Creation Records was one the most important British independent music labels of the late 20 Century. The incredible roster of bands discovered and nurtured by the label is tantamount to the dedication of its enigmatic Glaswegian founder Alan McGee. This inspired documentary chronicles a 25 year life of decadence , success and ultimate demise with priceless archival footage and candid conversations with some of its luminaries notably Bobby Gillespie , Noel Gallagher, Kevin Shields and of course, the impresario McGee himself.
For die -hard fans of alternative British music, Upside Down is an indispensable visual document. A well researched and concise run through of all the bands from it nascent origins in the post-punk days , it mirrors the changing nature of Britain’s socio-political landscape with a well paced energy and style befitting the subject matter. Of course, it presupposes the viewer has more than a fundamental knowledge of who these characters are and it’s here that the film draws its strength. With in-depth and intimate accounts from most of the bands major players , they lend depth and insight to their brilliant music and an understanding of what it was like to be guided by a drug fueled record label who bet everything on a good time.
Those not familiar with the bands of Creation Records and to the casual observer of music documentary film making , Upside Down is a fascinating cautionary tale. Not so much for the personal journey of the excesses of Alan McGee , rather the demise of an independent record label. In an age before the internet revolutionized music distribution, there was a real and fierce war between small “Do-It-Yourself” record companies and the large behemoths of the industry. Creation records was an anomaly amongst these independents, it successfully grew in size and scope and took on the majors, but it all came at a price. The old adage ‘a victim of your own success’ was never more fitting.
In all, the characters all come off with maturity and honesty. Thankfully, director Danny o’ Connor handles the wealth of experiences with poise and genuine affection making it watchable for more than those die hard fans. It’s not groundbreaking film-making but a worthwhile inclusion into the growing nostalgia for music documenting.
One minor point, the inclusion of subtitles may help our international viewers get more out of those lovely but incomprehensible Northern accents.
Upside Down: The Creation Records Story is out on DVD 9th May 2011.
Director: Danny O’Connor
Stars: Alan McGee, Bobby Gillespie, Noel Gallagher
Runtime: 101 min
Country: UK
Film Rating: 
