Rock musicologist Brian Appleton takes a look at sound.

But how can we?

What is sound? And how do we record it?

From the first audio recordings to the latest digital gadgetry, Brian Appleton examines how the microphone changed music forever.

He explains why - if sound travelled at the speed of light - man would have evolved with only one ear on the top of his head!

Written and performed by Graham Fellows.

Additional research by Rex Brough.

Producer: Dawn Ellis

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2005. Show less