Shatner/Rollins duet

I’ve heard pieces of William Shatner’s recorded work, and I always thought that he and former Black Flag/Rollins Band/ spoken word artist Henry Rollins would eventually collaborate. Actually, I never even came close to thinking about that. But, according to NME.com, it has happened:

Almost 35 years since the release of his debut album, William Shatner, television�s Captain Kirk and TJ Hooker has teamed up with esteemed singer-songwriter Ben Folds (as his producer/co-writer) to deliver what can only be described as one of the least highly anticipated albums of the year. Although not a �witty and self-deprecating poet� as he has been described, Shatner�s album, titled ‘Has Been’, includes some surprisingly good pop-driven collaborations with Lemon Jelly, Henry Rollins, novelist Nick Hornby, and here he covers Pulp�s classic ‘Common People’ with Joe Jackson.

Hear William Shatner’s sensational version of ‘Common People’ now on NME.COM - NME.COM

I clicked through and listened to “Common People.” It was absolutely amazing. In a related story, Shatner also covered a version of Gary Numan’s “Cars,” which does not appear to be on the current album. Bummer.

Anyone who saw Free Enterprise appreciates Mr. Shatner’s take on Julius Caesar. Check out more Shatner vocal excursions at farpointstation.