Colin Moulding isn’t the frontman of XTC, the UK psychedelic-influenced new wave cult heroes; that distinction belongs to Andy Partridge. Yet Moulding has filled the bass chair for the band since their 1972 inception, occasionally taking the lead vocals and writing songs, and he’s behind some of their most recognizable cuts, including “Generals And Majors” and “Making Plans For Nigel.” He’s also taken part in XTC-related projects such as the Dukes Of Straosphear and TC&I. Still, he rarely releases music as a solo artist. Today, he unveils the second solo release of his multi-decade career.
Back in 2021, Colin Moulding released a solo EP titled The Hardest Battle. It’s a CD-only release that isn’t available on streaming platforms. The same goes for his new solo CD single Want It Bad (The Pep Talks And Playing Fields Of Old England). It’s a compact offering, comprised of two tracks plus a demo of the first. Here’s what Moulding has to say about it:
I was looking for a cover image that would symbolize human endeavour. I had written a song called “Want It Bad,” which essentially functioned as a pep talk from a sports coach to his team. Perhaps football, but something about the runners on the beach in the film Chariots Of Fire struck me. If you want something in this life, you have to genuinely want it. And if you truly want it, you’ll achieve it. That was my mantra
After many permutations, Andrew [Swainson], my artwork designer, suggested, “What about Delaunay and his runners?” And when he showed me, there was no doubt.
Although the song “Want It Bad” began life as a sporting pep talk, it quickly became clear that it could easily be read as a personal motto for one’s own life ambitions, whatever they may be.
Though the record isn’t on streaming, Moulding did upload a ghastly AI video for “Want It Bad” on YouTube last month. British art-rock types from the ’70s and ’80s certainly love using AI! That’s unfortunate, especially given that the track is about “human endeavour.” If you want to hear the song, however, this appears to be your best option.
“Something About The Boy,” the other new song on the single, is Moulding’s take on a James Bond-style theme, something that he says he has always wanted to write. You can order the CD here.
