Hal Cragin has played bass with a lot of names. Iggy Pop and They Might Be Giants for two. Hal's an all round musician though, and this second solo CD shows off his comfortable fluency in the full range of band instruments. He sings a bit like Ira of Yo La Tengo. Gentle and breathy.
Wet Grassy Ground is a laid back affair, with a light funky feel and (as you'd expect) some exquisite bass playing. The songs are thoughtful and wide ranging. From Jacques Cousteau walking around on the sea bed to a Raybanned monkey using his hands-free mobile in the SUV.
Maybe it's a little indulgent, with that "play all the instruments syndrome" that leads to less interactive tension in the playing than a band would achieve. But it's definitely well-made and very warmly polished. It has a synthy, acoustic guitary, dawn-in-the-rain-forestish feeling. It's very mellow and it nourishes the parts of the soul that really need soothing.
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In fact, Hal Craigin has made just the thing to soundtrack a retreat from too many years in the back of a van with deranged egomaniacs, crazed musicians and psychotic hangers on. It's available via Cdbaby.com You could start the big come down this very weekend.
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