Colony Records to Close Soon

Was bummed to read in the New York Times that famed Colony Records, where I had spent many-a-hour while visiting New York before moving here -- is closing soon, citing customers' ongoing shift toward digital music. (They're right. And before I went digital I was buying CDs via the Internet, so they were doomed either way.) Even though I haven't been in there in ages, I'm still saddened by the news. 

So I stopped by on my way to work -- after nearly tripping over some bodies on 34th Street -- and found the place crawling with old-timers like me, chatting up the owners about the impending end. If you haven't been, the store -- which is located in the south side of the famed Brill Building in Times Square -- is known for not only selling CDs, vinyl, and posters, but also for having the largest selection of sheet music in the country. The Times says it's where actors would turn to prepare for auditions.

  The fun display cases filled with Beatles, Elvis, Kiss, etc. memorabilia only adds to the store's charm. Feeling guilty, I started flipping through the racks of CDs and found Duffy's sophomore album used for $5.99, so bought it. The cashier said, "Oh, I didn't even know she had a second one," and I smiled, informing her that it had been a "flop," but now seemed like the perfect time to give a shot. I then said goodbye to two of the owners who were standing near the doorway, knowing it was probably the last time I'd walk through those doors again.