Search ErieReader.com
DonateBest of Erie40 Under 40TicketsAdvertiseDistributionIssuesAboutContactEventsNewsletter
Close
Donate!
Best of Erie 2026
40 Under 40
The Reader Beat
Tickets
Newsletter Signup
Erie Reader Business Quarterly
City Guide
Events
Opinion
Features
Issues Archive
Events Calendar
Advertise
More
Arts & Culture
Business
Columns
Community
Environment
Film
From the Editors
Gem City Style
Local, Original Comics
Music Reviews
News & Politics
Recipes
Sports
Theater
Distribution Locations
About Us
Contact Us
Issue Archives
Internship Opportunities
Write for Us
Share:
Music Reviews

Album Review // Tom Stu // Better Days

by Nick Warren
View ProfileTwitterInstagramRSS Feed
January 17, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Self-released

4/5 staras

Beautiful, intimate, and wonderfully catchy, the debut album from Tom Stu (aka Tom Stuczynski) is impressive. I'd be hard-pressed to think of many other local releases that I'd rather hear around a campfire or a living room amongst friends and family. With just a few layers of acoustic guitars and some echoey vocal overdubs (not to mention a guest spot from his sister, the great Claire Stuczynski on the track "Beautiful Sky"), Stuczynski creates an inviting and rich atmosphere that you'll be happy to drop in on. This folky pop sound continues to captivate generations of singer-songwriters and it's easy to see why. Stuczynski's lyrics are nostalgic and sentimental, free of cynicism. One could trace his vocal delivery as a blend of Punk Goes Acoustic and John Mayer, Jack Johnson, or Dave Matthews, mixed with more modern sensibilities. With nine tracks totaling 38 minutes, it's a sweet, easy-to-digest meal that will leave you with a blissful aftertaste. For a relatively new artist, this album feels rustic and lived-in, with care and attention given to each note and phrase throughout.



Local album reviewTom StuBetter DaysAlbum review

Featured Events

Today Tomorrow This Weekend

Erie Cookie Stroll

Kids/Family
Nov. 7th, 11 AM to 4 PM

Over the Tavern

Performing Arts
Nov. 7th, 7:30 PM

Mean Girls, JR

Performing Arts
Nov. 7th, 7:30 PM

Harmony and Blessings Concert Series: JBQ (John Bacon Quartet)

Music
Nov. 8th, 2 PM

Mean Girls, JR

Performing Arts
Nov. 8th, 7:30 PM

Submit Your Event   View Calendar

November 2026: Shop Local
Erie Reader: Vol. 16, No. 11
View Past Issues
In This Issue
Erie Reader Best of Erie City Guide 2023-2026

Popular This Week

COVID-19 Cases Rise Slightly In Erie County, Across Country

xRepresentx, Vice, Counterfeit, Cop Torture at BT

Ludacris Shows Behrend Some Southern Hospitality

Best of Erie 2014 Finalists

Hangin' Out at the South Pier

Related Articles

Negative Worlds: November 2026

by Nick Warren11/6/2026, 2:00 PM
Save for later: the December gift guide for procrastinators

Touch the Flames: Spotlight 814 Premieres Murder Ballad at Room 33

by Nick Warren10/27/2026, 8:00 AM
The New York City rock opera offers an immersive, high-energy experience

Negative Worlds: October 2026

by Nick Warren10/26/2026, 9:00 AM
CRYPTICAL ENVELOPMENTS

Album Review // This Is Lorelei // The Singer in My Band

by Nathaniel Clark10/21/2026, 8:00 AM

Local Album Review // In Addendum // Boom!

by Aaron Mook10/14/2026, 7:00 AM

Local Album Review // Lanternflies // Lanternflies

by Nick Warren10/7/2026, 1:00 PM
Member of Reporters Shield
© 2026 Great Lakes Online Media
PO Box 10963  //  Erie, PA 16514
Editorial Standards Terms of Use Privacy Policy