37 Amazing Photographs Capture Street Scenes of New York City in 1978

In the 1970s New York City had lost its appeal. The heaven-reaching skyscrapers were jaded. New York City was seedy, grotty and decayed. Seen at night, New York with its blurry neon lighting smudged by visible air could create an impressionist feel, the scars and failing beauty disguised and more easily ignored. But in daylight, the city was as washed out and lacklustre as any Soviet metropolis. People look lonely and isolated in the crowds.

In 1978, Alex Razbash was a tourist in Manhattan-centric New York City. His photos of New York City by day capture the mood, showing us ordinary faces of the city at a challenging time. Nothing shines.

(Photos by Alex Razbash, via Flashbak)