I watched this documentary soon after encountering MUSCLE SHOALS, a similar documentary about another famous recording studio. Structurally speaking, both documentaries are strikingly similar; there are interviews with those involved in its creation, plus many of the famous artistes who have recorded there. In terms of Sound City, they include Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty (of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fame). The account of the two studios' origins is also similar; both of them began on the proverbial wing and a prayer in surroundings best described as primitive, but owing to their unique sonic qualities, they both became popular with recording artistes and thereby acquired both sufficient finances and reputation to continue their operations. There is a distinct sense of "make do and mend" about the studios' origins; the founders did the best they could on limited resources, and it was only due to their persistence and drive that the entire venture succeeded. Thematically speaking both MUSCLE SHOALS and SOUND CITY are a testament to the success of the American Dream, told in reverent yet nostalgic terms by a series of interviewees. SOUND CITY is worth watching if you like this kind of thing, but I do wish it had been thematically a little more adventurous.