Has Been - William Shatner

Advantages: moving, insightful and beautiful songs. It's Captain Kirk
Disadvantages: Not everyone's up of tea

...dodgy wigs and hammy acting has finally reached that age where he no longer takes himself quite so seriously and this album shows. An epic work that is quite unlike anything else you're ever likely to hear unless you have a stash of very strange beat-poet albums I've not seen before. Shatner is no stranger to releasing albums and has been responsible for a few over the years, mostly pretty dire, it has to be said - badly read Shakespear through ...
...one of a kind and has much to offer. Produced by Ben Folds of the Ben Folds Five and featuring a dizzying array of other talent such as Joe Jackson, Adrian Belew, Henry Rollins and more, Has Been is a collection of thoughtful, inspiring and downright strange, often self-deprecating songs that firmly lay to rest the idea of Shatner being a bit stuck up his own fundement. I'm just sad he hasn't released anything since. Tracks A fairly sensible start ... Read review

Advantages: Not Albanian Tree Squirrels
Disadvantages: No Russian Tree Frogs Either

...is utterly BIZZARE, anyone who has heard his version of Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds either goes wow that is utterly f***ing amazing or oh my god that is utterly f***ing s**te. I am firmly in both camps but it is bizarre enough to fit into my record collection….. When I heard about this album and the fact that it has a cover of Pulps’ Common People on it then I knew that it had to find a place in my record collection and it has….. ok enough of ...
...the rest of the album has lyrics by William Shatner and Music by Ben Folds. This is a relaxing ballad with a poem by bill about a strange Christmas day…. William Shatners oration is simply superb and understated as he lets his words speak for themselves and at this stage I am thinking is understatement going to be the key to this album????, I quiet like this it is a definite Sunday morning cuddling the better half number………… thoughh I don't think ... Read review

I was surprisingly shocked at how well this was written and produced, but I shouldn't have been......This is a wonderful compilation of events from Shatner's life and put down to music.....absolutely wonderful! "Familiar Love" will make you run home to your spouse and put a lovin' on 'em and you'll probably call your kids after hearing "That's Me Trying"... Buy this CD and you will listen over and over......

Advantages: Original, Hilarious, Completely Entertaining!
Disadvantages: No one gives it a chance...

...and the music. In addition, you have well known singers like Brad Paisley, Ben Folds, and Henry Rollins. If you want to hear something you've never heard before, pick this CD up. It has something for everyone, and well, I bet you'll end up loving it all! ... Read review

Advantages: Some really funny tracks
Disadvantages: Some really bad tracks too

...your own mind up whether this classifies as good or not If you're into Star Trek (I'm not really) you'll love it. . Certainly a must-have for any Trekkie parties you might have planned during the summer, if you're that way inclined that is. I can't face up to the whole thing in one go, but it's definitely good for a chuckle though. This compilation, released September 2004 on MCA, is easily avaliable at Amazon for as little as £2.99. I can think of many worse things to spend three quid on. If that's whet your appetite for Trekkie musical things, why not go and have a look at my compadre Champ666's review of Shatner's "Has Been" album too. Top. TRACK LISTING IN FULL: WILLIAM SHATNER King Henry the Fifth - Elegy for the Brave - Mr. Tambourine Man - It Was a Very Good Year - Hamlet - Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds... Read review

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