintage summer city sounds. #musicsky #music
Saturday morning road tunes: a pretty tremendous May1969 Grateful Dead show which ascends regardless of a ridiculous idiotic MC's presence. The sequence of Doin That Rag > He Was A Friend Of Mine > China Cat > The Eleven > Death Don't Have No Mercy is sublime.
Pretty sure this is my first Cal Tjader 78 found at a fave local thrift today. Well loved but sounding remarkably good (as sometimes happens with these 78s) despite inevitable clicks and pops. I'm guessing this is from 1953 or so. Prior to finding this, I didn't even realize he'd done some recording for Savoy.
I've had an ear worm for this song for some time and this Nancy meme comic making the rounds is going to force me to break out my album and give it a spin.... there are worse things in life than playing Mott The Hoople records...
Been immersed in a Jellyfish reissue review the past 48 hours (coming soon), so it made sense to break out Thomas Walsh's wonderful Pugwash album "Silverlake" which was produced, engineered and mixed by Jellyfish alum Jason Falkner. If you like Jellyfish, you're probably going to love Thomas' music so do give him and Pugwash a listen.
I love finding things like this... Turns out this is the original version of "Midnight Confessions" which was a huge hit for The Grass Roots in 1968. The Ever-Green Blues issued this in 1967, sounding like early Chicago or The Buckinghams. The Grass Roots version is very similar but played by Wrecking Crew cats so the vibe is tighter. Found at a thrift yesterday, lord knows I don't need more 45s but when they brought out this box of fresh stuff, I had to look. Only took two, this and a 1969 Ronnie Spector (which it turns out I already had).
Don't forget today's secret word, kiddies...
For a guy who played sax with Benny Goodman and Ubie Green and then made his name in advertising jingles, John Murtaugh's one off album of Moog stylings might not seem a likely winner. But given his band includes Herbie Hancock on acoustic piano, Bernard Purdie on drums and session bassist Gerry Jemmott, I had to hear this. Turns out to be one of the more enjoyable Moog records given he gives the players plenty of room to spread out and he plays the then-new synth tastefully (and even funky at points). A keeper, I'll be filing this under Hancock. I wonder if this 1970 session was any sort of influence on Herbie's future electric direction? Bargyn bin score.
IYKYK