The Last Record Store Review

The Last Record Store is a 2021 short documentary film about Spin Records in California.

As I finished up with The Last Record Store what really stuck out to me was how fascinating of a part of a larger documentary this would make for. I think with record stores being so few and far between these days it is really nice to see one highlighted. I commend Studi Yo Bless for taking the time to do so.

On the technical side though I think there is some room for improvement that would help the documentary in this short format excel even more. The first thing would be to take the interview somewhere in a closed space without outside noise interference. It is great that the store has an awesome soundtrack playing for customers, but distracting as you listen throughout the film. I do understand the limitations of trying to sit down with a business owner though with a busy schedule.

Another piece that is really hard to add to an indie documentary like this one due to copyright would be a varied soundtrack. It would of course add tons to hear features from some of the varied artists and records the store carries. However, with the way copyright is these days that is a completely understandable limitation.

I think the shot selection on display was good for the cutaway b-roll featured throughout. I do think that having a secondary angle for the store owner would have been great just to add some visual variety too.

Overall though I think The Last Record Store is still a cool short documentary to check out, just to get an inside peak at the dying record stores throughout the United States. Since I am on the East Coast where I couldn’t even say if there is a record store within 100 miles of me, it is a great little nostalgia hit to see one still moving along out there.

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Cheers!

Daniel Hess

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