Truck on down to your local branch of Borders or Smiths in a couple of weeks, and you'll find this on page 75 of April's "Maverick " magazine.........

Tom Conway, "I'll Wait for the Paperback"

..... a pretty impressive collection of observations, comments and ramblings. He manages the smart balance of seriousness and lightheartedness that gave the likes of Tom Waits, Harry Chapin, Randy Newman and John Prine their legendary status. He complains about life's trivialities on "Perspective", a catchy talking blues number which should resonate with us all, jokes about rejection in "No Wonder You're Single", and shows rare sensitivity about scrubbing up for a night out in "You Look Fine", a delicate song about a woman's insecurities about her looks.

"Mr Goodtimes" is a funky r&b-flavoured bluesy tune that's completely unlike the other songs that surround it, adding a touch of variety that helps to make this record such a pleasant low-key listening experence. I'd guess Mr Conway is a pretty good live performer if this short-but-sweet album is anything to go by. * * * *