When William Shatner had pursued a career in music, he had been famous there for his spoken-word versions of songs like Elton John's "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)" and Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." But... I can't help wonder if he could've done a spoken-word version of Saga's 1980 cult hit "Don't Be Late (Chapter 2)"? Saga, if you all should know, is a progressive-rock band from Canada, which is also Shatner's home country. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIMy69P_KMw However, while they were extremely popular outside of their homeland (they were very big in Germany and other European countries), their only real U.S. hit was "On the Loose." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQLWMvJ3sp4 He could also have done a spoken-word cover of Rush's "Tom Sawyer." Rush is a prog-rock band also from Canada. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNZru4JG_Uo ~Ben
Since so much of Shatner's musical output is drenched in this kind of sound, I just think he should cover more prog-rock material. I mean, his latest album, Seeking Major Tom, has a bunch of progressive and hard-rockin' greats guesting on it: among them are Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow), Steve Howe (Yes, Asia), John Wetton (King Crimson, Asia), Patrick Moraz (Yes, The Moody Blues), and even Alan Parsons (The Alan Parsons Project). He should've invited the following to play on his last CD: Lawrence Gowan, Dennis DeYoung, James "J. Y." Young, Tommy Shaw, Glen Burtnik, Ricky Phillips, Todd Sucherman, Steve Walsh, Kerry Livgren, Rich Williams, Dave Hope, Billy Greer, Robby Steinhardt, Phil Ehart, Davey Johnstone, Nigel Olsson, David Hentschel, Brian May, John Deacon, Roger Taylor (Queen), Paul Rodgers, Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson, Neil Peart, Michael Sadler, Ian Crichton, Jim Crichton, Steve Negus, Jim Gilmour, Aldo Nova, Rick Davies, Roger Hodgson, Dougie Thomson, Bob Siebenberg and John Helliwell. ~Ben