I love this album, and not just for those kitschy reasons that many mention. I find the album wonderfully... comforting. For me, "The Transformed Man" purifies the soul, it takes me to that special place where Shatner is King, Landlord and Capo di tutti capi of all that is. Magnificent arrangements by Don Ralke. I'm only a casual Star Trek fan, so it's not a case of Shatner Worship on that level, but with The Transformed Man one has the Kirk-era Shatner at the peak of his powers.
But platitudes aside, does anyone think that Bill was making a serious piece of art and it turned out as it did, or was it merely a matter of campy fun, like an episode of Batman?
I am also of the few who finds genuine pathos in "Elegy For the Brave."
Shatner has gone on record in interviews as saying this was an artistic statement - the combining of pieces of classic literature, plays, etc., with songs he felt might be an interesting counterpoint to those pieces. I for one also believe it's a success. Shatner has never said he could sing. One can think of these as storytelling, narration, commentary and certainly all of those things... in my opinion. That said, it is fun to poke fun at it, but it's a CD that will never leave my collection. I understand completely what you're saying about it being comforting. His Ben Folds collaboration CD, HAS BEEN, is also amazing. It's a very well-written pop album, with some amazing musicians contributing to Shatner's trademark narration style.
I love this album, and not just for those kitschy reasons that many mention. I find the album wonderfully... comforting. For me, "The Transformed Man" purifies the soul, it takes me to that special place where Shatner is King, Landlord and Capo di tutti capi of all that is. Magnificent arrangements by Don Ralke. I'm only a casual Star Trek fan, so it's not a case of Shatner Worship on that level, but with The Transformed Man one has the Kirk-era Shatner at the peak of his powers.
But platitudes aside, does anyone think that Bill was making a serious piece of art and it turned out as it did, or was it merely a matter of campy fun, like an episode of Batman?
I am also of the few who finds genuine pathos in "Elegy For the Brave."
Shatner has gone on record in interviews as saying this was an artistic statement - the combining of pieces of classic literature, plays, etc., with songs he felt might be an interesting counterpoint to those pieces. I for one also believe it's a success. Shatner has never said he could sing. One can think of these as storytelling, narration, commentary and certainly all of those things... in my opinion. That said, it is fun to poke fan at it, but it's a CD that will never leave my collection. I understand completely what you're saying about it being comforting. His Ben Folds collaboration CD, HAS BEEN, is also amazing. It's a pop album, with some amazing musicians contributing to Shatner's trademark narration style.
I will have to finally find this and listen to it. Is it still available? ( It HAS to be )
An aside- Shatner was self-admittedly hurting for dough post ST and into the 70's. I'm sure that played a hand in this little Bon Mot's release.
I had an earlier, unremastered version of the CD before--the edition prior to Varese's--and actually had to "get used to" the 2004 release because it was remixed (properly?). I used to listen to that thing quite a bit!
I had an earlier, unremastered version of the CD before--the edition prior to Varese's--and actually had to "get used to" the 2004 release because it was remixed (properly?). I used to listen to that thing quite a bit!
I will have to seek this out. There has to be some sort of entertainment value in it!
Call me crazy, but to me the REAL tragedy of Shatner's "singing" career is that -- all kidding aside -- he could have made quite a decent singer.
EXHIBIT A:
This tiny clip from the Mike Douglas Show, which appeared at the beginning of Comedy Central's Shatner roast:
Sure, it's easy to make fun of the song choice. It happens to be a Rodgers & Hammerstein number from "Me & Juliet," recorded by Perry Como, Rosemary Clooney, etc. And the clip is frustratingly brief, making it hard to make a definitive judgment. But listen to his voice! He's hitting the notes, isn't he? His movement is a little bit awkward, but you can tell he has some feeling for the rhythm of the number, and real confidence, presence, and charm.
You hear some of the unique Shatnerian pronunciations which lent a certain poetry to his portrayal of Captain Kirk, his "ew" vowel in "bloom," and the way he flips the "L" sound at the beginning of "love" and "lovely."
When you think of how many albums Nimoy released, and how many times he appeared in regional productions of musicals, then consider that Shatner in all probability had the better vocal instrument, it's sad to think what might have been.
--At least for us Trekkies who also happen to be musical theatre buffs.
I sure hope the REST of this clip turns up somewhere someday . . .
What a glorious find! Eric, your complimentary copy of The Transformed Man is in the mail (along with your 2009 NYY World Series ring). I voted "Lost Years (1969-76)" for Bill's worst toup era. Brilliant stuff. The summation of "The Paradise Syndrome" says it best:
"Most notable is its portrayal of a surprisingly multi-dimensional and emotionally mature Captain Kirk (the episode ends not with the usual humorous banter, but with Kirk facing the death of his wife and future child), underscored by a uniquely soft and sensitive toupee style."
