Watch Upside Down: The Creation Records Story

Upside Down: The Creation Records Story is a 2010 documentary film that chronicles the rise and fall of Creation Records, one of the most important independent record labels in British music history. The film is directed by Danny O'Connor and features interviews with many of the key players in the Creation story, including founder Alan McGee, musicians Bobby Gillespie and Noel Gallagher, and various members of the bands that were signed to the label.

The film begins by exploring the origins of Creation Records, which McGee founded in 1983 with the goal of releasing music that he believed in, regardless of commercial considerations. McGee's philosophy was driven by the punk ethos of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) culture and a desire to challenge the established music industry, which he saw as being dominated by corporate interests.

To this end, Creation Records became known for its roster of unconventional and often controversial artists, including The Jesus and Mary Chain, Primal Scream, My Bloody Valentine, and Oasis. The film explores the unique creative process behind many of these bands' signature sounds and the role that McGee played in nurturing their talent.

However, the film does not shy away from the challenges that Creation Records faced. Despite early success, the label soon encountered financial difficulties and was forced to sell a 49% stake to Sony Music in order to stay afloat. This move was ultimately divisive, as some of the label's artists accused McGee of "selling out" and compromising the label's integrity.

Moreover, the film also delves into the personal struggles that many of the label's musicians faced, including drug addiction, mental health issues, and clashes with the law. These difficulties, coupled with the pressures of the music industry and internal tensions within the label, ultimately led to Creation Records' demise in the late 1990s.

Throughout the film, director Danny O'Connor weaves together archival footage, interviews, and music to create a vivid portrait of a label that left an indelible mark on British music history. The film also explores the wider cultural context in which Creation Records emerged, touching on issues of class, politics, and identity.

One of the strengths of Upside Down: The Creation Records Story is its ability to capture the unique ethos of the label and the personalities involved. Alan McGee, in particular, emerges as a larger-than-life figure, equal parts visionary and maverick. The film also provides insight into the relationships between the label's key players, including McGee and Gillespie, and the complex emotions that drove them.

Overall, Upside Down: The Creation Records Story is an engaging and informative documentary that should appeal to anyone with an interest in British music history or the independent music scene more broadly. The film is not without its flaws - some sections feel repetitive, and some key players are given less screen time than others - but as a chronicle of an important and influential label, it is essential viewing.

Upside Down: The Creation Records Story is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 41 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.