Has Been
My first "new music" discovery of the year is William Shatner and Ben Folds' awesome collaboration called Has Been.
Where do I start? The songs are great, Shatner's delivery (speaking more than singing) is just classic. The lyrics are hysterical. The guests on the record include Joe Jackson, Henry Rollins, Aimee Mann, Lemon Jelly, and Brad Paisly.
This is an immensly listenable record.
The Gotham Gal got turned on to this from her brother. Thanks Jerry.
listen to "Common People" from Has Been here (RA):
http://www.npr.org/programs/asc/archives/bestof2004/listenerpicks.html#listener
or
http://www.npr.org/programs/asc/archives/asc74/index.html#shatner
Great piece - got more than gimmick.
Posted by: Brandon | January 29, 2005 at 03:52 PM
Some of the records you list are ones that I enjoyed last year as well. Here was my top ten for last year:
1. Midnight Movies - s/t
2. The New Year - The End Is Near
3. Interpol - Antics
4. GBV - Half Smiles Of The Decomposed
5. AC Newman - The Slow Wonder
6. The Secret Machines - Now Here Is Nowhere
7. Iron & Wine - Our Endless Numbered Days
8. The Arcade Fire - Funeral
9. Destroyer - Your Blues
10. Robert Pollard - Edison's Demos
Here's a few to buy in the next couple of months:
1. M. Ward - Transistor Radio
2. Capitol Years - Let Them Drink
3. Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
4. Doves - Some Cities
Posted by: Raj Bala | January 29, 2005 at 04:12 PM
I liked 'Common People' alot, but I'm a sucker for a cover, and Pulp is one of my favorite Brit bands. I wouldn't have thought to cover that one myself, it's so Brittish in theme, but it works for Bill, hell, anything can work for Bill.
Posted by: jackson | January 30, 2005 at 10:01 AM
William Shatner? Urgh... please, don't let him close to a studio again
Posted by: Giordano | January 30, 2005 at 06:19 PM