Great Aspirations Explained

Great Aspirations
Type:	EP
Artist:	TC&I
Cover:	Great Aspirations TCI.jpg
Recorded:	2016
Studio:	Christ Church Bells Earthworm Amber, Swindon
Length:	15:19
Label:	PledgeMusic
Producer:	TC&I
Next Title:	Naked Flames
Next Year:	2019

Great Aspirations is the debut record by English duo TC&I (bassist Colin Moulding and drummer Terry Chambers, both formerly of the band XTC). The EP was released on 7 October 2017. The record marked the first recordings made by Chambers since 1984 when, after leaving XTC, he relocated to Australia and joined the band Dragon, touring with them from 1983 to 1984 and recording an album. With the exception of guest appearances as a session vocalist, bass player, and collaborator on several albums, the EP also marked the return to recording by Moulding, his first new recordings since XTC's disbandment in 2006.^[1]

Release

Dave Franklin of the Swindon Advertiser reviewed the EP as "something tasteful, deftly wrought, restrained and wonderfully English, West Country…. Swindonian even, if you are close enough to get the references."^[2]

XTC co-founder Andy Partridge praised "Scatter Me" and "Kenny" as his favourite cuts on the record, and wished "Colin (and Terry) all the best in the world."^[3]

Promotion

TC&I played six sold-out shows at Swindon Arts Centre in October and November 2018, their first live performances together in 35 years. A subsequent live recording of the sixth and last show, Naked Flames, was released on 9 August 2019. It was the only night in which the recording was not plagued by technical issues. Some songs they performed were omitted from the album due to Moulding's dissatisfaction with the band's playing.^[4]

Dissolution

In January 2019, a statement released through social media announced that TC&I had disbanded, and that Moulding had once again put his music career on hold in order to spend more time with his family.^[5] Moulding stated that he was not interested in pursuing a tour, as the performances were simply to satisfy "a curiosity", but said that Chambers may continue playing gigs.^[6]

Track listing

All songs written by Colin Moulding.

1. "Scatter Me" – 4:32
2. "Greatness (The Aspiration Song) – 3:53
3. "Kenny" – 4:33
4. "Comrades of Pop" – 2:23

Personnel

TC&I

• Terry Chambers – drums, percussion, backing vocals
• Colin Moulding – guitars, basses, keyboards, lead vocals

Additional musicians

• Alan Bateman – saxophone and trumpet on "Kenny" and "Scatter Me"
• Susannah Bevington – soprano voice on "Scatter Me"
• Mikey Rowe – Farfisa organ and ornate tinkling on "Scatter Me"

Technical

• TC&I – producers, engineers, design concept
• Stuart Rowe – mixing
• John Bucket – engineer
• Pete Hewington – assistant engineer
• Jason Mitchell – mastering
• Geoff Winn – photography
• Andrew Swainson – design

External links

• • on Chalkhills

Notes and References

1. Ham. Robert. Colin Moulding on Reteaming With Terry Chambers for 'DIY' New Project & Possibility of XTC Reunion. Billboard. 26 November 2017.
2. News: Franklin. Dave. ALL ABOUT: Great aspirations: TC&I. Swindon Advertiser. 9 November 2017.
3. xtcfans. Andy Partridge. Andy Partridge. 962826256449523715. 11 February 2018. Stu gave me a copy of Colin's EP, when 'he could'. I liked SCATTER ME and KENNY. I wish Colin (and Terry) all the best in the world..
4. Web site: Martin. Ryan. Jammerzine Exclusive: An Interview with TC&I's Colin Moulding. Jammerzine. 26 August 2019. Audio. 27:00.
5. Web site: Kieron Bowker. Facebook.com. 26 April 2019.
6. Web site: Martin. Ryan. Jammerzine Exclusive: An Interview with TC&I's Colin Moulding. Jammerzine. 26 August 2019. Audio. 36:00.