1980s Lower East Side New York shop window

[rigger67]

The Guardian always publish interesting galleries taking in a wide range of subjects and this morning there's a collection of 1980s photography focusing on the lower east side of New York.
It's a melting pot of mostly latin and Asian cultures and there's some amazing pictures of everyday life, all shot by Tria Giovan, who has an exhibition called "Loisaida New York Street Work 1984–1990" at Crane Kalman Gallery, Brighton right now.

Anyway, enough introductory waffle.
One image that grabbed me is of an electronics store :

https://i.postimg.cc/G3gmjqwD/9186.webp

I'm fascinated by so many things .. the cassette decks, the massive disco speaker cooler thing on the right, the mixers (Gemini's logo is still the same !) all the various little car stereos and cassette and VHS tapes, the way TVs really were pieces of furniture back then and, of course, the prices for all of this stuff.

Even now, I can't walk past a window like this : I have to stop and browse.
Tottenham Court Road used to be a regular hang-out when I worked on Oxford Street 30+ years ago and I'm no different now, especially when I can actually afford some of the gear on show.

The link for the rest of the gallery is here : https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2023/aug/16/vintage-new-york-adventures-on-the-lower-east-side-in-pictures

[Macca]

fiddy dollar for one of those mini tvs would have been about twenty-five quid back then

Seem to recall they cost a lot more over here.

Great photo.

[rigger67]

Yeah, you're about right there I think.
I know they were more expensive than the bog standard portable B&W set of the day because I had one of the latter :)

Thinking about it again now, there's three silver/grey tape-decks above those mini-TVs and the top one, I'm sure, is a Sharp model because I bought one from Comet in the late 80s and I'm pretty sure it cost me £59.99 !

[Macca]

The middle one is a Marantz I can't make out the name on the top one but it's short so could well be Sharp. Or Sony, but doesn't look like a Sony.

Those little tellies I recall being about a hundred quid. Maybe I'm wrong about that.

[Stranraer]

Even now, I can't walk past a window like this : I have to stop and browse.
Tottenham Court Road used to be a regular hang-out when I worked on Oxford Street 30+ years ago If you walked round there now, you'd cry. Astoria's gone, Denmark Street music shops, with all those beautiful vintage guitars, gone. The tricky little boozers and cafes gone. EMIs basement recording studio gone. Absolutely criminal.

[Macca]

If you walked round there now, you'd cry. Astoria's gone, Denmark Street music shops, with all those beautiful vintage guitars, gone. The tricky little boozers and cafes gone. EMIs basement recording studio gone. Absolutely criminal.

It reminds me of Disneyland now.

At least we are old enough to remember London when it was proper.

[Stranraer]

At least if you take kids to Disney they enjoy the illusion of magic. I can't believe that anyone not involved in invoicing for the 4K digital monstrosity it's become would feel anything but soul-dead and nauseous. But you're right, even through to the 90s you could stumble across a great night out there.

[Mikeandvan]

The Guardian always publish interesting galleries taking in a wide range of subjects and this morning there's a collection of 1980s photography focusing on the lower east side of New York.
It's a melting pot of mostly latin and Asian cultures and there's some amazing pictures of everyday life, all shot by Tria Giovan, who has an exhibition called "Loisaida New York Street Work 1984–1990" at Crane Kalman Gallery, Brighton right now.

Anyway, enough introductory waffle.
One image that grabbed me is of an electronics store :

https://i.postimg.cc/G3gmjqwD/9186.webp

I'm fascinated by so many things .. the cassette decks, the massive disco speaker cooler thing on the right, the mixers (Gemini's logo is still the same !) all the various little car stereos and cassette and VHS tapes, the way TVs really were pieces of furniture back then and, of course, the prices for all of this stuff.

Even now, I can't walk past a window like this : I have to stop and browse.
Tottenham Court Road used to be a regular hang-out when I worked on Oxford Street 30+ years ago and I'm no different now, especially when I can actually afford some of the gear on show.

The link for the rest of the gallery is here : https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2023/aug/16/vintage-new-york-adventures-on-the-lower-east-side-in-pictures

It's all gone, been replaced by the smart phone. Apart from the TVs.

[Mikeandvan]

In soho, the oldest cafe I know of that's worth visiting anyway is Maison Bertaux in Greek st, and that's fabulous, if a little cramped. But who misses the strip joints and peep shows? The internet has killed those off too! Do the wankers in the audience miss the cameraderie of leching en masse? That development on top of Totteham ct rd station is hideous though, what the fuck even is it? You have to ask the question, why are our high streets dominated by chains? Is it because it offers people safety? Both financially and culturally, people feel safer there. You can lounge in starbucks half the day and no one gives a shit, try that in a independent cafe.

[Macca]

No idea who actually used to go in those peep shows but it all added to the atmosphere.

Now it's just another super-sanitised shopping mall.

[Firebottle]

... the massive disco speaker cooler thing on the right,

Great picture.
The 'disco speaker cooler thing' is an acoustic lens to improve dispersion.

[Beobloke]

Yeah, you're about right there I think.
I know they were more expensive than the bog standard portable B&W set of the day because I had one of the latter :)

Thinking about it again now, there's three silver/grey tape-decks above those mini-TVs and the top one, I'm sure, is a Sharp model because I bought one from Comet in the late 80s and I'm pretty sure it cost me £59.99 !

Yep, too one’s a Sharp RT-10 and the bottom one is an Akai CS-M3. I think the bottom one is a Marantz SD-1000.

[Sherwood]

31125

I visited NYC in August 1973.

50 YEARS AGO!!!!!

Can't believe it. It was an exciting time but the place was a cesspit. Crime was rife and the streets were dustbins. Lots of human wreckage. A drive through the infamous Bowery has stayed with me to this day. Guys drinking shoe polish for the alcohol content. I'm sure one guy lying in the gutter was dead. To get a sense of what it was like Google "Bowery in the 70s".

I was hosted by my great aunt who emigrated to the US in the late 50's. She worked as a housekeeper for an ultra wealthy Swiss family who had a house (mansion) in Scarsdale. Aunt Christina liked a drink so after a visit to the top of the Empire State Building took us to her favourite bar. Turned out to be a lower ground jazz club with no natural light.

I wish I had taken more photos, but I had yet to develop an interest in photography. Here is one photo of me with Aunt Christina. I am holding her booze purchases which if I remember included a big bottle of Chivas Regal. Fashion was of its day. Ben Sherman shirt, and french pleat two tone trousers. Platform sole shoes fortunately not visible.

[Pigmy Pony]

31125

I visited NYC in August 1973.

50 YEARS AGO!!!!!

Can't believe it. It was an exciting time but the place was a cesspit. Crime was rife and the streets were dustbins. Lots of human wreckage. A drive through the infamous Bowery has stayed with me to this day. Guys drinking shoe polish for the alcohol content. I'm sure one guy lying in the gutter was dead. To get a sense of what it was like Google "Bowery in the 70s".

I was hosted by my great aunt who emigrated to the US in the late 50's. She worked as a housekeeper for an ultra wealthy Swiss family who had a house (mansion) in Scarsdale. Aunt Christina liked a drink so after a visit to the top of the Empire State Building took us to her favourite bar. Turned out to be a lower ground jazz club with no natural light.

I wish I had taken more photos, but I had yet to develop an interest in photography. Here is one photo of me with Aunt Christina. I am holding her booze purchases which if I remember included a big bottle of Chivas Regal. Fashion was of its day. Ben Sherman shirt, and french pleat two tone trousers. Platform sole shoes fortunately not visible.

It was amazing we ever attracted the opposite sex with those fashions. If you had a bit more dosh you might stretch to brogue shoes and Crombie coats. I lived as always on the margins fashion-wise, looking like a Status Quo roadie.

[Barry]

I loathed everything about the sartorial tastes and fashions of the '70s. From the hideous clumpy shoes, the flared trousers, the tight-fitting shirts with large collars, the skinny "tank tops", and worse of all - the tie-dye 'grandad' vests. Ugh!!!!

[struth]

I loathed everything about the sartorial tastes and fashions of the '70s. From the hideous clumpy shoes, the flared trousers, the tight-fitting shirts with large collars, the skinny "tank tops", and worse of all - the tie-dye 'grandad' vests. Ugh!!!!

you'll love this


https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61vECNHxw9L._AC_SL1000_.jpg

[Pigmy Pony]

I loathed everything about the sartorial tastes and fashions of the '70s. From the hideous clumpy shoes, the flared trousers, the tight-fitting shirts with large collars, the skinny "tank tops", and worse of all - the tie-dye 'grandad' vests. Ugh!!!!

So what were you wearing in the 70s? Or did you just stick with the Teddy Boy look until punk came along?

[Pigmy Pony]

That medallion looks like it might have real chocolate inside.

[Pigmy Pony]

i used to have some pants like these. My girlfriend at the time hated them. Even I drew the line at tank tops.

https://images.halloweencostumes.com/media/13/70s/mens-70s-costume.jpg

[Pigmy Pony]

Adam Faith's "Budgie" embraced the worst of 70s fashion, but he did alright birds-wise. Just ask Adrienne :)

https://media.proprofs.com/images/QM/user_images/1844066/1439934797.jpg

[walpurgis]

I loathed everything about the sartorial tastes and fashions of the '70s. From the hideous clumpy shoes, the flared trousers, the tight-fitting shirts with large collars, the skinny "tank tops", and worse of all - the tie-dye 'grandad' vests. Ugh!!!!

You wouldn't have liked my three button fly, hipster loon pants then? :lol:

[Barry]

You wouldn't have liked my three button fly, hipster loon pants then? :lol:

Hipster loon pants - isn't that a contradiction? At the time there was a trend towards high waisted trousers. I just about tolerated and got by with 16" bottom jeans.

[Barry]

So what were you wearing in the 70s? Or did you just stick with the Teddy Boy look until punk came along?

I think I just about managed with the 14" bottom cord jeans I had at the time, and tended to wear polo neck tops. I did buy a leather jacket which had far wider lapels than I would have chosen; the same with my suit, which had moderately flared trousers. Later had the lapels of the leather jacket narrowed.

As for footwear - I continued to wear zip-sided 'Chelsea' boots, getting them re-soled as and when required.

[Mikeandvan]

I think I just about managed with the 14" bottom cord jeans I had at the time, and tended to wear polo neck tops. I did buy a leather jacket which had far wider lapels than I would have chosen; the same with my suit, which had moderately flared trousers. Later had the lapels of the leather jacket narrowed.

As for footwear - I continued to wear zip-sided 'Chelsea' boots, getting them re-soled as and when required.

I remember a work colleague saying is dad used to moan in the 70s that he couldn't find any normal clothes to buy!! It was as you described all big collars, big trousers etc. With polo necks and chelsea sounds like your fashion choices veer towards 1960s.

[Mikeandvan]

I remember going to Kennsington high street market in the early 90s, and finding original early 70s 'Big E' Levi cord flares, and buying about 4 pairs of them. After a night out one morning in Brighton walking around town in yellow flares and green velvet frock coat, hahahaha. That was the 90s when every cunt was in bog standard jeans and whatever crappy branded sportswear. Yep, in teh 90s, I was making like it was the 70s, and in the 80s, I was making like it was the 60s.

[Lawrence001]

I lived as always on the margins fashion-wise, looking like a Status Quo roadie.

Which of these two were you then?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230818/24856d45842f989c0085d08e0a59af48.jpg

[Lawrence001]

I think I just about managed with the 14" bottom cord jeans I had at the time, and tended to wear polo neck tops. I did buy a leather jacket which had far wider lapels than I would have chosen; the same with my suit, which had moderately flared trousers. Later had the lapels of the leather jacket narrowed.

As for footwear - I continued to wear zip-sided 'Chelsea' boots, getting them re-soled as and when required.

That must be you on the left with the polo neck then. Funny, I had you down more as a second from the right sort of chap.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230818/d30b6b17ec1f467a927000ca39feb762.jpg

[walpurgis]

Those guys are probably in their mid eighties now if they're still about. Wonder what they're wearing these days? :)

[struth]

Those guys are probably in their mid eighties now if they're still about. Wonder what they're wearing now? :)Incontinence pants

[Pigmy Pony]

I think I just about managed with the 14" bottom cord jeans I had at the time, and tended to wear polo neck tops. I did buy a leather jacket which had far wider lapels than I would have chosen; the same with my suit, which had moderately flared trousers. Later had the lapels of the leather jacket narrowed.

As for footwear - I continued to wear zip-sided 'Chelsea' boots, getting them re-soled as and when required.

I suppose we were all influenced by our music idols to some degree :)

https://alchetron.com/cdn/val-doonican-d57dff43-b902-4e98-beeb-40641bbcb01.webp

[walpurgis]

Incontinence pants

:lol:

[Pigmy Pony]

Those guys are probably in their mid eighties now if they're still about. Wonder what they're wearing these days? :)

https://cdn.incontinenceshop.com/media/catalog/product/cache/83497107039879fa09f12053b49ff35d/image/2430e9a1/tena-men-premium-fit-maxi-pants-large-extra-large-pack-of-8.jpg

Well you did ask.

[Pigmy Pony]

Which of these two were you then?
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230818/24856d45842f989c0085d08e0a59af48.jpg

The bloke at the front, but with a lot more hair and no tash.

[struth]

The bloke at the front, but with a lot more hair and no tash.

thats kenny cope... still alive too(randall and hopkirk fame). that still is from carry on at your convenience

[walpurgis]

thats kenny cope... still alive too(randall and hopkirk fame). that still is from carry on at your convenience

The other one could be Bernard Bresslaw.

[struth]

The other one could be Bernard Bresslaw.Indeed it is. Sadly no longer with us. He was 6' 7".

[Stranraer]

I don't recall any thread going so wrong so fast.

[struth]

thread drift.... an aos legend :D

[Pigmy Pony]

Just to get things back on track :)

https://stereo2go.com/forums/data/attachments/25/25395-6ee5c6bedb4f9a81feb30af1937eef7b.jpg

Shame I couldn't make it any bigger/clearer.

[Mikeandvan]

Back on thread - the lust for the technology represented in that window in all its metallic physicality makes today's listening devices look anemic, tinny sounding android phones. You can imagine Hip hop crews hulking around sound systems and record collections to mix fabulous new music, and mix tapes perhaps made on those tape decks. Compared to today where some scrote with an android phone turns up to 'DJ' with a pre made mix, yeh, the excitement level is just way down. Besides the music made nowadays really isn't worth the effort of actually going out to a record shop, buying the physical product of the artist, getting home and playing it on a proper system (not audiophool, just adequate enough). Also the techno revolution of the 90s didn't really do away with the physical aspect of making music, it just switched it from guitars to synthesizers, the lust for those is just as strong! It also gave a small bounce to vinyl, and kept the love for the 1210 going strong.

[struth]

equipment wise it may have been ok era but when you had the 60's and seventies, the 80's and 90's were just flat

[Pigmy Pony]

equipment wise it may have been ok era but when you had the 60's and seventies, the 80's and 90's were just flat

I don't know - I've always considered the 70s to be my decade music-wise, but a couple of years me and Anita did an online music quiz for the 80's (her decade), and I scored 47 out of 50! Obviously a lot more of that music sunk in than I would have believed. :scratch:

Just realised we're still talking about equipment, not the music :doh: but I've typed it now, so I'll click 'send' anyway :)

[Lawrence001]

thats kenny cope... still alive too(randall and hopkirk fame). that still is from carry on at your convenienceYeah for some reason it was that scene I immediately pictured when Steve said Status Quo roadie, although I briefly googled On the Buses before realising my mistake

Steve might prefer to think of himself in the position just after that still though...



https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230818/57d617cfeeab2415a6db634a86594942.jpg

[Lawrence001]

Thinking about it, there was a Barry type character in the film too.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230818/855f0cee3e3d6ae4d8ece57055762819.jpg

[struth]

jackie piper was very attractive, although thats not the best pic of her tbh.

[Macca]

Filmed round here that was (amongst other places)

Some of the external factory scenes were done at this place:

https://i.ibb.co/pXSR2Np/Twyfords-Cliffe-Valle-1887.jpg (https://imgbb.com/)

[rmcin626]

equipment wise it may have been ok era but when you had the 60's and seventies, the 80's and 90's were just flat

1973 is concerned to be a great year for the music released

[struth]

Filmed round here that was (amongst other places)

Some of the external factory scenes were done at this place:

https://i.ibb.co/pXSR2Np/Twyfords-Cliffe-Valle-1887.jpg (https://imgbb.com/)

interesting... need to watch it soon along with other carry ons

[struth]

1973 is concerned to be a great year for the music released

looking at albums alone, and the bands, yes it was a good year

[Barry]

Thinking about it, there was a Barry type character in the film too.https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230818/855f0cee3e3d6ae4d8ece57055762819.jpg

Are you talking about me?

https://i.postimg.cc/d1b3GgNs/085.jpg

[struth]

Looking good baz

[Mikeandvan]

Polo neck in this heat!!

[Mikeandvan]

equipment wise it may have been ok era but when you had the 60's and seventies, the 80's and 90's were just flat

Nooooooo,well may be if you didnt like hip hop, electro, post punk, house, techno, jungle, electronica. But yeh Brit pop was shit.

[Pigmy Pony]

Are you talking about me?

https://i.postimg.cc/d1b3GgNs/085.jpg

:eek: Is pic 2 the negative for pic 1?

[Sherwood]

It was amazing we ever attracted the opposite sex with those fashions. If you had a bit more dosh you might stretch to brogue shoes and Crombie coats. I lived as always on the margins fashion-wise, looking like a Status Quo roadie.

I was never into the Crombie, more a nice Harrington with tassle loafers!

By the next decade I was Wrangler Man. Heavy denim and big check Lumber Jackets. Still big shirt collars in the early 80s though!


31126

[Macca]

I was well into my thirties before I had money to spend on clothes. By that point I wasn't that bothered anyway.

[Pigmy Pony]

I was well into my thirties before I had money to spend on clothes. By that point I wasn't that bothered anyway.

Still a hit with the birds though. Having more hair probably helped.

https://assets.heart.co.uk/2018/14/worzel-gummidge-1523264682-custom-0.jpg

[Pigmy Pony]

I was never into the Crombie, more a nice Harrington with tassle loafers!

By the next decade I was Wrangler Man. Heavy denim and big check Lumber Jackets. Still big shirt collars in the early 80s though!


31126

Got one like this a couple of years ago. Didn't cost much, but is quite thin and lightweight, so not much cop in winter.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/-BsAAOSwqOJjKw6K/s-l300.jpg

[struth]

a pea coat... yes i said pea;) will kkeep you warm as a sheep:eyebrows:


https://images.stylight.net/image/upload/e_trim/t_web_product_330x440max_nobg/q_auto:eco,f_auto/th6lbiwtmlan1etyqxyn.jpg

[Lawrence001]

Are you talking about me?

https://i.postimg.cc/d1b3GgNs/085.jpgA not uncanny resemblance there [emoji23]

[Barry]

:eek: Is pic 2 the negative for pic 1?

:lol: I hadn't thought of that. In fact I'm sure if you transposed the numbers in our ages you would find they were similar.