I Need That Record, an independent documentary by Brendan Toller, was shown at San Francisco’s Artists’ Television Access as part of Noise Pop 2009.
The feature-length film examines the reason for the closing of over 3,000 independent record stores in the past decade. The movie looks at the effect of the rise of e-commerce, a dwindling in diversified support from corporate radio, the rise of the digital music revolution, and the missteps of the major record labels. As the overall record industry has compounding years with fewer sales, more independent record stores are closing their doors. The major labels rely on sales from big box retailers like Wal-Mart, Target, and Best Buy more than the locally owned and operated shops.
In addition to exploring the causes of this disheartening trend, Toller’s film also explains the effects of this loss. By interviewing experts like Noam Chomsky and patrons of closing stores, the director displays the sense of community that is lost when a local music shop goes out of business. Small town shops are often the only source for music from independent record labels. They provide opportunities for intimate in store performances and help to bolster local music scenes.
The presentation and style of the movie is excellent. Toller pieces together archival footage, resourceful facts and figures, animation, and a wealth of insightful interviews. On film are music industry figures, writers, and musicians including Ian McKaye, Thurston Moore, and Mike Watt. There are also numerous candid moments with owners and supports of independent record stores. It shows the final days leading up to store closings and follow-ups after the shops have shut down.
The final frames of the film present Malcolm Tent giving his advice for the survival of independent record stores. After he was forced out of the lease for his record store, Trash American Style, Tent has taken his store on the road. He sets up at college campuses and sells records through an eBay store. His advice is simply, “Don’t give up.”
While the expanded film title has the added parenthetical phrase of “Possible Survival” of the independent record store, the movie does not focus on how to save these retail establishments. While Mike Dreese, who runs the successful Newbury Comics, was interviews and there are a handful of indie stores that remain in business, the only advise the film offers for those struggling is to not give up. With that said, I Need That Record perfectly addresses the specific topic of why independent record shops continue to close.
Watch the trailer to I Need That Record:
I Need That Record's official website
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