Sound City

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  • Opened February 1, 2013 
  • 1 hr 48 min
  • NR
  • Deep in the San Fernando Valley, amidst rows of dilapidated warehouses, was rock n' roll's best kept secret: Sound City. America's greatest unsung recording studio housed a one-of-a-kind console, and as its legend grew, seminal bands and artists such as Neil Young, Tom Petty, Metallica and Nirvana all came out to put magic to tape. Directed by Dave Grohl and featuring interviews and performances from the iconic musicians who recorded some of rock's greatest albums at the studio, Sound City doesn't just tell the story of this real-life rock 'n' roll shrine, it celebrates the human element of music as Grohl gathers some of rock's biggest artists to collaborate on a new album. Using Sound City's legendary analog console, together these artists continue to create musical miracles in a digital world. Full synopsis

  • Director: David Grohl
  • Genres: Documentary

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Fan Reviews

Must Go!
Funny + great soundtrack

by Indie Film Lover

Entertaining, irreverent, funny and touching with toe-tapping music that has been the soundtrack of my life. Loved the back-stories on people not usually in the limelight who made Sound City run. ...

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Exceptional!!

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Critic Reviews

88
Rolling Stone
| Peter Travers

The film’s genius is the way it applies the lessons of Sound City to any job. “The human element,” says Grohl, “that’s what makes the magic.” In his directing debut, Grohl shows the instincts of a real filmmaker. Sound City hits you like a shot in the heart. Read full review

80
The Hollywood Reporter
| David Rooney

Dave Grohl has more than clout in his corner in his terrifically entertaining documentary Sound City. He brings elements that can't be faked -- passion and heart -- to this lovingly assembled insider account of what it feels like to make real handcrafted rock music. Read full review

80
Time Out New York
| Joshua Rothkopf

For a movie that's essentially about a piece of hardware-the legendary Neve mixing console, an imposing slab of knobs and meters - this geeked-out documentary beats with more heart than could be imagined. Read full review

80
Arizona Republic
| Bill Goodykoontz

Sound City is a music geek's dream, a rollicking look at a dumpy California studio where a lot of musicians found magic. It's also a bit of a mess, like all good rock and roll ought to be. Read full review

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