Sound City

Variance Films | Release Date: January 31, 2013

7.9	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 44 Ratings

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joey-clemenzaFeb 15, 2013

Today's music industry is widely considered to be a jumbled mess of confusion regarding quality vs. craftsmanship of the music, deciphered and taken in by (most) consumers who haven't the ability to tell the difference. In truth, aToday's music industry is widely considered to be a jumbled mess of confusion regarding quality vs. craftsmanship of the music, deciphered and taken in by (most) consumers who haven't the ability to tell the difference. In truth, a non-musician would be hard pressed to pick up on the subtleties of classic analogue production over contemporary digital recreation while being inundated with the gospel of technology convincing them otherwise that; "it's really the same thing, only easier". Well, Dave Grohol, lead singer of "The Foo Fighters" and director of "Sound City" would convince you otherwise. How? For starters, what's the difference between a robot of astute perfection and flawlessness and a flawed human with a burning soul? Since the inception of "pro tools", artists have been allotted a standard of mediocrity, later to be corrected by technology of the next level. This is true, and is not to say that tech in general hasn't made our lives easier. However, in order to the get to the core of Grohl's thesis, we don't necessarily need to ump into a deloreon, phone booth or sled and rewind ourselves to the good ol days of analogue tech and tape reels. Just reach into your vinyl and listen for yourself. Do you hear it? That's the sound of perfection, which is what makes vinyl as pure as it is. You see, before the age of digital correction and over correction, a musician had to stand up to the standards of flawlessness honing in their craft and developing great respect with their simian connection to their instrument. with regards to the recording. This is what Grohl was hoping to address in his new documentary "Sound City", and I am pleased to say that he has pulled it off well.

The documentary is a sentimental ode to the machine that acted as the HUB of Sound City's success, and has become something of legend among the inner circles of both classic and contemporary rock 'n roll.; the Neve Console. It's also a love letter to the days of pure, smoky and rough analogue recording; that which has transcended Fleetwood Mac's "Rumors" and Nirvana's "Nevermind" into classic album status.

For the true audiophile, the doc never misses a beat. Observing the technical ferociousness of the Neve, by lending credence to the genius behind those who had mastered the console and helped give birth to their respective masterpieces. For others, it's a story of the awakening and subsequent death of an engineering Juggernaut empire, unto which became the unfortunate victim of digital technology.

The documentary never skips a beat, and even rewards the viewer with a seminal reunion of rock music's royalty few of whom have been waiting in the wings of a music snob's dream. Stevie Nicks recording with Pat Smear of the Germs, or the impromptu reunion of Nirvana's line-up with a legendary Beatle and Wings frontman Paul McCartney is enough to send any music junky into orbit, and beyond, By the way, if you ever wondered what Nirvana would've sounded like with Paul McCartney jamming with them on his cigar-box guitar and screaming improvised lyrics? Look no further. The film fires on all cylinders, and subtly infuses the very element it claims has been lost in the record industry for nearly decades humanism. Grohl does an exceptional job at conveying the birth of music magic, with little to no modern technology, and at the whim of a simple analogue recorder, human chemistry, magic and imagination. As far as cons are concerned, it would've been nice to see a great litany of performers at the films climax, recording with the mythical Neve console at Grohl's home. However, a nitpicky complaint at best.

I can not recommend this film more. For an audiophile, you may find yourself rewinding in various stages as you'll feel the need to take in every bit of information that has been said. For others, there is a certain spiritual catharsis attached to watching Nirvana improvise a song from a few bars of notes, and turn it into a piece of rock and roll history with Sir Paul Mcartney singing the vocals and playing with a damm classic cigar box guitar.

**PERFECT SCORE 10/10 Do yourself a favor and put aside 100 minutes of your life to watch this extraordinary film.… Expand

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adamwouldcouldMar 28, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I don't write movie reviews I write Thank You notes.

Dear Dave Grohl,
Thanks for this great sounding documentary. It was in depth and thorough, yet light-hearted and easy to watch. Some of my favorite artists of all time... I mean seriously this doc is overflowing with a variety and caliber of musicians I personally could only dream of, and in that regard this could be considered one of the greatest musical documentaries of all time.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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cameronmorewoodAug 3, 2013

Sound City, directed by Foo Fighters headliner Dave Grohl, is a heartfelt and intriguing documentary that's after the heart of any and all music lovers.

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samsmithnzAug 19, 2013

A totally engaging documentary into why Sound City was so successful and why all of your favorite records were made there and sounded so good. Totally recommend this movie to all music fans, particularly from the 90's, out there.

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sivaruthvikMar 12, 2014

a little pure , lovely , affectionate movie. excellent direction and acting. one of the best rock n rolla musical movie. it delivers much straight run of story and music lovers love it.

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geewahJan 7, 2021

A passionate doco and an ode to one of the most famed and influential music studios of it's time.

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