has been

So I've been listening to William Shatner's new 11-song CD, Has Been, and I'm shocked to admit that it's not as horrible as I had anticipated.

No, he doesn't sing (thank heavens). As with Shatner's previous recordings, it's all spoken word stuff, but the cheesiness factor is cut considerably by collaboration with some talented singers and musicians.

There's some very funny stuff, like in "You'll Have Time":

"Live life like you're gonna die
Because you're gonna
I hate to be the bearer of bad news
But you're gonna die."

with a gospel chorus back-up.

But the CD also includes some deeply personal pieces which which I found incredibly moving, like "That's Me Trying," a song about his attempt to build a relationship with his daughter long after it's too late, and an unaccompanied piece called "What Have You Done," about his wife's death (his wife drowned in a pool in 1999):

Whatever I might think about Shatner's performance and acting abilities (but don't forget...he's STILL MY FAVOURITE STAR TREK CAPTAIN!!), I've got to give the guy credit for guts as well as his benevolent willingness to laugh at himself.

I found the album to be remarkably honest, the songs well-suited to Shatner's unique style and personality. My favourite song on the CD is the last song, "Real," which was apparently written for Shatner by Brad Paisley:

"I have saved the world in the movies
So, naturally, there's folks who think I must know what to do
But just because you've seen me on your TV
Doesn't mean I'm any more enlightened than you."

Track listing:

1. "Common People" (with Joe Jackson)
2. "It Hasn't Happened Yet"
3. "You'll Have Time"
4. "Trying" (with Ben Folds and Aimee Mann)
5. "What Have You Done"
6. "Together" (with Lemon Jelly)
7. "Familiar Love"
8. "Ideal Woman"
9. "Has Been"
10. "I Can't Get Behind That" (with Henry Rollins, Adrian Belew on guitar)
11. "Real" (with Brad Paisley)

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