TOUGH RYDERS : * * * * <i> Great Balls of Fire</i> * * * <i> Good Vibrations</i> * * <i> Maybe Baby</i> * <i> Running on Empty : </i>

* * * “TWO FISTED TALES.” The Long Ryders. Island. The title of the album reflects why it’s a lot better than the L.A. quartet’s 1985 major-label debut, “State of Our Union.” Whereas last time the band was making proclamations about the resurgence of American rock, this time it just wants to get tough. And that’s just what it does with a variety of guitar-rock styles ranging from the rollicking riffing of “Gunslinger Man” to the moody, Byrds-like delicacy of “Baby’s in Toyland,” all anchored by guitarist Stephen McCarthy’s wide array of sounds. Ed Stasium’s power-packed production gives the band’s sound more dimension than it’s had before, especially Greg Sowders’ strong drumming. Sid Griffin still tends to write and deliver his homages to the past in too literal a manner, but he also makes several excellent writing and singing contributions grounded firmly in the here and now, as do McCarthy and bassist Tom Stevens.