3.5M views · Jun 7, 2009 · 4:43 · 6 HN recommenders · 7 mentions · discussed 2013–2023
William Shatner's spoken-word cover of Pulp's 'Common People', from his album Has Been.
Why Hacker News points people here: HN commenters repeatedly recommend it as a surprisingly good cover that brings out the contempt in the lyrics.
“I really like William Shatner's cover. It brings out the contempt in the lyrics. And it rocks.”HN comment, 2013
“I really like William Shatner's cover. It brings out the contempt in the lyrics. And it rocks.”
Shatner's cover of Common People brings out the lyrics' contempt
Incidentally, I really like William Shatner's cover. It brings out the contempt in the lyrics. And it rocks. this video
“His cover of Common People (Pulp) is an immense example of this.”
Shatner's spoken delivery of Common People is a standout
somewhat even more off topic, but: Thanks to William Shatner for lots of things; least of all demonstrating how to deliver a line of dialogue without it sounding like you're reading off the back of a cereal packet and left your glasses at home. His cover of Common People (Pulp) is an immense example of this. this video Yes Doctor Who, I'm staring you out whilst shaking a fist at you....
“I also enjoy the cover of this song by William Shatner that's surprisingly good IMO”
Surprisingly good Shatner cover of Common People
Glad you liked it, I also enjoy the cover of this song by William Shatner that's surprisingly good IMO: this video
“The Shatner cover is something special”
Shatner cover of Common People is special
“You will never understand how it feels to live your life with no meaning or control, and with nowhere left to go. You’re amazed that they exist, and they burn so bright that you can only wonder why?” —- Pulp, Common People The Shatner cover is something special: this video
“I found that quite touching as well”
Great Common People cover from Shatner's touching album
I like him, he seems to be a thoughtful person. I once listened to his album (which has a great cover of the song "Common People", that jokes about how rich people see the world [1]), in which he reflects on the death of his previous wife, who drowned in their pool, I found that quite touching as well 1: this video
“you have to listen to this cover by Cap'n Kirk”
Shatner cover for fans of the Pulp original
> Not to mention the Jarvis Cocker fascination If you like the Pulp (original AFAICT) version, you have to listen to this cover by Cap'n Kirk: link this video
Example of Shatner's spoken-word style, related to Has Been album
He later did an entire album called "Has Been" in this style, so I suspect so. Here's a taste: this video I know this because Ben Folds had a hand in it, and I'm a long-time Ben Folds fan.
