Never thought someone could make recording studio equipment so interesting. Great info for music lovers and will keep you interested. Worth the time, won't be disappointed. David Grohl loves music and seems down to earth and assembles a all star cast for this informative documentary about a studio that suffered the fate of technology advances.It is funny how people hope lightening strikes twice,a group records a monster album at the studio and then musicians are beating down the door to record their music at the location. And believe it or not it works. Some of the largest selling albums recorded at this studio and some members come back to record with David one more time

There's people that prefer the drafting board to computers, prefer a typewriter to word-processing software, prefer film to digital cameras, etc. The list is extensive and the people on it are usually dismissed and eventually forgotten as technology moves forward. CGI creates better special effects; digital images can be deleted without wasting film; and Computer Aided Drafting and Manufacturing creates better, more accurate products. However, the case for analog over digital methods in music continues to be made. Musicologist Dave Grohl brings this debate to the court of public opinion in "Sound City." Called to the witness stand is a variety of fellow artists from the 60's to present which includes Paul McCartney, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, Neil Young, John Fogerty, Barry Manilow, Rick Springfield, et al. All these participants not only testify to their in experience with the studio but on the influences and differences of digital over analog methods on music culture. It's made apparent early on that this documentary is more than just a "day in the life" of musicians and how they created the art we enjoy as Dave later affirms: "It all started with this idea that I wanted to tell the story of the board. The conversation became something much bigger. Like . . . in this age of technology, where you simulate or manipulate anything, how do we retain that human element . . .? How do we keep music to sound like people? That feeling that I got when I was young, Oh, I could that too." And so the case is made that it's the analog imperfections that retains the human quality much like hand-made furniture as compared to the mass produced. But the film is not a total dis on technology. It's stated quite clearly that it was the "Neve" sound board that much homage is paid to including an interview with sound engineer Rupert Neve himself. For although this was the pinnacle of technology, it was still analog technology. As the film's humble narrator/producer conducts a multi leveled journey spanning many decades of music, digital methods continued to penetrate the music culture. In all these examples there are those who reject it, those who embrace it, and those who find a middle ground for old and new technologies to coexist in their vocation. Some prefer a set of drums and others use an electronic drum machine. Eventually, Sound City couldn't compete with the digital world where artists steadily became more like computer music "file makers" rather than instrument trained musicians. Through many examples we are shown that in music, in spite of the advances in recording and producing technology, many musicians can preserve the "human" quality with state of the art "analog" technologies. Come to think of it, one of my favorite composers "Vangelis" uses a variety of electronic and digital methods. But he's still very much in charge of the mood his music inspires. This quality would probably be lost if he just programmed a computer to play his compositions. Dave never forgot where he came from. This was the impetus for making this film and the reason for preserving the Neve board which now resides in his private studio. He waxes some heavy philosophy but never comes off preachy which could easily turn this movie into a "vanity project." In fact he comes off very altruistic with his many homages to the staff and studio where he cut his first album with Nirvana. And to top it off is Jam sessions including many of the artists who were interviewed throughout the feature.

The best thing about this documentary is how the studio Sound City gained a legendary status: it took two crucial, million-selling records. Fleetwood Mac, looking for a studio, heard the recording of singing couple Bukingham and Nicks. Not only were they sure they found the right place, but also the right people to complete the band. The album called Rumours is where it all gets together. The second album is of course Nevermind by Nirvana, through which Sound City survived its demise in the digital eighties. Unfortunately, the studio is closed now. Luckily Dave Grohl got the mix board, and made a film about it.Made out of love for music, sound,and analogue, this rockumentary is highly entertaining, and not just for music aficionados. Read the entire review and others on: casparsongs.blogspot.com.

It's quite an interesting documentary with a rather sad development. I can see how the first half is interesting and of historic value, but the second part is not short of watching Grohl pleasuring himself. I find it very unfortunate that so many bands made so much money after recording there and nobody had the decency to help them out and keep the place running so other young people can experience Sound City. Instead, Grohl is nothing but an opportunist, who prays on Sound City's misfortune in order to get their unique console for himself. In 2011, after parting with lot's of their equipment the studio leases the space to Fairfax recordings.