Watch Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This Is Stones Throw Records

Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This Is Stones Throw Records is a fascinating documentary film that tells the story of one of the most influential record labels in the world of hip hop and electronic music. Directed by Jeff Broadway, the movie takes us on a journey through the history of Stones Throw Records, from its humble beginnings in the mid-1990s to its position as a leading force in the global music scene.

At the heart of the film is the label's founder and CEO, Chris Manak, better known as Peanut Butter Wolf. Through interviews with Manak and many of the label's key artists and contributors, we get a sense of the passion, creativity, and independent spirit that has driven Stones Throw Records from the beginning. We also see how Manak's personal journey, from a young DJ and record collector in California to a pioneering label owner, has shaped the label's ethos and aesthetic.

One of the most striking aspects of the movie is the stylistic approach taken by Broadway, who uses a mix of archival footage, contemporary interviews, and animation to bring the story of Stones Throw Records to life. We see early footage of Manak spinning records in his bedroom, candid shots of the label's artists at work and play, and evocative animations that help to convey the label's unique creative energy. The result is a visually engaging and emotionally compelling portrait of a label that has made an indelible mark on the music world.

As we follow the story of Stones Throw Records, we also get a glimpse into the broader cultural and social context in which the label emerged. We hear from artists like Talib Kweli and A-Trak about how Stones Throw Records' idiosyncratic approach to music-making and distribution challenged the dominant trends in the music industry. We see how the label's focus on vinyl releases and the cultivation of a loyal fan base helped it to thrive in an age of digital music downloads.

As the film reaches its conclusion, we see how Stones Throw Records continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges and trends. We witness the label's expansion into new genres and styles of music, its development of new artists, and its ongoing commitment to experimentation and creative freedom. Throughout it all, we are reminded of the enduring importance of independent music and art in a world that is often dominated by commercial interests and homogeneity.

Overall, Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This Is Stones Throw Records is a must-see movie for anyone with an interest in hip hop, electronic music, or independent arts and culture. Through its compelling storytelling, engaging visuals, and powerful music, it captures the spirit and energy of a record label that has truly left its mark on the world of music.

Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton: This Is Stones Throw Records is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.