You all know that I'm a sucker for a good documentary. The latest one to slide across my desk was All Things Must Pass - The Rise and Fall of Tower Records. If you were into music from the 60' through the 2000's, then you had to have frequented a record store. The record store is a sacred place for music lovers. There is nothing like getting lost in a record store for hours upon hours. Unfortunately, over the last several years there seems to be fewer and fewer stores to grab the latest disc or LP, from your favorite band. It is truly unfortunate, because it was such a fun ritual, for me, when I was growing up. In most major cities, there is probably no big chains like Tower, Sound Warehouse, or even Hastings anymore. Hastings being the last one to bite the dust. It is truly ashame.
All Things Must Pass chronicles the rise and fall of Tower Records. It is the true story of how the mega chain was started, and chonicles all the way to their demise in 2006. The Tower name lives on, online and overseas. This documentary features insightful interviews with founder Russ Solomon as well as some of his key employees. Also, as a bonus, there are some interviews with some of the artists that used to frequent this legendary establishment. It's the story about how Russ tried to grow his company too rapidly, and then fell prey to the internet and file sharing. It is ashame, because when I go overseas I can still visit a Tower in Tokyo or Paris, but not one in the USA. At least there is still some countries that get it. This is a must see for any music fan.
Bottom Line: Entertaining, fun, informative and sad all at the same time. To be able to go to Tower, on Sunset in Hollywood, again; Oh how I wish. A great doc. that will keep you glued to your seat from start to finish.
-Ragman misses record stores.