William Shatner - Has Been by gojiro

GENERAL DISCUSSIONS

William Shatner - Has Been

POSTED BY: GOJIRO
UPDATED: Friday, October 8, 2004 17:09
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Friday, October 8, 2004 12:18 PM

No, this is not a scathing rebuke of Bill Shatner's career. It is, in fact, a very positive review of his new album, entitled Has Been.

Yep, album.

Now, if you have ever heard Bill's other albums, or a sample of his "singing," you're probably shaking your head and/or snickering right now. But let me tell you, Has Been is really, really good.

Here's the scoop: One day, Ben Folds called Bill Shatner and asked him if he wanted to do an album together. Bill asked what he had in mind. Ben said, in essence, "You write the words, I'll do the music." When he asked Ben what he should write, Ben said, "Write the truth. Write whatever you want."

Bill took him at his word, and the result is amazing. Ben obviously is aware of Bill's, er, vocal limitations. So basically Bill does what he's done on other albums -- just talks. So, what's the difference? Well, Bill is speaking his own words (with the exception of his cover of "Common People," with Joe Jackson, which I think is one of the best tracks on the disc).

Some of these "tone poems set to music" (for lack of a better term) explore the meat closest to the bone. They offer a glimpse inside Bill's life, and, at times, even his soul. In "What Have You Done," he describes finding his previous wife drowned in their swimming pool. In "That's Me Trying," he speaks to his estranged daughter, now 40, about putting the past behind them and getting together. "Has Been" is about the slings and arrows of the tabloids, who have called Bill a has been many times.

Sure, some tracks work better than others. "You'll Have Time" is kind of hokey, but fun. Ditto "I Can't Get Behind That," which he performs with Henry Rollins. But for the most part, this album is a slice of fried gold.

Just wondering if anyone else here has heard or bought this CD, and if they found it as wonderful as I have.

If not, you can check this album out, hear Bill talk about the genesis ("Genesis? Genesis allowed is not!") of the album and listen to sample tracks at the website: http://www.shatnerhasbeen.com/

gojiro

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Friday, October 8, 2004 12:35 PM

GINOBIFFARONI

I like common people, pissing myself laughing at it and other parts of this album...

I Can't Get Behind That has its momments

Why can't all those gods get along

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Friday, October 8, 2004 1:21 PM

TMURRIE

Yea, when I went to see a Henry Rollins comedy show, he talked about his experience with William Shatner, and made "I can't get behind that" sound like a pant wetter. He also talked about how Bill told him about his friend in the north-east who makes the best scallops. And he had no idea why Bill told him that.

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Friday, October 8, 2004 5:09 PM

AURAPTOR

America loves a winner!

Haven't heard the album, and it's likely I won't. Who can say. But the issue its self brings up the horrific song by Leonard Nimoy. That cherished little ditty called The Ballad of Bilbo Baggins
(I'm so sorry I brought that up. Please forgive. )

" They don't like it when you shoot at 'em. I worked that out myself. "

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