Sound City.

I love music docs. When you can see them at the lovely Tivoli theatre in St. Louis, even better. There has been much praise for Dave Grohl's Sound City documentary, but there's so much to love, and a great deal of detail, it's entertaining from start to finish. The focus is not only on the studio itself, but its loyal employees, its analog process, the custom built Neve 8028 board, and the great records that were made there. 

You'll be left wishing for the days of old, before every greasy dude with a Harmony guitar and a MacBook put out a record. All interviewees praise the analog process Sound City stuck with until the bitter end. And they're right, even though Neil Young may sound like a cranky old man. Everyone from Rick Springfield to Tom Petty, Josh Homme to John Fogerty champion analog, Sound City's unique and mysterious sound qualities, and share stories from recording at the studio. 

A cool addition to the conversation is Trent Reznor, who at first mention seems a bit out of place. Nine Inch Nails after all, is born from the use (and abuse) of computers and synthesizers. He quickly becomes the link to the present, and what he adds about foundation, philosophy, and expression are among the most crucial. 

Sir Paul's entrance into the film seems random, but it's Paul. The Beatle. He has one of the best lines, too. Dave says after a jam of their soundtrack contribution 'Cut Me Some Slack' "Why can't it always be this easy?" and Paul simply replies, "It is."

Sound City is fun to watch, and Dave Grohl is a great, enthusiastic, sometimes goofy host, who cares a great deal about the studio. Rent or buy, for sure.