Sound City
Dir: Dave Grohl
2013
***
Dave Grohl's passion and gratitude is clear to see from his directional debut and tribute to Sound City Studios. He recorded Nevermind there, indeed many great rock band recorded many a great album in the studio there over a thirty year period. Sadly, the film documents the history but also the end of the studios existence. Grohl has got a few Rock and roll friends, all of which turn up to do their talking head spot out of similar passion and gratitude but also because of the studios historical and cultural importance. Here is where the message gets mixed. Grohl credits the studios famous analog console for the great sound heard on every album just as much as the people working there. Wouldn't the film be a better tribute if it was a 'Lets save the studio' fund raiser? Wouldn't that be the best way to show your gratitude? Halfway through the film, the studio is closed and that is it and like some kind of unfortunate twist (kicking a studio when its down), Grohl announces that he's bought the analog console, has got a few of his friends round and is recording music in his brand new studio. What starts as a tribute turns into self-promotion! Genius idea but a bit of an insult to everyone at Sound Studios, the people you're supposed to be crediting. The music is good though!