For the Record: An Incomplete History of Music
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Play S1 E1The epic nine part docuseries from the award winning team at The Cosmic Shambles Network. From The Big Bang to AI, this is the entire history of music as you’ve never seen it before. Presented by Charlotte Ritchie and featuring over 100 exclusive interviews, rare archive interviews and brand new live performances from incredible performers.
Cast: Charlotte Ritchie
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Series 1
9 episodes
1. Somewhere in the SilenceWe begin our incomplete history of music at the very beginning of everything, The Big Bang, where conditions come into being so that sound can exist in the first place. We explore the difference between music and sound and debate whether music is uniquely human or do birds and whales just sing for fun.CC1 h 3 minJun 25, 2026
2. Numbers FallWe explore the mathematics that underpins musical structure, how humans came to discover it and how it differs from culture to culture. We take a piano lesson and then try to make sense of why we humans like music so much in the first place.CC1 h 9 minJun 26, 2026
3. Buried TreasureWe head to deep caves in Germany to discover the oldest known musical instrument and explore the music of ancient civilisations from Babylon to Greece to Egypt. We look at how music has been taught across cultures and generations and answer that age old question, did neanderthals hum?CC1 h 0 minJun 27, 2026
4. Build This LoveUsing pianos and guitars as a case study we explore the evolution of musical instruments from ancient times to modern electronic devices. We then start to explore how we send music out in the world via the invention of sheet music and eventually recording and distribution systems like records and radios. Finally we make our own gramophone with a pin and a cone.CC1 h 10 minJun 28, 2026
5. YesterdaysWe examine the role of religion in music and the rise of two of the major influences of western music, opera and classical music. We look at how classical music differs from region to region, from Europe to China to Africa and how it’s changed over time. We explore how deaf people enjoy music and it’s influence on film music and Bugs Bunny is also up for discussion…CC1 h 1 minJul 2, 2026
6. Way DownThe massive global impact of African rhythms is the focus of this episode and how the barbarism of slavery, and the resilience of enslaved people, gave rise to genres such as blues, jazz, country, rock and roll and more. The episode also includes a dive into the rich musical history and tradition of a modern day musical Babylon, New Orleans.CC1 h 3 minJul 3, 2026
7. Standing on the OutsideWe meet with hip hop pioneers to discuss the origins of the genre and all that it gave rise to, particularly its influence on culture. A wider look is taken at music’s role in politics, social change and comedy as well as the darker side of music and how it has been used by some of history’s worst people.CC1 h 20 minJul 9, 2026
8. Sing to MeWhat makes some music more popular and why do we all have different taste in music? We dig into this via a case study of two pop music juggernauts, The Beatles and Taylor Swift before exploring the behind the scenes process of crafting a memorable song. Finally we take a look at music for children.CC1 h 13 minJul 10, 2026
9. TomorrowIn a world of streaming and AI, what does the future hold for music? We look at some of the more recent phenomena in the world of music including raves, electronic music, the Broadway musical, crowd funding and musical therapy. We speak to astronauts and space legends about why music is so important we sent it into outer space and how the power of live music can never be understated.CC1 h 24 minJul 16, 2026
For the Record: An Incomplete History of Music
20261 season9 episodesReturning Series
The epic nine part docuseries from the award winning team at The Cosmic Shambles Network. From The Big Bang to AI, this is the entire history of music as you’ve never seen it before. Presented by Charlotte Ritchie and featuring over 100 exclusive interviews, rare archive interviews and brand new live performances from incredible performers.
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Trent Burton
- Studio
- The Cosmic Shambles Network
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
