Ann Magnuson is an actress, singer, writer and performance artist with a feral imagination unfettered by convention or decorum. Pretty Songs & Ugly Stories combines Magnusons formidable musical, theatrical and lyrical instincts with the compositional and production muscle of Kristian Hoffman. [Hoffman was the keyboard player and songwriter of seminal punk band the Mumps. He wrote and arranged Klaus Nomi's pop hits, and led two infamous NYC bands - the Swinging Madisons and Bleaker Street Incident. He's also worked with Lydia Lunch and Dave Davies and as musical director for Rufus Wainwright, and has 3 acclaimed solo CDs in release.] On Pretty Songs & Ugly Stories Magnusons vocals are never less than compelling; her voice is rich with arch humor, able to dip into a simmering lower register or jump to a jubilant cry of girlish delight. The songs tumble out in a luxuriant cornucopia of pop styles.