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We were creating the 21st century in 1971.
Peppers Lonely Hearts Club BandasRolling Stones greatest album of all time.
1971was inspired by British journalistDavid Hepworths 2017 bookexploring what he considered rock and rolls turning point.
No one knew what to do.
Not everyone agreed on what to make of the future.
These conflicts give1971its structure.
Its a big swing.
The pieces are there.
However, Marvin Gaye footage aside, the first three episodes are shaky.
The good news is that each following episode grows in focus and confidence.
The archival reel is the star.
Not all of it is flattering.
Some moments are terrifying episode twoshows the stabbing of Meredith Hunter at Altamont and the crowds real-time reaction.
The non-musical footage is often just as enlightening.
Some footage is just delightful or hilarious.
2021 is the 50th anniversary of 1971, but as of this month,1971also benefits from some unexpected timeliness.
In that sense,1971works best as a victory lap.
It could have been a great version of either one, but its too thin to be both.
Still, it hits the spot when it gets there.
