AudiophileReview.com

Aug 29, 2024 | audiophilereview.com | Mark Smotroff |Dolby Atmos

By Mark SmotroffThe new six CD and two Blu-ray Disc super deluxe edition box set of ultimate mixes celebrating John Lennon’s 1973 album Mind Games (The Ultimate Collection)is a joyous, almost perfect bounty for fans of this legendary musician. In general, the Mind Games (The Ultimate Collection) box set is great and in keeping with producer Sean Lennon’s high-quality standards for his ultimate mixes series releases.

Aug 7, 2024 | audiophilereview.com | Mark Smotroff

By Mark SmotroffThere is so much amazing music going on around the world, it is admittedly hard to keep up on everything. But I’ve carved out time to post some mini reviews here on AudiophileReview to give you a taste of some joyous, globally inspired music I’ve been exploring in recent months. Meklit’s Ethio BlueEthiopian born, San Francisco-based singer composer performer Meklit is a wonder. I first got introduced to her music back in 2017 and even reviewed her album at the time.

Jul 13, 2024 | audiophilereview.com | Mark Smotroff

By Mark SmotroffIn the universe of great singers, Ella Fitzgerald sits high on the list for many fans of jazz vocalists if not “the” top. For me personally, I’ve long held Sarah Vaughan as my #1 favorite with Billie Holiday a close second. I’ve always enjoyed Ella’s voice but there have been times when the choice of material or production aesthetics haven’t presented her in the best possible light (at least to my personal taste). I have always found this inconsistency surprising in some ways.

Jun 28, 2024 | audiophilereview.com | Mark Smotroff |Dolby Atmos

By Mark SmotroffThe new Super Deluxe Edition of Fragile, Yes’ landmark 1971 smash hit album is a wonderful celebration of the band’s ground breaking and majestic fourth release, home to its Top 20 U.S. hit single “Roundabout.” While not 100-percent perfect, mostly the benefits are all upside on this deluxe set just out today from Rhino Records and Warner Music. Stick with me as there is a lot to run through in a short amount of time.

Jun 22, 2024 | audiophilereview.com | Mark Smotroff |Blu-ray Disc

By Mark SmotroffIt was supposed to be live album and ended up being much more. The newly released 3CD set by Frank Zappa & The Mothers of Invention — Whisky A Go Go 1968 — is a document of a time, place, scene and a movement. Arguably an apex of the then still somewhat shocking and wild freak scene in Los Angeles, this 1968 live performance finds Frank Zappa and his band of merry Mothers at an early peak.