Demon Records, out now

 

The 2005 BBC Radio 4 adaptation by Dirk Maggs of Douglas Adams’ fifth entry in the ever more inaccurately named Hitchhiker’s trilogy (Mostly Harmless) is released for the first time on vinyl in another splendid collector’s edition.

The Hitchhiker’s vinyl releases by Demon Records are things of beauty, and it’s very likely that those who collected the first four will be suitably excited to complete their collection with this fifth volume. As with the preceding releases, the package comprises 20-page hardback collector’s book, newly-commissioned artwork and sleeve notes by a notable contributor, in this case Arthur Dent himself, Simon Jones.

The poignant intro from Jones reminds us that Douglas died at 49 (that’s younger than I am now!) and he wonders what the author would think of our return to vinyl as a means of delivering his stories. I’ve no doubt he’d be impressed with quality of the product (first publication of the radio edits) and the weighty 180G heavyweight pink vinyl platters – it just feels right to listen to Adams’ work via a non-digital source.

The book also includes spreads of schematics of the Babel Fish, and how to make a sandwich with ingredients like newcumber, fladish and splagberry sauce. There’s also Guide entries on Robots, Logic and Herring Sandwiches, and the distinction between Trillian and Tricia Macmillan. There’s also some insight on the making of the Quintessential Phase by official biographer Jem Roberts and some behind the scenes photos. I particularly like the reproduction of cuttings literally ripped from the 2005 Radio Times, and we’re reminded that Fits the Twenty-Third to Twenty-Six were transmitted at 6:30pm, just before The Archers.

The dramatization is of course typically excellent, as we’d expect from Dirk Maggs, with all the cast returning for this last hurrah of Adams’ original stories. There’s an impressive guest cast, the ending has been slightly softened, and I challenge you not to be hypnotised by the candy floss pink discs as they spin round your turntable.

Verdict: The fans will already have this on pre-order, and while this is a possible jumping on point, take the opportunity to source the previous four and you’ll have the ultimate vinyl collection of Douglas Adams’ greatest legacy. You might not agree with me, but I’d far rather be happy than right any day. 10/10

Nick Joy

Click here to order a signed copy from Amazon.co.uk