Places I've Done Time (Koch, 1998)

Originally released in 1978, this gives us another glimpse into the songwriting genius of Tom T. Hall. Known to fans as "the storyteller," Hall has written hit songs in each of the last four decades, a rare distinction for a songwriter. His recording career had some high moments, mostly during the '70's.

Though not his best, this features two chart tunes, "What Have You Got To Lose" and "The Son of Clayton Delaney," a follow-up to his 1971 hit, "The Year That Clayton Delaney Died."

Hall's strength has always been his ability to draw on ordinary people and events from his life and make them compelling and relevant. Such is the case with "The Three Sofa Story," "The Man Who Shot Himself" and "The Grocery Truck." "Mr. Bojangles," the Jerry Jeff Walker classic, is the album's one low moment. Hall is in good voice here, but the arrangement is soiled by too many strings. There's not a lot of classic Tom T. here, but it does feel like another visit with an old friend.