Video Reviews

Arguably a more thorough, probing and compelling indie record store documentary than "Last Shop Standing"—and not because it's about America and I'm an American—"Brick and Mortar Love" views the state of the indie record store in America mainly through the eyes, heart and bank account of John Timmons, owner of Louisville Kentucky's once thriving record store ear X-tacy.

The 70 minute film also interviews members of Timmons' dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate young staff as well as many other indie store owners throughout America. The questions asked here and the ability of the filmmakers to keep the discussion on target compared to the more rambling reminiscences of "Last Shop Standing" help produce answers that are more pointed and a stronger narrative thread. I don't mean to be critical of "Last Shop Standing" because it too is a "must see" for any record lover and collector, but "Brick and Mortar Love" is a more gripping, more focused film that produces a surprising amount of dramatic tension and strong emotions.

But what truly sets this movie apart is its focus on but one store over an extended period of time. We watch ear X-tacy go from a thriving record and CD store in the mid-eighties mold to a struggling one (still in the mid-eighties mold), where despite in-store benefits from some well known musicians and a teary online plea to customers for more business from owner Timmons that produces some short term cash flow benefits, the store is forced to close and move to a smaller location.

Timmons remains optimistic as the night before opening day his loyal customers line up outside the door, yet there are some nasty comments online from the less understanding, more "price is everything" type music buyers who don't understand the value of having a local record store in the community—something they would get after a screening of this movie!

What ultimately happens is something you'll have to discover by watching the movie, which I highly recommend for its truthful story telling and for its ability to put yourself in a store owner's shoes.

The drama here is surprisingly deep and it is real.

Watch the trailer