Storyteller, Poet, Philosopher

Tom T. Hall’s songs feel as comfortable as a pair of old shoes — but that doesn’t mean they can’t pinch the conscience a little. In his heyday, this Nashville legend composed vignettes of American life with the touch of a master miniaturist. Poet, Storyteller, Philosopher is the best all-around compilation of Hall’s work, extending from his first country hit (1967’s “I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew”) through such later Top Ten singles as 1980’s “The Old Side of Town.” What stands out here is Hall’s eye for detail and affection for life’s bit players and unsung heroes. Tunes like “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died,” ”Ballad of Forty Dollars,” and “Strawberry Farms” reveal deep empathy (and at times slow-burning rage) behind their folksy veneers. Hall didn’t mind putting a populist spin on issues of the day, as “Watergate Blues” and “The Monkey That Became President” indicates. At his best, he mixed sentimentality, humor and insight into songs that spoke to millions, yet retained their individual stamp. Poet, Storyteller, Philosopher – Hall is all of them and more in these tracks. Tom T. Hall’s songs feel as comfortable as a pair of old shoes — but that doesn’t mean they can’t pinch the conscience a little. In his heyday, this Nashville legend composed vignettes of American life with the touch of a master miniaturist. Poet, Storyteller, Philosopher is the best all-around compilation of Hall’s work, extending from his first country hit (1967’s “I Washed My Face in the Morning Dew”) through such later Top Ten singles as 1980’s “The Old Side of Town.” What stands out here is Hall’s eye for detail and affection for life’s bit players and unsung heroes. Tunes like “The Year That Clayton Delaney Died,” ”Ballad of Forty Dollars,” and “Strawberry Farms” reveal deep empathy (and at times slow-burning rage) behind their folksy veneers. Hall didn’t mind putting a populist spin on issues of the day, as “Watergate Blues” and “The Monkey That Became President” indicates. At his best, he mixed sentimentality, humor and insight into songs that spoke to millions, yet retained their individual stamp. Poet, Storyteller, Philosopher – Hall is all of them and more in these tracks.