RELIX vol. 23 no. 2 page 43 APRIL 1996

"INDEPENDENTS DAZE" by Mark Skidmore



Tom Stevens

Another Room



Former Long Ryders bassist Tom Stevens steps out on his own for an

unpretentious rootsy pop-rock adventure in "ANOTHER ROOM" (Maia Records).



Stevens has an abundance of hook-filled songs that he laces liberally with

folk, country and rock influences.  He gets musical support from members of

Junkyard Love, The Rain Parade and Green On Red.  The cascading guitar leads

of the haunting "It's Alright" focus on Stevens' strong psychedelic-tinged

pop side. He gets a little more articulate and thought-provoking in "Young

Man In Prison," a song that deals with the injustices of present day drug

laws.