An Afternoon in Soho: The Allure of Berwick Street
On November 13, 2024, a light drizzle fell on London. I soon found myself on Berwick Street. This street holds iconic status for music fans. It is, after all, where Oasis shot the cover for their legendary album, “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?”.
This visit felt particularly essential. Why? Because Oasis had recently reunited. They were even planning a world tour. That tour included a much-anticipated stop in Japan that October. As a dedicated fan, this pilgrimage was truly significant for me. Indeed, simply walking down this historic street was an experience in itself. It filled me with a unique sense of connection to the band and their music.
Berwick Street’s Musical Legacy: A Enduring Charm
Berwick Street was once a renowned haven for music lovers. It was famously lined with a multitude of record stores. However, times have certainly changed. The number of these cherished stores has dwindled over the years. Nevertheless, a few beloved shops still shine brightly in this area, maintaining the street’s musical spirit.
Among them, Sister Ray stands out as unmissable. This long-established record store is famously featured on that very Oasis album cover. This occasion marked my fourth visit. My first journey here was back in the year 2000. Each time, I find myself captivated. The charming facade and the music-filled window display invariably draw me in, promising new discoveries.
I took a moment to soak in the street’s unique atmosphere. Then, with a heart full of anticipation, I pushed open the doors of Sister Ray. Now, what musical treasures awaited me inside this legendary London store?
Diving into Sister Ray: A Music Lover’s Paradise
The distinct allure of Sister Ray begins even before you step through its doors. Its window display serves as a clear testament to a profound and enduring passion for music. Indeed, it offers new visual discoveries with every single visit. Consequently, it often compels passersby to pause, take a closer look, and perhaps step inside. It’s truly a delightful and welcoming invitation for any music enthusiast exploring the vibrant Soho area.
The Ground Floor: A CD Wonderland and Promo Hopes
The ground floor of Sister Ray is primarily dedicated to Compact Discs. The sheer volume of CDs available is breathtaking. They line the walls from floor to ceiling, effectively creating a veritable forest of music. Additionally, visitors can often find bargain new CDs conveniently located near the cash register. So, it’s always worth a quick look there before heading downstairs.
In the used section, one can occasionally stumble upon rare promotional copies. What are promotional copies? They are special items, often featuring different designs or unique formats compared to standard releases. Artists and labels send these to media outlets and stores specifically for promotional purposes. Unfortunately, it seems these precious items and general used records are becoming scarcer. This is a tangible sign of the ongoing digital shift in music consumption, which is, of course, a little disheartening for dedicated collectors.
The Basement: Descending into a Vinyl Treasure Trove
Then, I eagerly descended the stairs. This short journey led to the much-anticipated basement vinyl floor. What makes Sister Ray so fantastic for vinyl collectors? Primarily, it’s how they meticulously organize their vast collection of records. Both new and used vinyl are thoughtfully arranged by artist. This system makes Browse an incredibly easy and thoroughly enjoyable experience for everyone.
In particular, the selection of new vinyl is impressively extensive. You could easily lose track of all time while exploring its depths. For vinyl lovers, this basement area is nothing short of paradise. It’s a perfect place to discover hidden gems and long-sought-after LPs.
Naturally, my first destination was the Oasis section. As I had fervently hoped, I managed to unearth some rare promo vinyls on this particular visit. That exciting moment felt absolutely exhilarating. It was like striking gold during an intense treasure hunt.
My Finds: Unearthing Musical Gems at Sister Ray
The biggest and most exciting scores from this memorable trip to Sister Ray were undoubtedly the Oasis promo records. These highly sought-after items are prized by collectors worldwide for their inherent rarity and connection to the band’s history.
Prized Oasis Promos: A Collector’s Dream Come True
First, I found a remarkable one-sided 12″ promo of the song “Acquiesce” (bearing the catalog number RKID74T). This special record was originally distributed to commemorate the remastered release of the iconic album “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?”. Adding to its appeal, the B-side features a distinctive white label. This small detail is a particular thrill for serious collectors of Oasis memorabilia.
Next, my searching eyes spotted another true gem. It was a 12-inch promo vinyl of the classic track “Stand by me.” This specific record was produced for the promotion of the remastered version of the album “Be Here Now.” The B-side of this single features the track “(I Got) The Fever.” Discovering these two records truly made the entire trip to London feel worthwhile. It was an incredibly special moment for me as a fan.
More Treasures: Venturing Beyond Oasis
Liam Gallagher’s Solo Efforts
Furthermore, I decided to explore the extensive 7-inch section more thoroughly. There, I came across a neat and complete set of four singles. These were from the solo career of former Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher. As a keen fan who also follows his solo endeavors, I simply couldn’t pass them up. Therefore, I promptly added them to my growing basket of finds. It was certainly a happy and rather unexpected coincidence to find them all together in one place.
A Smashing Pumpkins Surprise
Later, as I continued to scan the shelves dedicated to other artists, something else caught my eye. It was the first-ever vinyl pressing of “Rotten Apples: Greatest Hits.” This is the acclaimed 2001 best-of album by The Smashing Pumpkins. They are, of course, an iconic US alternative rock band. This particular pressing is a high-quality 180-gram heavyweight vinyl. Interestingly, I had listened to both “(What’s The Story) Morning Glory?” and various The Smashing Pumpkins albums obsessively. This occurred around the same period in my life. Because of this strong personal connection, this find felt incredibly serendipitous. It, too, joined my significant pile of purchases for the day.
The Vibe: A Community of Music Lovers
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
The staff at Sister Ray always impress me with their demeanor. They are consistently friendly, approachable, and very helpful. If you happen to be looking for a specific record, they can certainly assist you. Similarly, if you simply want some recommendations, they are always happy to share their extensive knowledge and passion for music.
During this particular visit, I had a brief but enjoyable chat with one of the staff members. We talked about the rare Oasis promos I had just found. We also delved into a bit of general music talk. Their genuine passion for all genres of music, I firmly believe, contributes significantly to the shop’s uniquely warm and welcoming atmosphere.
A Shared Passion Among Crate Diggers
Inside the store, it was filled with other people. They were diligently searching for records, just like I was. The crowd was noticeably diverse. People of many different nationalities and various ages were present. However, all of them shared the same earnest and focused gaze. They carefully scanned the racks with intense concentration, hoping to find that special record. The joyful expressions that appeared on their faces upon finding a coveted vinyl were truly universal. Witnessing such scenes is always a potent reminder. It clearly shows the powerful and unifying nature of music across cultures and generations.
Final Thoughts: Why Sister Ray and SOHO Beckon Return
Sister Ray is undoubtedly a sacred site for devout Oasis fans; that much is crystal clear. Beyond that important fact, it also stands as a fantastic record store in its own right. It is well worth visiting for any serious music lover, regardless of their specific genre preferences or tastes. The store boasts an extensive selection. Its layout makes Browse easy. The staff are both friendly and knowledgeable. As a result, these positive elements combine perfectly. They consistently offer a top-notch record-hunting experience every single time.
SOHO: A True Music Hub and More
The Epicenter of London’s Record Store Scene
Moreover, Sister Ray‘s prime location is a key part of its appeal. It’s situated in London‘s vibrant SOHO district. This area truly is the heart of a veritable music hub for the city. For instance, other renowned independent record shops like Reckless Records are just a short walk away. (I plan to cover the excellent Reckless Records in another detailed article very soon!)
You can also easily find other notable stores such as Phonica Records, Sounds of the Universe, and Rough Trade Vintage in the vicinity. Even the unique Third Man Records London is relatively close by. This dense concentration of quality record stores means you can easily spend an entire day dedicated solely to musical exploration and discovery in this single neighborhood.
Beyond the Music: SOHO’s Wider Appeal
Especially for Oasis fans, this area of London is an absolute must-visit destination. The neighborhood also boasts a wide array of excellent restaurants and cozy cafes. In addition, popular and trendy fashion select shops like END. and Aimé Leon Dore offer plenty to enjoy beyond the pursuit of music. My visit happened to be on a rather rainy day. Nevertheless, my spirits remained incredibly high throughout. I eventually left Sister Ray with the satisfying weight of my newly acquired records in hand. I was already vowing to return on my very next trip to the city.
Here at Photomo, we will continue our mission to “Walk, Shoot, and Write.” We aim to share the unique culture and experiences we discover on the vibrant streets of the world. Please stay tuned for our next report.
Location Information
Store Name: Sister Ray
Address: 75 Berwick St, London W1F 8RP, United Kingdom
Official Website: http://www.sisterray.co.uk/