I am currently listening to William Shatner (Captian Kirk &tc.)’s new album.

Yes, that’s right.

In answer to the life or death question: ‘am I enjoying listening to William Shatner’s new album’.

Yes.

More than that, I’m loving Shatner and Henry Rollins yelling “I can’t get behind that” at each other about what they can’t get behind. This is genuinley cathartic, shades of Niel’s “Piece of Crap”. Unusual. But cathartic. Laughing with-Shatner-not-at-him funny, too. Kid’s got a sense of humour.

Is this finally a good time to admit he’s Canadian? Maybe not yet.

William Shatner covering “Common People” I predict to be worth several listens before it gets tired. ‘It Hasn’t Happened Yet’ is actually almost a good song, by the standard measurements. ‘You’ll Have Time’ might sneak onto some mix tapes as a closer, why not, everything should end in death really. “Has Been” is one of those – whaddya call ’ems – hoots. Nice vocal touch out of our boy Bill on that one. Did I mention that William Shatner and Henry Rollins yelling “yes it does”, “no it doesn’t” at each other re: size matters is well worth the time?

There are also some painfully lame tracks here. The numerical majority in fact. Duh. Music playback technology has advanced far enough that we can now fast forward past those parts (and don’t necessarily have to pay for the privilege. I await with hoping heart the time when this is compatible with paying the artist for the bits you do like).

I do appreciate that the world takes the time to bring me such slices of rich, um, something.