All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records
Liberation. That is what music is all about. Always has been, always will be. It brings people together, it creates a community, a family. It changes, it evolves, and never dies. This is the central message, the heart, of Colin Hank’s tremendous documentary, “All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records.” Founded in 1960 by Russ Solomon, Tower Records grew to become one of the most monumental record franchises in the history of the industry. From its very humble beginnings, as an extension of Solomon’s father’s drugstore, to its international expansion, Tower Records was a cornerstone of the musical world for half a century.
Hank’s explored the history of Tower Records through interviews with those in Soloman’s inner circle’s of 30 plus years, some from the inception to accounts from music industry giants such as, Bruce Springsteen, Elton John, and Dave Grohl. The store’s lax attitude and nonchalant way of business proved pivotal to its success, a business strategy that would sink any business today. Elton John recounts Tower Records being his primary record provider, while Grohl worked at a Tower Records in Washington D.C. before his music career took off and recognized its significance in his musical journey. One particular anecdote that highlighted Tower Record’s influence was that when it opened in a particularly desolate neighborhood in Manhattan, the streets flourished and became revitalized in the years following its opening. It is hard to imagine any store, particularly any record store having that power today.
The demise of Tower Records also speaks volumes about the last decade of decline in the music industry. Though Napster and the rise of pirating music is notorious for the music industries steady decline, truly the rise in record prices was the downfall of record stores in general, as is touched on in the film. Though not entirely the reason for Tower Records ultimate demise, it was a crucial shift in business. The slow death of the industry staple was an emotional climax of the film, as it truly captured the importance of Tower Records to many individuals who invested their life to be apart of this journey, and family.
It was a fascinating document for me personally, a young adult who still buys music in the physical form. Sure, I have all of my music stored on my iTunes and utilize Spotify for listening purposes, but nothing compares to holding music and having that physical collection. The digital age where music is more easily accessible for free or for virtually nothing, shifted that traditional philosophy of having a physical collection of music to an ancient idea where it is harder for record stores to survive. And though we will never see a musical community like that of Tower Records, it is encouraging having multiple options in my city of Rochester to feel a shred of that piece of musical experience in Record Archive or House of Guitars.
Be sure to follow me on Twitter @MichaelDroel and as always stay tuned for more from your music doctor!
