I remember the first time I watched “Empire Records” and knowing that I wanted to work in and eventually run a record store. I was probably 14 or so at the time I first saw it and by age 27 I would end up being a manager of FYE. We never had a Tower Records where I grew up, but I had heard about it multiple times so watching All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records had my interest before it even started. Fortunately, it’s a very well made documentary and fall into the Must See rating, especially if you love music, documentaries, or compelling stories.
Colin Hanks directs this film showing how Tower Records became a international music franchise and the legacy the company forged only to fall after CD prices went too high and digital music became more available meshed with some questionable business decisions.
This documentary is filled with great b-roll, interviews, and old footage compiled in a linear, chronological fashion. The story unfolds very organically and I found the process comforting. My favorite story was Elton John’s who claimed to have spent more money in Tower Records than any other person…ever. Considering he would buy multiple copies of albums for each of his houses that claim seems likely.
I rented this on Vudu for $4 and was very interested in the rise and fall of this company. Music was a passion that rivaled my passion for film, and for a long time it was where I saw myself ending up in a career. Hearing all the stories, especially those of the artists, were very enjoyable. I highly recommend this film if you get a chance to watch it.
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