Where can I find this documentary about the voice?

August 15, 2009 3:05 AM

I'm trying to find a DVD/watchable online version of a documentary I saw probably saw about five years or so ago about the history of the voice in popular music. I think it might have been simply called The Voice, and was probably shown on the BBC or Channel 4 (although I think it was American-made). One episode featured harmony groups like the Four Freshmen and the Beach Boys. With such a generic name, Google is failing to help me find any details on this one. Does anybody know what it was actually called, and where I can see this again?
posted by chorltonmeateater to media & arts (7 comments total)

Just a hint for your googling... perhaps search the IMDB website instead... using a few different combinations. Then once you have more info from there you could do the dvd google thing. Hope you find it possum.

imdb
posted by taff at 4:32 AM on August 15

Ah yes, I didn't think to check IMDB because it wasn't a film as such. Thanks for idea, taff.

I think it's this one I'm after. Now, just the small matter of finding it online or on DVD...
posted by chorltonmeateater at 4:38 AM on August 15

For the idea, even.
posted by chorltonmeateater at 4:38 AM on August 15

Since the IMDB link is a bit sparse on details, does this sound like an accurate description, or is this something else:

"David Howard, professor of music technology at the University of York, presents a documentary about the human voice, explaining just how it works and why replicating it is such a challenge. Comedian Jeremy Hardy and impressionist Rory Bremner are amongst the contributors."
posted by inigo2 at 5:56 AM on August 15

I saw that description while Googling, and it's not that one, no. That sounds more like it's about the spoken voice rather than singing.
posted by chorltonmeateater at 6:48 AM on August 15

Was it "How Music Works with Howard Goodall"?

(Even if it wasn't you should watch it, it's amazing.)
posted by elsietheeel at 7:35 AM on August 15

It wasn't How Music Works, I'm afraid: I have seen that though, and it was really good.
posted by chorltonmeateater at 7:45 AM on August 15