“It wasn’t just a store, it was a destination. “Tower Records on the Sunset Strip was like Disneyland for music fans,” suggested singer/songwriter Jackie DeShannon. “Their inventory of every kind of music was just great. “Tower Records always had the most complete collection of music available to anyone at any time,” stressed Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys in 2015. My dialogue with founder Solomon was included in my 2020 book Docs That Rock, Music That Matters. I interviewed Russ Solomon in 2015 and touted the movie when it was initially screened, and then issued on DVD. Hanks’ movie investigates this iconic company’s explosive trajectory, tragic demise, and legacy forged by its rebellious Sacramento, California born founder, Russ Solomon. It’s an inspiring melodic, spiritual, retail and cautionary celluloid tale from filmmaker Colin Hanks.Įveryone thinks they know what killed Tower Records: The Internet. The film is essential viewing for anyone who ever found sound in a record store. It provides some answers to what went wrong. In 2015 the revealing documentary on Tower Records All Things Must Pass was released theatrically by Magnolia Pictures. In 2006, the company filed for bankruptcy. Years earlier I frequented the same space formerly occupied by Earl “Madman” Muntz, who sold cars, installed stereo units and 8-track cartridge players in vehicles. The first LP I purchased was Jethro Tull’s Stand Up. I went to the 1970 opening of Tower Records on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. In 2020, Tower Records is transcending its historic past by creating online experiences and exciting partnerships with artists, labels and brands for all music fans to “Know Music, Know Life.” Known for its enormous volume, and backed by its audiophile behind-the-counter staff, Tower Records became the mecca for in- store performances and recording artist events, placing it at No. Tower Records defined the retail music business in the pre-digital era and at its peak had nearly 200 stores across 15 countries, and more than $1 billion in annual sales. These limited edition releases from Tower, as well as The RZA and Hollywood Undead, are the first of many and an homage to Tower’s humble beginnings 60 years’ ago – before it grew into a global phenomenon and, for many, a way of life.”įounded in 1960 by Russ Solomon, Tower Records developed from a business he founded as a teenager to resell 78 rpm jukebox records in his father’s Sacramento drug store, into a record retail behemoth that operated dozens of stores across the United States. “This involves offering exclusive content catered to the tastes of our loyal customers, like merchandise celebrating the 60th Anniversary and artist, festival and brand collaborations. As COVID prohibits us from connecting with our customers in a personable way - through brick & mortar stores - an important part of our mission is ensuring our customers at home still receive Tower Records’ in-store experience from our online efforts,” says Danny Zeijdel of Tower Records. “It’s a privilege to help relaunch a brand like Tower Records. Known for its yellow-and-red color scheme, “No Music, No Life” slogan, wide aisles stocked with LPs and CDs, and audiophile staff, Tower Records is transcending its historic past by creating online and physical experiences for all music fans to “Know Music, Know Life.” 2 officially releases on Decemand is Hollywood Undead’s seventh studio album. 2 featuring transparent red with yellow splatter vinyl. Tower Records will also be offering an exclusive vinyl edition of Hollywood Undead’s New Empire Vol. The Tower Records exclusive deluxe limited edition colored vinyl features an Opaque Red & Opaque Yellow swirl with only 500 available worldwide. This is the first film score produced by The RZA and features appearances by Wu-Tang Clan. Along with exclusive Tower Records “Watt Ave” t-shirts commemorating the original Tower Records store in Sacramento, California, music fans can purchase limited edition vinyl including Ghost Dog - Original Motion Picture Score produced by The RZA, now available for the first time ever on vinyl outside of Japan. To celebrate its return, Tower Records will offer exclusive merchandise as well as limited edition vinyl releases ahead of exciting partnerships with artists, labels and brands to be announced in early 2021. Tower Records, the iconic music chain that defined the retail music business in the pre-digital era , is back in business 60 years after Russ Solomon first opened its doors in 1960.
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