Yes, we are returning home from the UK today, but that is not what the header refers to in this instance.

You may remember that my post for Monday, July 10 told how I went out to FOPP Records in Cambridge the day I arrived to frantically find the C91 CD box set on Cherry Red.  My music universe was out of balance because  I inadvertently had failed to buy it at the Independent Label Show in May when it was in my hand.

Well, I damn near ended up with another such dilemma yesterday.

First, let me explain my favourite “walk”.  

The  ROUGH TRADE EAST store is located in Shoreditch.  It is about a 15 min walk from the Liverpool Street Station (Central, Circle, Hammersmjth, Metropolitan and Elizabeth.)

You walk through Spitalfields Market, past Poppies Fish & Chips and then around the Brick Lane Brewery.

In 2019, my son Hayden and I travelled to see the first ever Major League Baseball games played in the UK. On arrival in London, Hayden wanted to sleep.  Not surprisingly,  I wanted to look for music.  I hit the Underground for Liverpool Street station and on to Rough Trade East.

I nearly ended the trip on the first day disastrously. In my usual excitement about being in London, and going to the record store, I missed the curb at Brick Lqne Brewery.  I went down forward and broke my fall with both hands on the bricks.  Items in my shirt pocket flew out on the lane way such was my fall. Passersby helped me to my feet.

But it I was painfully scraped on my hands and knees.  Having said that,  I was extremely fortunate I didn’t break one or both wrists breaking the fall.. Note- Don’t ask. 

Here is my corner-

[Ed. Note- rex was NOT using his cell phone when this happened so don’t ask. Of course he continued around the corner to the store and hunted music for an hour or two.]

Next is the courtyard where there is a BANKSY modified vehicle on display. Unfortunately, it is encased  clear box to avoid theft/ damage.

Even the nearby buildings have interesting features.

Then, one of the best music stores in the world.

On arrival, usually a selfie. [Ed. Note.  This one is from Saturday July 15.]

But yesterday, I faced a near disaster on our last day in the UK. 

I had a few more records (and a book on the Underground stations) that I “desperately” needed.  I almost went to the store when it opened at 10 am. 

That would have been easy (and expected) as our hotel was at Liverpool Street Station- just my favourite walk away.  But I deferred so Kim and I could do some wandering in Mayfair, have lunch there and then go to the Tait Modern.  It was a good plan.  The store closed at 7. I had plenty of time at the end of the day.

I wandered over at 5 and immediately was confronted with a potential disaster of my own creation.  You see, the Rough Trade stores often put on in house shows.  They are usually timed to new releases.  Buy the record and get a free pass to a short, intimate show. I had forgot the schedule to check and was confronted by this-

There was a line-up of about 200+ persons wining around the corner.  They all had a code to attend the free gig. The performer was to be MILES KANE of THE LAST SHADOW PUPPETS!  He recently released a solo LP. 

Jeepers.  I thought I was toast.  The contracted security guard at the door was not going to be helpful in this circumstance.  No code. No entry. I totally understood.  He was doing his job.

As well, having been at many in house gigs there , I knew  that most of the retail areas of the store would be closed off for the balance of the day to accommodate the crowd.

However, never underestimate the determination of a 67 year old man with the passion for indie music you all know I possess.

I patiently waited for the crowd to enter whilst emailing pal William at ROUGH TRADE SOHO to see if he could get me in.  (I later learned he called but there was no answer.  Much appreciated Wil.)

I then politely put my “negotiating” and “evidentiary skills to use.  Thanks so much to staff member Adam for his kindness.  Very much appreciated. I was able to get to 2/3ognyjmy list and the book.  

WHEW. SAVED.

I stayed at the back for 3 songs.  Kane was excellent.  I had no intention of staying for the entire gig. However, I  have a video of the first one.  Here is a still from that video.

Obviously to do anything other than a Miles Kane song today would  be silly. Here is “Come “Closer.”

SPOTIFY-  https://spotify.link/hNGxUZwOzB

(SONG 563)

Play Loud and always have a current photos of yourself with a Rough Trade associates  if you want access to the store with a 

on your phone.  You never know when they will come in handy.

7/19/2023

Sent from my iPhone