Places I've Done Time
Tom T. Hall · 1978
30 min · 10 tracks · country music
A vivid tapestry of storytelling woven through engaging melodies and wry observations of everyday life.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Mr Bo Jangles — This cover of Jerry Jeff Walker's classic showcases Hall's ability to infuse personal narrative into a widely recognized story, illustrating resilience and connection.
-
→
The Man Who Shot Himself — This track exemplifies Hall's flair for dark humor and poignant storytelling, skillfully merging tragedy with a touch of absurdity.
-
→
Son of Clayton Delaney — A deeply reflective song that continues Hall's exploration of legacy and identity, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into familial relationships.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's storytelling and acoustic focus create a solid yet familiar country sound.
What we noticed
- The album features a narrative structure where each track tells a distinct story, often with a humorous or poignant twist.
- Several songs incorporate conversational lyrics that create an intimate connection with the listener, such as in 'The Grocery Truck' and 'Mr Bo Jangles'.
- The instrumentation is predominantly acoustic, with a focus on guitar and piano, allowing the storytelling to take center stage.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- wry observations of everyday life
- quick storytelling with humor
- playful narratives for casual listening
- short tracks for easy enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of complex compositions
- prefer lengthy, immersive experiences
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Places I've Done Time is Tom T. Hall's tenth studio album, following his commercial breakthrough with 1974's Song of America. At this point in his career, Hall had established himself as a premier songwriter in country music, known for his narrative style and relatable themes, further solidifying his influence in the genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John Prine· Guy Clark· Townes Van Zandt
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 What Have You Got to Lose 3:12
- 2 I Couldn't Live in Southern California 2:50
- 3 The Grocery Truck 2:30
- 4 The Man Who Shot Himself 3:13
- 5 Son of Clayton Delaney 2:53
- 6 Mr Bo Jangles 3:44
- 7 The Three Sofa Story 3:36
- 8 The Great East Broadway Onion Championship of 1978 2:20
- 9 Hat Full of Feathers 3:18
- 10 Gimme Peace 2:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.