Tangled Messages

AMG Review of Tangled Messages

Jason Ankeny
All Music Guide

In light of her longstanding membership in Nashville alt-country freak show Lambchop, Deanna Varagona's solo debut Tangled Messages is a surprisingly straightforward and sincere roots-folk effort fairly devoid of the mother ship's surrealist extremes -- more Dolly than Dali, the record's stark acoustic approach is miles away from Lambchop's lush countrypolitan fanfare, its rustic dustbowl intensity capturing a salt-of-the-earth drama the likes of which Kurt Wagner rigorously avoids. The dichotomy serves Varagona well from the tortured wails that electrify the murder ballad "Take My Shovel" to the poignant interplay with duet partner Chris Mills on the lovely "Goodbye Kiss." Tangled Messages' unexpectedly blunt simplicity proves the ideal canvas for her aching vocals and bittersweet songs.