Movie Review: I Need That Record

When I was in high school Trash American Style was the epi-center of culture.  It was where my friends and I bought hair dye, band t-shirts and records.  Anything purchased from there came with a stamp of "cool."  It wasn't the most stylish place to shop, but that's what gave it character.  There was something about the atmosphere that made it a hang out.  It was where we met other like-minded people and learned about counter-culture. 

Throughout my college years and beyond Trash was we I went to buy used records, clothes and catch up on gossip: musical and local.  The people who worked there were friends, part of the larger local music community. Unfortunately, Trash was forced to close its doors in 2004.

In the documentary I Need That Record, Brendan Troller explores the disappearance of the local record stores.  Like Trash, small independent shops around the country created communities for local music lovers.  By 2005, it seemed that a majority of them had closed or were in danger of closing.  He interviews the store owners and patrons as well as independent musicians who were shaped by these places: Thurston Moore, Mike Watt and Ian McKaye (to name a few).

What we learn is the importance of supporting local businesses.  How independent shop owners invest in the community and help to shape it.  Chain stores can never recreate the atmosphere you find in a well-curated shop.  Shopping on the internet cannot replicate the experience of learning something new from a true aficionado.

As the Shop Local movement gains steam across communities, we will learn these lessons.