For anyone that remembers growing up in the second half of the 20th century, going to the local record/CD store was a big deal. Perusing all the different albums, finding that one backcatalogue CD you'd been looking for, listening to something new was a lot of fun. In the US, the big name was Tower Records.
The history given in this documentary is mostly given from former employees, most of which started with the company early and stayed until the bitter end (or at least as close to the bitter end that they were allowed). There are also interviews with musicians such as Dave Grohl, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen. These interviews help shape the way we're supposed to look at the history presented.
It all seems pretty accurate, and is definitely entertaining. For those that used to shop at record stores it's even nostalgic. That said, the one big hole is that the main interviewee is Russ Solomon, the founder of the company. And while he makes for a great interview, one can't help but wonder if there's a part of the story not being told. The fall is kind of glossed over a little bit, pointing blame outward, when more can be pointed inward. Having a record executive admit that they killed the cheaper single to drive sales to a $20 album when most people didn't want the whole thing should have been dug into more.
In sum: If you have memories of shopping for CDs or records it's a documentary well worth watching. Just don't expect the full picture.
The history given in this documentary is mostly given from former employees, most of which started with the company early and stayed until the bitter end (or at least as close to the bitter end that they were allowed). There are also interviews with musicians such as Dave Grohl, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen. These interviews help shape the way we're supposed to look at the history presented.
It all seems pretty accurate, and is definitely entertaining. For those that used to shop at record stores it's even nostalgic. That said, the one big hole is that the main interviewee is Russ Solomon, the founder of the company. And while he makes for a great interview, one can't help but wonder if there's a part of the story not being told. The fall is kind of glossed over a little bit, pointing blame outward, when more can be pointed inward. Having a record executive admit that they killed the cheaper single to drive sales to a $20 album when most people didn't want the whole thing should have been dug into more.
In sum: If you have memories of shopping for CDs or records it's a documentary well worth watching. Just don't expect the full picture.