UK label Fruits de Mer Records have been known to instigate some creative projects over the years, and this one is probably of the kind that many would describe as somewhat whimsical: To invite three bands to make their own version of the BBC theme song Journey of The Sorcerer, from the BBC soundtrack to The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. A tune that itself was a take on The Eagles song of the same name from what I understand. To butter the case of buying such an odd release, the label have also included a bonus CD with additional material, the contents of which I’m sadly not aware of apart from in writing.

Still, this single is a surprisingly intriguing one, as the contributing artists each have their own particular take on this classic theme song. Astralasia’s is the one that, once it gets going, most likely will be most familiar sounding, despite it’s liberal coating of electronic and cosmic effects and details. Electronic space rock is probably the best description of that one. Icarus Peel takes a starkly different approach to his version, revolving around guitars and keyboards in more of a vintage era, classic rock manner, this take perhaps one that will sound more familiar for fans of the original Eagles version. At last Blue Giant Zeta Puppies delivers a dark, tight and vibrant take on the song, of the kind that for me at least gave instant rise to associations towards mid 70’s Hawkwind in terms of approach if not overall style. Dark, firm and hard edged guitar-driven space rock the name of the game here.

It’s not all that often that I can say that a single featuring three different versions of one song merits a check, but in this case the versions of the song are so wildly different from one another that all of them actually does merit a listen. One for die hard fans of the BBC theme song first and foremost, obviously, but those who have a general taste for psychedelic and space rock might want to investigate this one a bit as well if they should encounter it.

My rating: 80/100