New CD Review of...
William Shatner
Has Been
By: Sharon Chapman
It's hard to laugh at "Has Been," William Shatner's latest album, primarily because Mr. Shatner appears to be all too willing to laugh at himself. And, in the end, Mr. Shatner appears to have saved the last laugh for himself.
"Has Been" is more performance art than traditional song, with most of the songs having lyrics written by. Shatner and music composed and produced by Ben Folds. Shatner, speaking rather than singing, presents images that haunt, amuse and challenge the imagination.
"Common People," the first cut on the CD, is a cover of a Joe Jackson tune, and ackson provides guest vocals on the track. While "Common People" has received the most airplay, it is the least typical cut from this CD. Shatner and Folds' compositions are much more captivating than this radio-ready tune.
"You'll Have Time," complete with a gospel choir, is a sermon advising Shatner's flock to "Live life like you're gonna die. Because you're gonna." "That's Me Trying," with haunting guest vocals from Aimee Mann, is the story of a derelict father trying way too late to reconnect with his estranged adult child. "What Have You Done," a spoken word piece with only the subtle accompaniment of an upright bass, is the horrifying account of how Shatner discovered his late wife's body in the swimming pool of their home several years ago.
Thankfully, the CD offers counterbalance with lighter fare. "Ideal Woman" is the amusing song of a loving husband who assures his wife, "I want you to be you," even though he concedes that a few things could change ("Spit out the gum. It doesn't work."). "Has Been," the title song, humorously challenges his critics to achieve some semblance of success before taking down those who have accomplished things. And in "I Can't Get Behind That," Shatner even pokes fun at himself ("I can't get behind so-called singers that can't carry a tune, get paid for talking, how easy is that? Well, maybe I can get behind that.").
The final number, "Real," was written by Brad Paisley, who also provides guest vocals and plays the guitar on the track. It is the reality check for Shatner's fans who can't accept the fact that he isn't actually Star Trek's Captain Kirk ("And I wish I knew the things you think I do. I would change this world for sure. But I eat and sleep and breathe and bleed and feel. Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm real.").
"Has Been" is an intensely personal CD that seems to have been written primarily for Shatner and his close circle of family and friends. However, listeners who elect to go along for the ride will find that this CD is not unlike an audio car wreck -- even at its most disturbing points, you just can't not listen. And having listened, you feel as though you have experienced the complexities of an interesting, albeit imperfect, life. "Has Been" may not be the feel good record of the year, but it will certainly stick with you long after the flavors of the month have faded.