Ponder The Mystery

When I first popped Ponder The Mystery into my CD player I had some doubts about weather or not this album could be great. I’m not a big Star Trek fan, I don’t idol worship William Shatner and I haven’t afforded myself the opportunity to hear any of his spoken word stuff. To be honest, the man’s dialogue performances are a thing of ridicule made popular by Jim Carrey and even Shatner himself. I d love a human being that can poke fun at themselves and still enjoy success though. So how was the album?

 

First off, the album is heavy loaded with star power. You’ve got Mick Jones (Foreigner), Simon House (Hawkwind), Steve Vai, Al Di Meola (Return T Forever), Rick Wakeman (Yes), Joel Vandroogenbroeck (Brainticket), Edgar Winter, Nik Turner (Hawkwind), Vince Gill, Robby Krieger (The Doors) and a lot more. Needless to say, even though I’m saying it anyway, Shatner is backed by one hell of an ensemble guest cast. 

 

So where did this album go wrong in my opinion?

 

Like I said, Shatner’s dialogue is a mockery. There are some pretty powerful passages he fires off (The ferocity of winter) but there are also some that just come off comical. On paper they read like beautiful poetry that provides a great landscape for thought, but uttered through Shatner’s corny voice they just come off as cruel comedy. I know the man has made his mark with just such horrible dialogue delivery, but this album begs to be taken seriously, the topics are an in-depth look into the state of humanity, but Shatner’s delivery leaves much to be desired. 

 

Billy Sherwood, offers up the sung portions of each song, somewhat mimicking every word Shatner tosses out there. It reminded me of a bad comedy sketch where one guy speaks in a regular voice and a group of do wop singers follows him around repeats what he says I harmony. Again, Shatner’s delivery leaves much to be desired so the inclusion of Sherwood is a bit overkill. 

 

So is the album all bad?

 

No. With such a great collection of performers the album was destined to sound fantastic and does. Lots of space rock musings, classic rock/jazz styling’s and more. If it was an instrumental album it would have been perfect. Alas it is a concept album designed to shine a serious light on serious matters involving humanity, but delivered by a man whose claim to fame somewhat mutes his efforts. As always final judgment is yours.