In 2004 William Shatner returned with his second album - his first since his controversial debut, The Transformed Man, in 1968 - and although it was a long time between drinks, it turned out to be well worth the wait!
Produced & arranged by Ben Folds and featuring special guests Henry Rollins, Joe Jackson & Lemon Jelly, this is a brilliant snapshot of Shatner: The man, The poet, The armchair philosopher. Although his version of Pulp's "Common People" was the album's lead track, believe it or not it's possibly the weakest cut amongst a 40 minute set of surprisingly deep musings.
It's hilarious in places and unexpectedly poignant in others, and Folds's sympathetic musical arrangements add a depth of feeling to this album that suits Shatner's style to a tee.
This project wisely steers clear of becoming too schmaltzy or self-indulgent, instead its a fresh piece of work which rewards the listener a lot more than enduring the Shat rambling through his own "unique" interpretations of classics such as "Lucy In the Sky with Diamonds" and "Mr Tambourine Man" (see The Transformed Man).
And listening to the Shat rant with Rollins about leaf blowers ("Is there anything more futile!?!) is worth the album price alone.
Denny Crane strikes gold!!
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