Author: Mark Smotroff

Mark Smotroff is a freelance writer and avid music collector who has worked for many years in marketing communications for the consumer electronics, pro audio and video games industries, serving clients including DTS, Sega, Sony, Sharp, AT&T and many others. www.smotroff.com Mark has written for EQ Magazine, Mix Magazine, Goldmine/DISCoveries Magazine, BigPictureBigSound.com, Sound+Vision Magazine, HomeTechTell.com and many others. He is also a musician / composer whose songs have been used in TV shows such as Smallville and Men In Trees as well as films and documentaries. www.ingdom.com Mark is currently rolling out a new musical he's written: www.dialthemusical.com.

Charlie Brown, Vince Guaraldi, Santa Claus & Martians On Holiday Vinyl

Audiophile Music, Audiophile, Audiophile News

I should have known better,” sang The Beatles at one point…  I really know better than to have bought this, but the photo...

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Jackie McLean’s “It’s Time!” On Blue Note Tone Poet Vinyl vs. Original

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music

This kind of review is hard, pitting a vintage recording from 50 years ago against a new reissue.  There are so many reasons why the...

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Bill Evans Live at Ronnie Scott’s

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music

One of the big surprises from the third Record Store Day celebration this year came from the good folks at Resonance Records: a previously...

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Elton John’s Jewel Box Part I : The B-Sides

Audiophile Music, Audiophile, Audiophile News

In the universe of record collecting, there has long been a need for a well thought through and curated collection which presents a good...

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Esoteric Recordings Makes Good On Chris Squire Surround Mix In New Blu-ray

Audiophile Music, Audiophile, Audiophile News

Esoteric Recordings Delivers On Chris Squire Surround Mix Blu-ray

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Did I Need To Buy Elvis Costello & Burt Bacharach’s Painted From Memory on Mobile Fidelity Vinyl and SACD?

Audiophile Music, Audiophile, Audiophile News • One Comment

My social media feeds were abuzz with the news that Mobile Fidelity had repressed its edition of Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach’s...

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New Nickel Creek Vinyl Shines New Light on Classic Progressive Alt-Folk Country Bluegrass Band

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music

Through all the fads and phases of popular music — from early rock ’n roll to K-pop — there seems to always have been an...

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Zappa Documentary & Soundtracks Shine New Light On Legendary American Composer, Guitarist, Innovator

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music

There is a fine and important new documentary just out about Frank Zappa which everyone who is interested in music should watch, even if...

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Record Store Day Black Friday Preview: Rare Jazz Vinyl Joys

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music • One Comment

It is no secret that distribution and shipping of new albums is a bit wonky these days due to Covid 19’s impact on pretty much...

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The Story Of The Grateful Dead, Vinyl Me Please Boxed Set (Part 4, Studio ’70’s)

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music

In part one of this review series on The Story Of The Grateful Dead, an exclusive from Vinyl Me Please, I looked at the late ‘60s and...

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The Story Of The Grateful Dead, Vinyl Me Please Boxed Set (Part 3, Studio 70’s)

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music

In part one of this review series on The Story Of The Grateful Dead, an exclusive from Vinyl Me Please, I looked at the late ‘60s and...

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What Albums Do You Play Over & Over? New Van Duren Vinyl & CD Reviewed

Audiophile News, Audiophile, Audiophile Music

Have you ever had an album that you loved so much you didn’t want it to end? You know… “that” recording which you...

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The Story Of The Grateful Dead, Vinyl Me Please Boxed Set (Part 2, Live ’80s-‘90s)

Audiophile News, Audiophile Music

In part one of this review series on The Story Of The Grateful Dead, an exclusive super deluxe boxed set experience from Vinyl Me Please, I...

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Stonebone: Lost J&K 1970 CTI Soul-Jazz Fusion Vinyl Resurfaces

Audiophile, Audiophile Music

Mark Smotroff wonders if it was too much too soon or too little too late......

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