Established in 1960, Tower Records was once a retail powerhouse with 200 stores, in 30 countries, on five continents. From humble beginnings in a small-town drugstore, Tower Records eventually became the heart and soul of the music world, and a powerful force in the music industry. In 1999, Tower Records made an astounding $1 billion. In 2006, the company filed for bankruptcy. What went wrong? Everyone thinks they know what killed Tower Records: The Internet. But that's not the story. Directed by Colin Hanks, and featuring music icons like Dave Grohl, Elton John and Bruce Springsteen, “All Things Must Pass” is a feature documentary film examining this iconic company's explosive trajectory, tragic demise, and legacy forged by its rebellious founder Russ Solomon.
Established in 1960, Tower Records was once a retail powerhouse with two hundred stores, in thirty countries, on five continents. From humble beginnings in a small-town drugstore, Tower Records eventually became the heart and soul of the music world, and a powerful force in the music industry. In 1999, Tower Records made $1 billion. In 2006, the company filed for bankruptcy. What went wrong? Everyone thinks they know what killed Tower Records: The Internet. But that's not the story. All Things Must Pass is a feature documentary film examining this iconic company's explosive trajectory, tragic demise, and legacy forged by its rebellious founder, Russ Solomon.
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Fantastic, inspiring and heartbreakingI had no idea about the story behind Tower. This is a great story, that while entertaining, builds the sense of foreboding when it hits the late 90s. Anyone who fondly remembers the joy of hunting through a record store will likely choke up at the finale (and know where they are going to select for a holiday)..Score: 4/5
Wading through wet cementUnfortunately this documentary reminds me of a similar film, at least in style, about the invention of the mountain bike: endless loops of the same thing being said over and over again only by different people. It's ok to let all the old crew chime in but when it doesn't move the story along its the hour of the editor. This should not have ended up as an internal promo real intended for former employees to help them reminisce. The story is not uninteresting but it could have been told in a good thirty minutes. Or, alternatively, the filmmakers could have dug a little deeper, as other commentators have suggested. An interesting piece of record industry history that could have done with a lot less fluff. Entertaining when you have the option to fast forward..Score: 2/5
Missed opportunityThis was oddly both interesting and difficult to watch. The history of Tower, its place in the music industry, and its demise make for interesting narrative. The hard part is all the self-agrandazing and revisionist history by people that let their passion turn to greed. They unfairly and inaccurately take responsibility for cultural shifts and being the “first” at many things (e.g., they claim their newsletter/flyer was one of the first real rock magazines instead of advertising rag). They act like they helped create popular music when they are far more responsible for making it unaffordable and setting the stage for their own demise. I loved going to Tower as much as anybody, but it wasn’t the musical mecca and social hub they describe; that was my local, independent record store..Score: 2/5
Standing on the Shoulders of Towering GiantsThis is a great case study and story about Moore's Law and technological disruption. At the outset, it's easy to guess why not only Tower Records, but Borders, Blockbuster Video, and other retail giants gave way to e-commerce. Yet this doc specifically centers on Russ Solomon as well as the heart and soul of Tower Records: its people. Perhaps this is why there wasn't a broader story about other industry disruptions. Thank you, Mr. Hanks, for a fine documentary. As a side note, one day I went to Tower Records and listened to a band in the CD listening booth. The band instantly became my favorite band as I bought their album, "Songs for the Deaf," five minutes later. The band's name is Queens of the Stone Age, and I am eternally grateful for Tower Records for introducing me to a band that profoundly influenced my life in a positive way. Thank you a million times; "No music, No life.".Score: 5/5
INSPIRING and Eye-OpeningAs a musician that grew up on the West Coast and living in Tokyo now, this documentary struck me hard. Totally crying at the end. (Lol) Very inspiring, gives you a whole new sense of what the music industry has gone through from the retail perspective; important stuff for an artist to know too..Score: 5/5
Could Have Been BetterGood on history, but there was a lot more backstory than we saw. Power plays, human conflict, and egoism are all part of the mix and the film didn’t get to the real story because Hanks the film maker backed off when he should have dug deeper..Score: 2/5
Heard about this on Colbert. Must see!!Colin Hanks was on The Late Show and they talked about this documentary. I remembered how much time I spent in the stores, so I had to see it. How ironic that its initial release is on iTunes. One of the distribution avenues that killed Tower. Anyway, i had to see the story about the company and those that worked there Fsnatastic.Score: 5/5
Great documentaryThis is a great documentary, I wish I would have been able to go in a tower records when I was a kid, highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of music.Score: 4/5
A cool place to go back in the day...I feel old, but used to drive out there from the coast to hit up the movie store across the street too. Of course, no you have... well, this..Score: 4/5
Sad but beautifulThis documentary was nicely crafted. I remember Tower Records in NYC. So sad to see that era gone. Yeah you can bring vinyl back but it's not the same. Things change over time. It's a reality..Score: 4/5
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