Paul Morley explores a history of popular music through some of the iconic recording studios in which classic albums were created.

Rockfield, in the rural heart of Monmouthshire, Wales, is a studio that grew out of a farm and gave birth to some of rock music's finest recordings.

From Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" to the Stone Roses' eponymous debut album, from Dr. Feelgood's "Down By The Jetty" to Oasis' "(What's The Story) Morning Glory", even from the Waterboys' "Fisherman's Blues" to Adam Ant's "Kings Of The Wild Frontier".

Those trying to explain what part the studio played in creating such musical magic include:

* Performers: Dave Edmunds and newcomers Iko

* Technicians: John Leckie and Sean Genockey

* People who (in some cases, quite literally) built the studio and the business: father and daughter, Kingley and Lisa Ward, and Terry Matthews

As the money flowing through the music industry continues to dry up - Paul also asks what future there may be or the historic recording studios that helped build the industry in the first place?

Producer: Paul Kobrak

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012. Show less