"Packrat"

2006 Self Release
Score: 6 (of 10) 

Packrat is the latest release from Bay Area musician T.Hallenbeck.  As a solo artist T.Hallenbeck has previously released three albums; Doubting Thomas (2004), Secret Society (2001) and Atavist (1999.)  Before going solo he played in the bands Harm Farm and Crank. 

Packrat is basically a straightforward folksy singer-songwriter album.  The music is a bit sparse at times and many of the songs sound too similar to each other, but the music is well played and fairly catchy.  T.Hallenbeck’s vocals are pretty good on Packrat, he shows a good range and the album features some nice harmonizing.  Lyrically songs like “Jealous Of Joe” are a bit simple and repetitive. 

Overall:  Well performed folksy singer-songwriter album.