Metamatic Forums Socialising The Green Room Sister Ray

Flicking through the new Q mag today I noticed a large article on Sister Ray going into administration.

Although I've never been to the shop, I have used their mail order a lot in the past. It seems quite alarming to see what could be the end of what appeared to be a very popular place. And not the first time this has happened recently.

Are the days of the traditional record shop numbered?

Ouch - always on the list of places to visit when I go back to the UK.

But sadly vinyl/cd is dying in the shadow of mp3. I think record shops (and my other love, places that develop films (not digital)) are going to disappear from our high streets fairly soon. Enjoy them whilst you can!

Although I'm generally in favour/a fan of buying digitally, there is still a tremendous sense of excitement and intrigue, in walking into a music shop - particularly second hand shops and those who still stock old vinyl and flicking though the selections.

That's where you find the odd gem or rarity, whereas in your HMVs and whatever, you sort of know beforehand exactly what will be on the shelves and what you will/won't find.

I went in on Monday; it's still open but a lot of the racks have been thinned of stock. It's still trading as a shop, but I think they've stopped the online version.

I’m really saddened by this – it was like a second home. I can even remember when Sister Ray was just a market stall in Camden back in the 80s, and Brian (the owner) always dressed like a Billy Mackenzie clone. It really is the best independent store in London – there’s nothing within miles that comes close. I really hope they get bailed out.

Here in NY, small shops specializing in vinyls are going out of business mainly due to high rents. However, certain larger stores are now dealing in used and new vinyls. The problem is that the smaller stores are the specialists and carry the rare stuff; the larger stores have quantity but sadly no quality stuff.

Ive not been in the actual Sister Ray shop for about seven years. Will have to visit just incase theres a complete close down.

Sister Ray is my favourite record shop.
Sister Ray was my favourite record shop.

Sister Ray is/was on my list of places to visit and shop.

I bought "Silence IV" (Pete Namlook) in there (never saw it anywhere else), plus numerous things online, in fact I THINK it was one of the few places that had "Shifting City" and "Cathedral Oceans" back in the day. Will be sadly missed if ...

Patronised them from when they had their first shop near Raymond’s Revue Bar and owe them for introducing me to Boards of Canada (courtesy of the Skam EP playing instore) and plenty of other electronica. Saw Claudia Bricken and Andy McCluskey playing live (and free!) at their second shop and am shocked at the news of their demise. More knowledgable music staff you will never find.