Review of I Need That Record! (2008) by Melvin W — 25 Jul 2011

I Need That Record! is a good little documentary about the ever changing music business and how it affects the little independent record stores. In many ways this little known documentary reminded me of another very good and little known documentary, Beer Wars. Both docs deal with the independents being strong armed by the big companies. I Need That Record! goes a little deeper into why these shops can't succeed anymore.

We don't need to go to stores anymore to purchase music. We can get it cheaper online or we can get free off of the many music sharing websites there are. Why go to a store and pay the high prices that the major labels ask for their products? .

The Independent Record stores have suffered the most from the Internet though. This movie touches on a lot of different issues regarding the music industry. From the rise and fall of radio to Wal-Mart to big Labels vs. small labels. Everything little thing can have a big effect on a small store. When a big store comes into town, it's going to take away business. When labels raise the prices of their products, it's going to take away business. Some of the stories are somewhat sad here. Trash Records is probably the most sad seeing as they were completely strong armed.

I Need That Record! is a nice short documentary that sums up the independent record scene pretty well. .