1971 - Never a Dull Moment

Reviews

Soon every post-war year will have its own tombstone book, but this is already one of the best Near the beginning, Hepworth argues that 1971 saw the pop era giving way to rock. Even so, his own approach is much more like the best pop: never taking itself too seriously, essentially out to entertain — but also an awful lot smarter than its absence of solemnity might lead you to think. Fond, funny, beautifully written and fizzing with sharp and sweeping theories that instantly feel like facts. Scientifically unprovable but entertaining, illuminating and lipsmacking . . . a mighty fine and convincing read There's a bit of a fashion at the moment for books focussing on a particular year and David Hepworth's 1971 is one of the best David Hepworth's argument is simple: 1971 was "the most febrile and creative time in the entire history of popular music". It's an enormous assertion but he makes his point with infectious enthusiasm . . . Whether you agree is beside the point. This is a compelling love letter to a year of timeless music. A clever and entertaining book . . . Hepworth proves a refreshingly independent thinker. His style is pithy and his eye for anecdotal detail sharp . . . a thoroughly provoking delight This is no ‘my generation is cooler than yours’ nostalgia trip. Just as movements in art, jazz or TV undeniably had Golden Ages then so too with the long-playing record and its seismic effect on subsequent generations. David Hepworth’s forensic sweep of this astonishing twelve months is thoroughly absorbing and appropriately rollicking, expertly guiding us through one miraculous year in all its breathless tumble of creation. A good mix of entertainment, insight and odd facts. Hepworth’s thesis is largely convincing An engaging and thought-provoking read. It’s a dry-eyed but deeply felt love note to the date when rock was still busy inventing itself. Hepworth points out more than once that at the time he had no idea how lucky he hwas. He knows now – and so do we Expand reviews