This article was originally published on beingtheremag.com, an independent music and film magazine that ran from 2004 to 2007. It is presented here as part of the Being There Magazine archive.
By Adam Anklewicz | Being There Magazine, September 2004
Rating: ★★★ (3.0/5)
Everyone has heard William Shatner’s rendition of The Beatles’ classic “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds.” There are many who wish they never had. Montreal-born William Shatner is not a singer and admits this whole-heartedly. Has Been, Shatner’s first album since 1968’s Transformed Man, consists of spoken word-over-music produced by Shatner’s friend Ben Folds, with help from a few other stars such as Aimee Mann, Joe Jackson and Henry Rollins. Unfortunately Leonard Nimoy doesn’t make a visit.
Best known as Captain James T. Kirk from his role in the ever-popular 1960s sci-fi series Star Trek, William Shatner enjoys having fun with his image. Shatner is able to make an enjoyable and listenable album that would surprise even the biggest sceptic. His writing and collaborations with friends is very obviously comical. “Has Been,” a cowboy romp, features the lyrics “we’re laughing at his failures/though they have not done shit”, focusing on the concept of being a has-been and labelled that by people who have done nothing in their own lives.
The album opens with a cover of Pulp’s “Common People.” Shatner recites the lyrics over music with Ben Folds singing along. “I Can’t Get Behind That” is a wonderful rant about anything and everything: “My favourite shows on television have 12 minutes of advertising/I can’t get behind that.” Complaining about gas prices, war, and everything else, Shatner will have you laughing for several minutes after each song finishes, while the closing track “Real” is about Shatner not really being Captain Kirk, but just the same as you and me.
If you listen to this album expecting musical gold you will be thoroughly disappointed. If you expect the confidence and swagger of Jim Kirk, you will again be disappointed. William Shatner is honest about himself and has fun with this album and if you are looking to have an enjoyable time too, this album provides it.