"In the year 1969, intrepid astronaut Major Tom was launched in a tin capsule atop a glimmering rocket into the vast reaches of extraterrestrial space. Halfway through the mission, the Major exited his floating ship and was never heard from again. Where did he go? What did he see? This album, conceived by legendary actor of stage and screen William Shatner, tells that story. Known primarily for his performance as the square-jawed Capt. James T. Kirk, the versatile Shatner brings his unique interpretive talents and much celebrated speak-sing delivery to a host of classic rock favorites and other space-themed songs that record the trajectory and tragedy of Major Tom, the man who journeyed far beyond the stars, and the family he left behind. With guest appearances by an all-star cast of music legends, Seeking Major Tom is one of the most extraordinary concept albums ever created and a sci-fi fantasy like no other!"
Shatner’s first album, The Transformed Man (1968), is a camp classic; I actually enjoy his album Has Been (2004) on its own merits; I had no idea what to expect from Seeking Major Tom, but there’s no way I was going to pass on hearing Shatner’s unique interpretations of pop/rock classics such as Steve Miller’s “Space Cowboy,” Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” Thomas Dolby’s “She Blinded Me with Science,” The Police’s “Walking on the Moon,” Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Pink Floyd’s “Learning to Fly” among others.
The results do not disappoint.
Here’s the bottom line: on The Transformed Man we’re laughing at him; on Has Been we’re laughing with him; on Seeking Major Tom he’s laughing with us laughing at him.
Good stuff.
Replies
"Fascinating."
... his unique interpretive talents and much celebrated speak-sing delivery ...
Well ... yeah ...
I'd love to hear this, for sure.
I haven't been able to get a performance he did of 'Driving in my Taxi' that I saw once out of my head. Wow.
Also, I heard one track off Has Been from the point of view of a father making contact with his estranged son years after all the heartbreak and it was a horribly effective piece.
I've listened to it twice, so far. My initial impression: It's something only Shatner could've achieved. It's awful, but it's great in it's awfulness. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this may well be the best awful concept album ever recorded.
I agree completely.