Ray's Occult Books 33 St. Mark's Place New York, NY 10003 * Google Maps street view

History - written by Chris Buchner (used with permission)
Since its use as the facade of Ray's Occult, the store has undergone many owner changes. From June 1977 until early 1989, it was Manic Panic, a hip clothing store. Then it became Smash followed by Normans 2, both dealing in CDs. In 1996, the store changed hands yet again and opened as a record store called Rockit Scientist Records.

15 Years Later: The building has undergone a major facelift. When compared to the movie, the building’s natural brick color is exposed and new ornamental decorations have been placed above the windows. The storefront itself has been painted and changed slightly, while the doorway that was between it and the other store has been sealed and replaced by a staircase leading to a doorway on the second floor, now a tattoo parlor. The phone that was closer to the deli is now two phones located by the curb in front of it. The awning to neighboring St. Mark’s Deli has been changed and renamed St. Mark’s Deli/Grocery.

Fun Facts

• The video for Billy Joel's "A Matter of Trust" was filmed in 1986 on St. Mark's Place, a little bit down from #33. The big blue building from which Billy and his band performed in the video is #19-#23, which has a completely new facade, and is the home to many stores. Bagel Land in the video is #17. The out-of-business Our Gang Hair Boutique is #18 across the street, and the steps on the left with the unique archway belong to #20. At the end of the video when the camera zooms out on the sea of people in the street, that's #22 in the background on the top right. (I surmised all this by comparing screen caps from the video with Google Maps' current street view of the locale.)

Outside Links

• GoogleMaps Photo Gallery
• New York Magazine Photo Gallery
• Hubert Steed's photos of the neighboring St Mark's Deli & Zen Noodle Shop: Photo #1 and Photo #2 (9/10/2006). (links on bottom of pages to original size photos)