SOHO

Soho is primarily a deposit of artifacts. To the best of AoF's knowledge, not much Scritti history actually happened here.

[MAP of Soho. Starting at the top right corner moving towards the bottom left corner are: On the Beat Collectors Records on Hanway St which ends on the north side of big Oxford Street; a few blocks towards the west on Oxford Street is Berwick Street on the south side; further south, Berwick Street ends at Brewer Street; turning west on Brewer Street Vintage Magazine Company is just a block or two away.]

AREAS OVERVIEW

The area is major commercial spot. So expect throngs of flesh and blood. Soho used to be know for sex clubs and sleaze. Now it is a restaurant haven and boost a teeny Chinatown further down off the map. But the area in question is mainly office buildings and shops with a good fruit and vegetable market on Berwick Street.

THE PILGRAM'S TRAIL

Working your way down from the British Museum...



On The Beat Collector's Records

 22 Hanway Street, London W1P 9DD
tel: (44-171) 637-8934
Great place! And that means of course Scritti has it's own section! A bit on the pricy side, but they do have some great stuff. All three 88 box sets were still available. There was a copy of the special promotional 85 12" which James Lawrence got at The Singles Bar (see Camden Town). A Word Girl 12 " has Green's autograph, but it's only printed in block letter, just "GREEN"; but PLEASE! AoF is dedicated, but not THAT dedicated and well funded! However, the library could definitely have done with that copy of promotional Boom! There She Was video box set which someone else beat AoF to it! What AoF managed to salvage are 1) a poster for Cupid & Psyche '85 and 2) Jamming! June 85. There were also earlier issues of Jamming! but unfortunately, no issue no. 6 with the reputedly first ever interview with Scritti.



Hanway Street & Berwick Street

Lots of record shops, but not much Scritti wares. AoF field researcher only found one 3" compilation CD with Absolute among songs by other civilizations. Not AoF's cup of tea, but perhaps worth periodic checking nonetheless.



Vintage Magazine Company

39/43 Brewer Street, Soho, London W1
tel: (44-171) 439-8525
Don't be fazed by the sex shops on the same street. This shop is worth visiting for it has magazine back issues in the basement. AoF had to get down and dirty to uncover only three articles from 82: Melody Maker May 82, August 82 and Sounds May 82. But on the bright side, Green was on two of the covers! There are also branches elsewhere, but the Camden High Street branch is not worth checking out, having no back issues. Unfortunately, AoF missed their "Collectors Emporium" at 7/8 Greenland Place, Camden NW1, tel: (44-171) 482-0587. Could have better spoils there?