Record Stores in New York...not fade away.
Speaking as a former and eternal New Yorker at heart, New Yorkers are survivors. Thus, it follows that New York record stores are survivors, too.
I learned this today because I have great friends. Three came to my assistance this evening, all within an hour of each other, independently, with the exact same news!
First, I met my running partner, Jim, in the park after dropping off our kids for soccer. We plod along, keeping our hearts in some semblance of order while the rest of our middle aged bodies change and rebel. On this particular evening, his elder daughter joined us for the run and she bolted off far ahead, perhaps to avoid our sometimes inane and repetitive and, to me at least, highly entertaining chatter, perhaps because she is just way faster, and younger and in better shape than either of us. Perhaps, both reasons gave her legs an extra lift this evening.
In any event, Jim and I started chatting about the car that I have been procrastinating about purchasing to replace my perflectly good and completely paid for vehicle which I hate to drive in the winter because of the two or three weeks of snow we get here. And I have a little body rust that I don't feel like paying to fix. So, once again, as winter approaches, I complain about my current vehicle and dilly dally about buying a new, more robust one.
This evening Jim suggested I do it. "Life is short," he said, as we huffed and puffed. "You won't regret it."
Then, he remembered something he wanted to tell me. "In the New York Times today, there was a story I meant to send you about New York City record stores," he began. The story describes how these stores have found ways to survive even after being forced to close in the face of rapidly rising rents and rapidly declining demand.
I thanked him, and huffing and puffing through the park, said that I would look it up tonight on the computer. Which I did. I usually try to read the arts section of the Times every day. Jim, it turns out, starts every day with the paper edition of the Times on his desk at work.
After finishing our run, we stopped to watch our kids finish their practices. Another soccer parent and friend, Theresa, was standing on the edge of the field as the sun rapidly set on the practice and the dwindling light meant practice was almost over. "Paul, I saw a story in the Times today that I will send you," she said - or something to that effect. "About New York City records stores! I thought of you."
Thanking Theresa, I explained that she was the second person today to tell me about the story, and that she didn't need to send me the link, that I would find it on my computer when I got home. Which I did, as you now know!
But that is not all. During dinner, I was sitting alone at the kitchen table enjoying my mixed green salad and chunks of cold curry chicken, all topped with mozzerella cheese, chopped onion, celery, tomotoes, and oil and vinegar. Suddenly my phone buzzed and beeped to signal an incoming email. Sure enough, another friend, Matt, writing to alert me to the story, this time with the link I needed.
So, between mouthfuls of chicken and mixed greens, I got to read the story that my friends thought I'd enjoy. And I did. You might, too - let me know. Here is the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/30/arts/music/30private.html?_r=1&em
(Thanks, Jim, Matt and Theresa!)
Hi Paul -
Thanks for your comment on Stereo Jealousy on this article, fascinating stuff. I'm based in London but the music scene in NYC was a major draw for me to visit, and the record shops didn't let me down. Shame to read about Mondo Kim's slimming down - that was a real goldmine for new and used records when I was there last. London's record shops seem to be in either boom or bust, depending on who you listen to. Some of the more independent, specialist boutique-style retailers are doing well and even the big HMVs (like Virgin) are stocking more vinyl at cheaper prices. I haven't seen anything like in that NY Times article though, at least not for records. There has been something about people opening up their front rooms as restaurants though!
Chris
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Chris,
Thanks for your comment.
I'll be in NYC soon and looking forward to checking out some of the better record stores for used 1960s/1970s rock vinyl in Manhattan.
Any recommendations from your last trip?
If ever in Pittsburgh - you know, site of the G-20, best sports city in the States according to Sporting News - check out Jerry's Records. Fantastic place!
best,
PAUL
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