New York evolves. What existed yesterday is gone. Years ago, Manhattan had some fancy parts and some seedy parts. Now, there are no more bad areas -- all of Manhattan has been colonized by the rich. Even formerly-sleazy neighborhoods (e.g., Hell's Kitchen) are now populated by the wealthy who can afford super-high prices. You literally have to be a millionaire to afford a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan.
This change affected other parts of the city. Brooklyn, which has long been New York's neglected stepchild, is now attractive to those who aren't wealthy. Despite its prior reputation for crime and grit, Brooklyn is drawing middle-class families and bohemians who simply can't afford a million-dollar residence in Manhattan.
Some parts of Brooklyn are tony (e.g., Park Slope [a favorite of the upper-middle-class]) while some are still grimy. One interesting area is Williamsburg -- an odd mixture of hipsters and Hasidic Jews. I went there today.
You can quickly sense that Williamsburg is a happening place where change has come fast. A mere decade ago, there was only one respected restaurant here; now there are dozens. Chic boutiques, bars and nightclubs sprung up as hipsters migrated here. But the neighborhood still has some grit, as you realize after it gets dark.
What drew me to Williamsburg today was the opening of a record store. A record store! In my youth, every town had one; now, they're virtually extinct. A big company in England (with two locations in London) just opened a cavernous space in Brooklyn that's a tribute to music. In addition to selling records, they have a performing stage for new bands, books about music, Ping-Pong tables and a café. The place is called Rough Trade. (Great name, guys.)
The opening of a record store is such big news that it was mentioned in Rolling Stone magazine. Everyone today buys/steals music digitally; what has been lost is the personal touch. Stores where you can browse, discover stuff you never heard of before, and gawk at fellow music-enthusiasts. That's why I was excited to visit Rough Trade.
Here are some pictures. Have you ever visited Brooklyn? Do you want to?
That sounds amazing and the pictures make it so inviting, I love the personal touch and would love to go there. It's interesting to read about all these different areas, I've heard bits about manhattan and Brooklyn so it's great to find out more from your post.
ReplyDeleteI would love to visit Brookly ... as long as you are there as my guide!!!!
ReplyDeleteMy son LOVES records ... he is yearning to get a record player (they are just a bit expensive) and will then get all the vinyls he loves.
Thanks for, as always, a wonderful post.
I couldn't comment on your post about the 1,000 milestone ~ Congrats and keep them coming.
Oh, that sounds like fun. I MISS record stores...browsing through music, checking out album cover art, reading liner notes, being introduced to new artists and albums by what was playing over the store audio system.
ReplyDeleteA REKKID STORE!!!! I must tell a new acquaintance met at a music industry party Xmas night. He has a storage unit in Long Island City with 6000+ records and was discussing finding someone to sell them on eBay for him. Maybe he can offload some at this shop.
ReplyDeleteI still have all of mine in the Daitch-Shopwell wooden milk crates purloined during my NYC residency 77-78. I can't bear to part with them, for both the graphics/liner notes and the memories.
Then there's the subject of Williamsburg. LOVE! Sev and I always go to the Southern Style diner Pies and Thighs. Then we take a postprandial walk/shop.
Last trip, we explored the DUMBO area. Fascinating transitional things happening there.
Yup! I saw Pies and Thighs during our hike through the neighborhood. It's funny how many people have old vinyl in their basement; even though they aren't listening to their records any more, nobody can bear parting with them. I understand that -- I still have my 100 albums.
Deletesounds great!!! Here in Hexham, there is a wonderfu book store which has an amazing selection of classical music CDs which made me very excited!! Do you live in NY? Cool place to live! X
ReplyDeleteI live on Long Island, about an hour east of the city. Close enough to visit whenever I want, which is usually once a month.
DeleteIt's sad I think when some areas become only livable in for the rich, and people have to move because they can't keep up with the higher prices...
ReplyDeleteBest,
-Kati
Yes, it is. Many people grieve the loss of the "old" New York.
DeleteI love record stores - love Howlin' Wolf! Nice to see.
ReplyDeleteI did a little dance when I saw they put Chester on vinyl. I love his animal magnetism.
Deleteone day i will go... i
ReplyDeletekisses
Used to love going to the record store. It was like hang-out/shopping. We stayed in Prospect Park & Williamsburg in Brooklyn on our last trip to NYC. So fun. Loved Artists & Flea!!! Actually bought a dress there that I need to put on the blog...
ReplyDeleteI loved this reflection on New York. And I love record stores... we have our fair share here and I'm glad. I've actually ALWAYS wanted to live in Brooklyn. It's been a dream going on 6 years now. I'll get there :)
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