Just got home from day in New York, where I visited the Virgin Megastore
on Times Square. It's huge, and the selection of World Music is just
astounding. In the Israeli section alone, there are titles by over 80
artists, including Ofra Haza, Arik Einstein, Tamir Gal, Yosefa, Margalit
Tsununi, Shlomo Carlebach and others. And Israel's a small country.
India, Pakistan, Carribean, Latin, Salsa, Africa -- the number of
performers carried is just staggering.
The Folk Section, on the other hand, is a bit smallish, but still pretty
good. The new Phil Ochs Tribute Album is carried, as is "Where Have All
the Flowers Gone", the Pete Seeger tribute. Maria Sangiolo has good
shelf space, as do Tim O'Brien, Robin and Linda Williams, Greg Brown,
Kate Wolf. I guess even though the Folk Section looks small in the vast
Virgin space, it still has a lot packed in.
Now for the Virgin Marketing 101 Course: You can get cd's, tapes, Virgin
umbrellas, books, videos, Virgin shirts, Virgin hats, and yes, the soda
machine sells only Virgin-lable cola. Don't look for Pepsi or Coke - you
won't find it. It made me want to check out the toilet paper - designer
products know no bounds!
So, it's a trip. If you want to choose from the largest selection
possible, short of the internet, check out Virgin Megastore. The name
won't disappoint.
Respectfully Submitted,
David Broida