Watch Rolling Stones - Under Review: 1967-1969

Rolling Stones - Under Review: 1967-1969 is a 2007 documentary film that explores the music and legacy of the Rolling Stones during their most creative and turbulent period, from the release of Their Satanic Majesties Request in 1967 to the tragedy at Altamont in 1969. The film features rare interviews, archival footage, album tracks, and expert analysis from a variety of music writers, producers, and performers.

The film is hosted by Keith Altham, a veteran music journalist who covered the Rolling Stones in the 1960s for the New Musical Express. He sets the scene by describing the social and artistic context of the era, including psychedelic drugs, anti-war protests, and the rise of the counterculture. He also explains how the Stones were trying to break away from their image as a blues cover band and venture into new forms of music and expression.

The film features interviews with several key figures in the Stones' inner circle, including Thomas Arnold, the band's press officer during this period, who shares his memories of their eccentric behavior and creative process. Other interviewees include Merry Clayton, a renowned session singer who sang on the famous track "Gimme Shelter," and Robert Christgau, a prominent music critic who compares the Stones' artistic evolution to that of Bob Dylan and The Beatles.

The film includes detailed analysis of several key albums and songs, such as Their Satanic Majesties Request, Beggars Banquet, and Let It Bleed. Music writers and producers break down the innovative use of studio effects, such as the phasing and flanging on "2000 Light Years from Home," and the incorporation of gospel and soul on "You Can't Always Get What You Want."

The film also explores the darker side of the Stones' career during this period, including the drug busts and legal troubles that threatened to derail their success. The infamous concert at Altamont, which ended in violence and tragedy, is also discussed in detail. The film examines the cultural significance of this event, as well as the role it played in shaping the Stones' image as "the bad boys of rock."

Overall, Rolling Stones - Under Review: 1967-1969 is a fascinating and comprehensive look at one of the most influential and controversial periods in the history of the Rolling Stones. Through interviews, music, and expert analysis, the film provides a deep understanding of the creative and cultural forces that shaped the band's music and legacy. Whether you're a die-hard Stones fan or a casual music lover, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in the evolution of rock music in the 1960s.

Rolling Stones - Under Review: 1967-1969 is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes.