Record City is a lively, musical comedy released in 1977, directed by Dennis Steinmetz and starring Joe Abdullah, Jeff Altman, and Sylvia Anderson. The film captures the essence of a bustling record store, showcasing the various characters that frequent it and the different genres of music they love. The movie takes place over one crazy day at the titular record store, where eccentric customers flock to buy their favorite tunes and discover new ones. Abdullah plays Ramona, the store owner, who is determined to keep the customers satisfied, even at the cost of her own sanity. Altman plays Walter, a hapless employee who is just trying to survive the day, while Anderson plays Sheila, a top-selling pop singer who happens to drop by the store.
The film is filled with zany and over-the-top characters, including a group of nerdy teenagers, a weed-smoking hippie, a highly-stressed father, and an intense rock drummer. The film also features musical performances from some very talented artists, including Ruth Buzzi, Ed Begley Jr., Howard Kaylan, and Zappa collaborator, Terry Bozzio.
Despite the entertaining performances and fun musical numbers, the film has a clear message about the importance of music in people's lives. It is evident from the customers' passion for music, which is reflected in how they interact with each other, that music is more than just a hobby. It brings people together, helps them express their emotions and thoughts, and makes them feel good.
One aspect that stands out in Record City is the way it portrays different genres of music. The film highlights the breadth of music that the store offers, from pop to rock to country to disco. By showcasing a wide variety of music genres, the film emphasizes the idea that music is for everyone, regardless of their taste.
Another notable feature of Record City is its fast-paced and colorful visual style. The film is shot in a predominantly bright and vibrant manner, with a satirical and comedic tone that keeps the audience engaged. The visuals play an integral role in bringing the characters and their stories to life, making the film a joy to watch.
Overall, Record City is a fun and uplifting film that celebrates the power of music and the joy of discovery. With its catchy tunes, wacky characters, and colorful visuals, it remains a classic musical comedy that is still relevant today. The film shows how music can be a unifying force, bringing people from different backgrounds and cultures together in a shared appreciation of rhythm and melody.
Record City is a 1978 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.7.
