Seeking Major Tom

William Shatner | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 11, 2011)
• Original Release Date: 2011
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Cleopatra
• ASIN: B005HMUPYW
• In-Print Editions: Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,613 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Review

William Shatner returns to the final frontier of music recording with this space-themed concept album that boldly goes where no man has gone before - available on both 2CD and 3LP set!

Features distinctive interpretations of classic, intergalactic anthems by David Bowie, Queen, Deep Purple, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath and more!

Includes guest appearances by Zakk Wylde, Sheryl Crow, Ritchie Blackmore, Lyle Lovett, Steve Miller and Peter Frampton PLUS members of The Strokes, The Kinks, Tangerine Dream, Alice In Chains,
Deep Purple, Yes, MC5 and more!

Timed to release simultaneously with the publication of Shatner s new book Shatner Rules!

With a career that spans over 5 decades, Canadian-born actor William Shatner has become an instantly recognizable star of stage and screen whose vocal delivery, primarily in his performance as the square-jawed Capt. James T. Kirk , is...AS...iCONic...as it is...LEGENDARY. The versatile Shatner has also brought his unique interpretive talents to the music world as well, first in 1968 with the cult favorite The Transformed Man and later in 2004 with Has Been. Now Shatner has returned to familiar territory - space - in this wildly inventive concept album featuring brand new recordings of Shatner s much celebrated speak-sing delivery on a host of classic rock favorites and other space-themed songs. With guest appearances by an all-star cast of rock legends, Seeking Major Tom is sure to be one of the most talked about releases of 2011! --Official Press Release

Product Description

DISC 1
1. Major Tom (Coming Home) feat. Nick Valensi (The Strokes)
2. Space Oddity feat. Ritchie Blackmore & Candice Night
3. In A Little While feat. Lyle Lovett
4. Space Cowboy feat. Brad Paisley & Steve Miller
5. Space Truckin feat. Ian Paice (Deep Purple) & Johnny Winter
6. Rocket Man feat. Steve Hillage (Gong / System 7)
7. She Blinded Me With Science feat. Bootsy Collins & Patrick Moraz (Moody Blues)
8. Walking On The Moon feat. Toots Hibbert (Toots & The Maytals)
9. Spirit In The Sky feat. Peter Frampton
10. Bohemian Rhapsody feat. John Wetton (King Crimson / Asia)
11. Silver Machine feat. Wayne Kramer (MC5) & Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge / Rod Stewart)
12. Mrs. Major Tom feat. Sheryl Crow

DISC 2
1. Empty Glass feat. Michael Schenker
2. Lost In The Stars feat. Ernie Watts
3. Learning To Fly feat. Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
4. Mr. Spaceman feat. Dave Davies (The Kinks)
5. Twilight Zone feat. Warren Haynes (Gov t Mule / Allman Brothers)
6. Struggle (original track William Shatner / Adam Hamilton)
7. Iron Man feat. Zakk Wylde & Mike Inez (Alice In Chains)
8. Planet Earth feat. Steve Howe (Yes / Asia)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not Has Been, but Not Bad, Either., October 11, 2011

By 

Old T.B. (Cheyenne, Wy USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Seeking Major Tom (Audio CD)

William Shatner has released his third album, a concept album using many well-known songs unified by a `space' theme. No, it is not a great work of art. And, no, it will probably not garner the acclaim of his last album, 2004's remarkable Has Been. With that said, Seeking Major Tom is full of fun moments, Shatner-style.

Musically, Shatner surrounds himself with some true heavyweights. The selection of guitarists alone is impressive, including Zakk Wylde, Ritchie Blackmore, Johnny Winter, Wayne Kramer, and Dave Davies, to name a few. The playing is never less than solid; at times, it is inspired.

Through the proceedings, Shatner does what he does best: portray William Shatner. He talks, ruminates, and emotes his way through the tracks, and even takes a stab at singing on Black Sabbath's "Iron Man." When it works, it is quite fun. When it doesn't, it can be a head-scratching-and-shaking experience.

Ultimately, Seeking Major Tom is a fun listen; however, at its length of over ninety minutes, it could definitely have been shortened with no detrimental effect to the listening experience or the intended `concept.' The album becomes rather tedious after an hour.

What is good, though, is great. Highlights include "Space Cowboy," which lets Shatner show off his swagger, and a funky, hilarious run through "She Blinded Me with Science;" "Rocket Man," while not as dementedly inspired as his 1978 take on the song (see YouTube), is still quite welcome. And, "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a perfect vehicle for the over-the-top, histrionic force that is William Shatner.

Has Been was, mostly, the words of Shatner set to music; Seeking Major Tom is the work of others set to Shatner, and it doesn't work as well. Fans of Shatner, different takes on the familiar, a good laugh, or all three, will find much to like about this album.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth buying, October 13, 2011

By 

D. Kaley (spokane, WA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Seeking Major Tom (Audio CD)

First the negative: This CD was put together around several top musicians' schedules. It shows since some songs' music sounds like karaoke music. This is minimal though since most sound really good.

Now the positive: The whole concept is outstanding and one must keep that in mind while listening to really appreciate it. WS didn't write the tunes- just put them together to make a story, and that's how it should be taken in. Some tracks stand out individually, like Space Oddity and Rocket Man among others. Like his last effort, one can find both scathing wit and heartfelt sentiment all from the classic Shatnerry delivery. As a concept, it was threaded nicely throughout from excerps from the first two songs.

Although not as good as Has Been, which is a different beast, it's well worth a purchase for fans. I respect Wiliam Shatner for trying something different instead of falling back on and riding past accomplishments (Has Been)!

Thanks, William Shatner, for being yourself- you are a rarity!

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well...this is different, October 12, 2011

By 

Wes Vodka (Leadville, CO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Seeking Major Tom (Audio CD)

Honestly, I was not sure what to make of this album at first. It is so weird! But, I find that it's growing on me after a few go rounds. Shatner must have had a blast making it, he got to work with so many talented musicians! There is such abundant joy here, I definitely recommend "Seeking Major Tom"