An understated effort at eight songs and 35 minutes, Deanna Varagona's Tangled Messages provides an awkward complement to her mother group Lambchop's stellar Nixon, released earlier this year. A saxophonist and backing vocalist in Lambchop's large ensemble, Varagona has also lent her services to Yo La Tengo, Neutral Milk Hotel, and the Silos, among others. On her solo debut, she opts to frame her emotive voice with more homespun surrounding, occasionally accompanied by little more than a handful of musicians she's worked with through the years.

While it would be unfair to judge Varagona's work next to the accomplishments of the groups she's associated with, the inevitability of this problem arises because of her obscurity. While a versatile vocalist and an interesting songwriter, Varagona and the fruits of her talents remain sadly pedestrian when compared to her musical colleagues.

What remains after the initial disappointment wanes is a pleasant slice of middle-of-the-road alt-country fare-- a small collection of personal, often touching songs distinguished principally by Varagona's unique vocal style. The subtle country-blues of "In Deep" floats by nicely enough on soft trumpet and slide guitar. "Running So Long" showcases an ambling melody with an acoustic leading up to an enjoyable chorus. The solo "Take My Shovel" introduces a more ominous tone, with Varagona's wails and growls achieving much of the effect. Later, Illinois singer/songwriter Chris Mills duets on the mandolin-ornamented "Goodbye Kiss."

The lean "Naked" distinguishes itself only slightly from the rest of the pack, with Neutral Milk Hotel's Julian Koster providing singing saw and a smooth Varagona sax line anchoring the chorus. It seems her sax work adds much to the songs when applied, and the album might have benefited from more meat on its bones. As it stands, Varagona is no Edith Frost, and her charming but ultimately typical take on the Appalachian aesthetic brings little to the table except more of the same. Tangled Messages remains a personable effort, however, and may be her first step out of the shadow of association.

-S. Murray