Plot

Record On is a major series exploring the context of the times around the making of ground-breaking albums by some of the world's most prominent artists. With full authorization and involvement of the artists, each episode takes its tone from the social, cultural and political focus of the time and charts a human journey in the creative process, as each artist reflects upon changes and movement in their own lives, as well as the wider world and how this is reflected in their music and performance. Featuring interviews with New Order's Bernard Sumner, Peter Hook, Stephen Morris and Gillian Gilbert, Record On: Power, Corruption and Lies unravels the creative process behind New Order's 1983 album, Power, Corruption and Lies as well as standalone single Blue Monday and explores the themes inside the album, of a band finding new direction and moving on from its past. Taking inspiration for their evolving sound from New York's new-wave clubs of the early 1980s and newly acquired sequencers and keyboards, electronic instrumentation quickly drove New Order's songwriting process, conceiving global smash-hit Blue Monday. This film also explores the impact of the technological shifts that took place in the early 1980s as the digital-age began to percolate through all parts of society - from commerce and financial trading, to offices and home entertainment; with contributions from graphic designer Peter Saville, Blue Monday producer Michael Johnson and American record producer Arthur Baker.