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Largely written with Ben Folds—though Lemon Jelly also weigh in with the lovely "Together"—Shatner's second album in 35 years will be remembered for its magnificent version of Pulp's "Common People". Initially absurd, the novelty of Shatner—joined by Joe Jackson—declaiming Cocker's brilliantly satirical lyrics is soon eclipsed by the genuine verve of the performance. Henry Rollins lends his anger to the furious "I Can't Get Behind That", Aimee Mann pops up on the touching "Trying", and while Has Been refuses to take itself too seriously, going where few would ever go, it is definitely deserving of the cult status that it will inevitably earn.

EDEN PARKE

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User reviewsSubmit your reviewAverage user rating4 stars1 stars
Neal Traynor
Co Wicklow
 
Surprisingly good

Ok I gave it a 4 but it's more of a 3.5.

One cover version and the rest are written or co-written by Shatner - doesn't sound too promising but bear with me.

The cover version is of Pulp's 'Common People' and is worth buying the CD for that alone. Tongue-in-cheek (of course) but still rocking. The next three tracks are genius, and I don't use that word lightly.

"Live life,
Live life like your gonna die,
cos your gonna"

Shatner's timing is superb - he can't sing a note and he says as much but I genuinely think that if he had a good voice he could have been one of the great interpreters of songs, his timing really is that good.

There are a couple of tracks that are fillers, for want of a more polite word, but for the most part this is an enjoyable and sometimes inspired album. Check it out - I won't give you your money back or anything but I don't imagine you'll want it back.

Maybe it is a 4 after all.