The devastation from Hurricane Sandy is widespread, New York, New Jersey and Southern Connecticut all got it in the teeth from the big whompin’ storm. We have see so much ruin that it’s easy to simply shut your brain off. It’s bad over there so look the other way.
As I write this, over a week later, there are still people without power or even homes. Dependent upon the kindness of strangers, sound so Blanche Dubois (look it up) but in fact it is a reality. Sometime we really need help from strangers. So don’t be an ass, do what you can to help your fellow man and do so discreetly, no one needs to know how many blankets you brought to the shelter it gains you nothing but the reputation as a blow hard. Give quietly and often.
That being said there are businesses near and dear that need help too. Former drummer of The shockabilly band The Cramps Miriam Linna and her husband Billy Miller have owned Norton Records for 31 years. A real live vinyl record shop in Brooklyn that is totally rocked now. No pun intended.
Volunteers have been lining up to help salvage as much as possible of the irreplaceable inventory. Waterlogged LPsnd sleeves are being carefully dried and repackaged but there is so very much to be done.
The Norton website offered this snapshot of reality.
“Thanks to all who have checked in offering concern for us here at Norton Records during Hurricane Sandy. Our home and office were unaffected by the hurricane, however Norton's Brooklyn warehouse facility was hit hard, destroying most of Norton's catalog stock.
We ask at this time that you hold off on ordering until we can assess the damages.
The following video features both Linna and Miller with many shots of the devastation.
Anyone in the tri-state area who would like to help the Norton people out can contact them at 917-671-7185.”
Maybe call and offer up some help? Maybe you can sing “Human Fly” in your best Lux Interior voice.
Best wishes for speedy drying Norton’s.