Elvis Costello & The Attractions - (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea

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Music video by Elvis Costello & The Attractions performing (I Don't Want To Go To) Chelsea. (C) 1978 Elvis Costello under exclusive license to Universal Music Enterprises, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc.
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[@Alsatiagent-zu1rx]

A breath of fresh air in the late 70s. Elvis was King.

[@garymcgrath8246]

Drums are brilliant ... They're so manic & " slippy " everything else ..vocals instruments immaculate

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you should look up a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@gregbowen617]

This still gives me goosebumps and I'm in my 60's...angsty, edgy, and razor-sharp...what a song...

[@Issaaay260]

You and me both....

[@Fetherko]

Get your kicks at 66

[@louisajones9015]

heyy Greg, still got four! years to go! but just could not agree more! wishing you a happy day, from lou xxx

[@provocase]

57 here... must have been 12 or 13 when this came out. Loved it instantly even if I might have not have really grasped the lyrics then (non native English speaker), but the angst, edge and razor-sharpness shone right through for me as a kid back then... and this still turns my crank today!

[@bernicehenry9738]

Loved this high school mornings.. It was what I needed to pump me up in Sydney Australia! Thank God for 2JJ back then!!!!!

[@vaportrails7943]

This is the album. It deserves to be in the list of best ever. Should not be forgotten.

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you should look up a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@musicis.4045]

This man set the tone for the 80's before the 80's even hit!

[@vernpascal1531]

Elvis is so great that this song wasn't even on the American version of TYM! Same with Girls Talk,Crawling To The USA, Radio Sweetheart,Big Tears, and all those other terrific ones from Taking Liberties.

[@mortenreippuertknudsen3576]

Declan is the one and only true Elvis & MJ in one and same person.

[@BlueSoulJim]

Even video looks 80s

[@magdeleenvaneersel7315]

Lol! Somebody on Twitter just asked for some 80ies music suggestions and the first thing I thought of was this song!

[@vernpascal1531]

@@mortenreippuertknudsen3576 I like that ! So the first Elvis was an Imposter?

[@80ssynthfan48]

I consider 1978-1985 to be one of the high water marks in popular music history. Amazing stuff in that period.

[@valentinius62]

I agree though I'd go a few more years in the 1980s. I think the mid 1960s to about 1970 was another great period. Most of the 1970s was kind of the doldrums. Some great songs, but to me was lacking in something compared to what came just before and just after.

[@80ssynthfan48]

@@valentinius62 personally, as I'm more a synthpop fan, I regard the late 80s as less good than 80-85.

[@valentinius62]

@@80ssynthfan48 Ah, I see. I like it as well, but also liked the Industrial and EBM scene as well.

[@patrickholt2270]

I agree, minus the New Romantic foppishness and Thatcherite gloating. Things picked up for me around 1988 with the beginnings of grunge and then the Manchester scene, and the gradual breaking down of the playlist prejudice against heavy metal. The Ska revival came to an end all too soon, although the yanks picked it up and kept on with it so they could bring it back in the md '90s. They have some use like that - they did the same for punk, especially the Minnesota scene which pioneered hardcore and grunge.

[@j.c.9784]

I do want to go to Chelsea!! Lol

[@EdwardHester3615]

Elvis Costello. I forgot how good this guy was.. Holy shit

[@briandavis3832]

I can't remember yesterday ffs but I remember hearing this song for first time in a record shop in Belfast city centre

[@vernpascal1531]

@@briandavis3832 -This wasn't even on the album TYM here in the States... and it's as great as anything on there!

[@briandavis3832]

Vern Pascal my brother has it on a record and still has it. As I said I remember walking in to the Record shop and hearing it for the first time. So think 💭 of what I'm saying I remember the first time I had heard it.

[@vernpascal1531]

@@briandavis3832 Yeah here's my story with the song. The first concert I ever saw (well not including a group called The Smiths,but not the famous Smiths, another group who had one hit a cover of Baby It's You) was Elvis Costello and Squeeze in January of'81. Elvis took the stage and sang Just A Memory to lead off Acapella, and the Girl next to me says" So he's not even gonna play the guitar?" Then he goes into this and needless to say it was great and unforgettable.

[@btm380]

@@vernpascal1531 Yeah, the label felt Americans wouldn't relate/understand the song...so left off. B.S.!

[@Novaroma2728]

Listened to this as I rolled into Chelsea visiting London for the first time in my life. Unforgettable experience, wonderful song.

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you should look up a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@gzus5943]

Just speculating, but could he be referring to the Chelsea in New York? They had a mad hotel there back in the day I believe where artists of that period checked into, but they just ended up living there. And it must have been a very freaky place. (Just a thought)

[@swann433]

@@gzus5943 I think its about the snobby people in chelsea london...

[@DanielLopez-tb2fl]

​@@swann433 You are probably correct

[@spideranansi929]

Elvis Costello and Joe Jackson were making some really stand out music late 70s early 80s!!!😊😚😜

[@vincentcarrot]

YES! plus Andy Partridge

[@hoeraker]

@@vincentcarrotXTC!!!

[@greta3315]

@@hoeraker❤XTC❤

[@sCulturefan]

Probably the Attractions' finest moment as a band; fits Elvis' lyrics and vocal perfectly

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you should look up a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@the_local_bigamist]

@@funlittlefish Yep, also check out The Chugwhumpa Conspiracy

[@georgeskeggs9931]

Probably one of Britain's greatest Songwriter's👏👏

[@cernegiant398]

George, there's no "probably" about it.

[@vincentcarrot]

@@cernegiant398 You are both right.

[@keithbentley6081]

Songwriters mate, no apostrophe.

[@madenglishman3417]

He’s top tier, particularly lyrically, but don’t forget (among others) Britain has produced Lennon-McCartney; Jagger-Richards; Difford-Tilbrook; John-Taupin; David Bowie; Kate Bush; …

[@AllofJudea]

​@@madenglishman3417too many to even think about

[@zackzallie8735]

One of the BEST Albums EVER MADE! This Year's Model.

[@dalejones9919]

Armed Forces fan here..

[@maxmoon2254]

Zack Zallie agreed but this isn’t on any copy of TYM I have. Is it a B side or on the Import ?

[@maxmoon2254]

Zack Zallie it’s on “Get Happy” album.

[@marksherman1887]

Agreed!

[@The1stMrJohn]

Yep😁 great album.. but got this on a single and taped from John Peel's sessions. Fond memories of early teens at school and my first girlfriends.

[@danguee1]

One of THE greatest guitar tones ever.....

[@markdenney3333]

Every now and again I 'rediscover' music. Music that I loved at the time but haven't really listened to since. This is simply epic, I cannot stop playing it. Music, the gift that keeps on giving. Thank God we still have such good quality music to go back to, I fear the kids of today won't be rediscovering in the future!

[@Issaaay260]

Yes!

[@derekk2708]

SAME! ... Have it on Loop! That Guitar Rift ... ; )

[@ox8833]

I know exactly what your saying! Glad I rediscovered him him this

[@lisabergkoetter7467]

I know! Me too! It's the best! Like reuniting with a really good old friend

[@saltermellon644]

Agreed such a brilliant album, every song a banger. My all time favourite lyric “ they call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie” Absolute brilliance

[@lpkvideodesigns4998]

Here come the men, all dressed in white coats shake you very gently by the throat ones name Gus ones named Alfie I don't want to go to Chelsea!!! I agree. Brilliant!!!

[@lawrencekelli]

In 1978 I used to take this Cassatt to school. I had the biggest crush on Elvis Costello I was 8...I would ask my class mate's if they liked him too. They always thought I was talking about Elvis Presley..lol. I got given a ticket to see him for my 17th birthday all by myself was the best night !

[@mfranssens]

70’s and 80’s seemed like every week another great memorable song was released. Today? Not so much.

[@violoncelo1000]

true.. the main difference is : Back then, they were exploring new sounds.. everybody was trying to find their own groove Today, they just apply 'formulas'.. tired formulas, may i ad Everybody is trying to play safe.... cowards!!

[@mwhitehead1461]

Try Ren makes music.

[@YoItsEvanAdams]

To be fair there was a shit ton forgetable and boring music from the 70s and 80s, especially the last half of the 80s

[@geegee8625]

That's an outright outrageous lie take it back now ​@YoItsEvanAdams

[@SteveAbbott-Channel]

I play guitar and sing in Thailand, The Bassline for this track is absolutely one of the most difficult ever. My bass guitar hates me when i announce this one :-}. Fantastic song, so i'll keep on playing it

[@xjdfghashzkj]

As a bass player, this is one of my favorite challenges

[@markh2355]

Get mark king, level 42 to play it for you. 😊

[@jaynietee000]

Elvis is the reason I always pick the bass player 😊😉. Amazing talent. ❤️

[@Davido7530]

Where do you play in Thailand?

[@SteveAbbott-Channel]

@@Davido7530 usually around hua hin

[@robbiechandler7858]

one of the best basslines of this genre

[@MisterNiles]

one of the finest rhythm sections at their finest... before refinement. Good lord. That bass line. Sometimes when I put this song on, I can't get beyond the intro without starting it over four or five times.

[@wuckle]

Superb drumming - that intro............

[@mortenreippuertknudsen3576]

@Dr. Bombay nope... Check with Police, U2 etc. Declan & the Attractions was the Velvet Underground of his generation.

[@fossie32]

@@wuckle On Wiki it says the drummer was influenced by Jimi Hendrix' 'Fire'

[@jackchadderton6263]

Great intro, mate. In fact his drumming on No Action and Lipstick Vogue is also epic.

[@Jonnimoondog]

That bubbling bass....otherworldly and badass.

[@KaitainCPS]

Love the bass-dominated sound from this era. Costello, Joe Jackson, Graham Parker. (Well, shoutouts to Bruce Thomas, Graham Maby and Andrew Bodnar, I guess.)

[@kilgoretrout3966]

Man, Joe Jackson was the shhhhhhhit! Even with synth bass.

[@skatrain007]

Don't forget Norman Watt Roy bassplayer for Ian Dury!!!!!!

[@kilgoretrout3966]

@@skatrain007 Loved Ian and his band!

[@TheJoeyboots]

Yes agree 😁👍

[@mikejones-go8vz]

Great era 👍🏽

[@Issaaay260]

I just can't get enough of Elvis Costello.

[@NotAFanAnymore]

What an intro on drums. Explosive

[@louiscyphre833]

why has this man been so greatly underestimated and unapplauded for so long? I am proud to say I was the first person in my town when a teen to "Get Happy" and like that bad gag the tunes never get old. Maybe we could celebrate this guy before we're all gushing about how much we loved him before he passed

[@danielpetersen1597]

I saw Elvis and The Impostors perform this last night (4 September, 2022) in Saratoga, California. It's wonderful to watch these young men in the video, having just seen three of them as old men last night still channeling the intensity the song requires. Steve Nieve (keys) and Pete Thomas (drums) are still playing with Elvis. Great show... This feels like a good moment to note Declan McManus' long-running contributions to music.

[@df289]

people of today don,t have a clue as to how important music was to us back then.

[@keefebaby]

And still is :-)

[@valentinius62]

And how different it was from anything we ever heard before. A true musical revolution.

[@bellerophonchallen8861]

absolutely. And how it was ours. Our parents moaned about the Sex Pistols and the Damned, tried to stop us watching Old Grey Whistle Test and wouldn't turn over to radio 1 for the chart show or John Peel. Tried to get us into Val Dooooonican or Jim Reeves when we just wanted Blondie and the Undertones. And when I got an earring my mother was horrified. My old man was pretty ok with most stuff but he hated the Pistols track Problems on the Bollocks LP. I remember how even once cool bands like Roxy Music, Slade, Zepplin and Donny Osmond suddenly seemed ancient. (Just kidding about Donny) Today's parents try to be into the same music as their kids, then there was no way they'd listen even if you begged them. Mind you, the racket kids listen to today........

[@davidstewart9665]

I believe the 70s was the most creative and exciting decade of the 20th Century bar none.

[@dinahbrown902]

Nothing compared to the 60s and 70s.

[@Goatchild90]

My favourite single from This Year's Model, One of my favourite albums of all time

[@Gabe94dotcom]

True 👍

[@johnstjohn6658]

I just remember it from the "Americathon" movie. I didn't realize that it was on an album.

[@The1stMrJohn]

Brilliant albums and the tallest drummer I've ever seen! Some of my best and most favourite vinyl comes from the years 1975-1979

[@whatsuphotdog]

this groove is otherworldly

[@BerniceHenry-t7v]

Getting up + ready for high school....made my day heaps better xxx

[@pbattis1]

Pure Gold.

[@Gabe94dotcom]

True 👍

[@lordprotector3367]

I used to listen to songs like this on Radio Luxembourg 208 in 1978 in mono on my crappy transistor radio. It really made you appreciate music for what it was rather than how trendy it is.

[@weebadwolf4893]

Was exactly the same 👍

[@TheMusicalElitist]

The drums on this are mega!

[@DCPMusic]

Top 10 greatest songwriters in the history of rock & soul.

[@trevorbailey2431]

This is the best song from Elvis Costello,

[@saberserpent1134]

Omg the rhyme scheme of the lyrics is absolutely brilliant. How he plays those proper nouns as a set-up for the hooks end. Gibberish? Genius.

[@mallory5872]

Love the drums on this. (And everything else.). My first boyfriend used to like to watch me dance to this in 1980.

[@nks80]

mallory the year I was born. Love Elvis Costello though.

[@oliveeisner8964]

He was actually MY boyfriend. I discovered the hard way what a low down womanizer he was. Elvis Costello wrote a song about it...

[@benschorr-kon2071]

I just bet he did! ;)

[@michaelearthling]

was that Nick? i hope all you Keatons have prospered since the 80's.

[@dizzyboxnine2656]

Killer drums and bass!!

[@patandmacmusic]

My pop and I rarely see eye to eye on anything. Elvis Costello however is something we agree on.

[@waytoobiased]

I love how the drums briefly double-time in the intro. Fantastic.

[@deathshead357]

Yeah, reminds me of the intro to "Fire" by Jimi Hendrix. Mitch Mitchell does a similar thing.

[@bendennis7730]

Elvis Costello and the Attractions were way ahead of the time with New Wave - born in ‘71 here what a time to be alive!

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you might like a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@chicklets4ever51]

Fantastic. Dig the 60s-ish Farfisa organ and killer bass line. Great band, great songwriter.

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you should look up a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@peterbustin2683]

You can hear hints of The Doors in this great rock song, particularly in the last 30 seconds - the vibrato of those combo organs are very distinctive, and very different from Hammond Organs coupled with the driven Leslie speaker system, which has been a staple in all styles of music since the fifties.

[@chrisbopst]

(One of) my (early) Elvis favorites

[@theycallmerisky619]

Costello was a genius.

[@williamsteffen1413]

is

[@dinahbrown902]

He’s still with us ❤

[@christoJihad2]

One of my favorite songs, EVER!!!!!

[@benjaminremo4156]

Elvis Costello, Declan McManus, Napoleon Dynamite. No matter what he's called, he's a goddamn genius.

[@ScotsLyon]

Vote for Pedro!!

[@geoffreyjonathanwilson5826]

Benjamin well said

[@wodehhouse]

He is God.

[@angelariley908]

He grew up 10 minutes down the road from me in Merseyside,his writing is so clever.

[@vernpascal1531]

@@angelariley908 -Is that right? I've been a huge Elvis fan since the late summer of'78 and seen him over 20 times in The States. Always wanted to go to Paris, London, and Liverpool. Have they got statues of The Fab Four there? If not they should.

[@chelseapoet3664]

I live in Chelsea and even I like this song

[@donnalands6865]

Elvis costello has swag brilliant song 🌺💕

[@wastoid138]

This may be controversial but I think this is his best song.

[@robertjohnston4280]

I agree. ""Watching the Detectives" comes close, but....

[@jamisoncarlson6003]

100% agree, the lyrics are a masterclass of its own. Elvis Costello invented rap before it became prominent in the 80s lol, this song is one of the greatest songs ever!!

[@dennisnelson8207]

One of the greatest song writers of all time!

[@detteyu12]

The very first scene is so out there

[@sophie-grace9143]

Just a stunningly, stunningly brilliant rock and roll song.

[@robindutt7169]

Wonderful, forever!

[@retrovi4128]

I never understood what was so great about Elvis. I listen from time to time. Never grabs me. Ughhh. Wish I heard what you all do.

[@dizzyboxnine2656]

Cool song, cool drums and bass sound!!

[@mclff6926]

How did he come up with that guitar sound? That's sick! The whole song is sick. Hard to say there is a Best Elvis song, but that's gotta be top 10.

[@donaldbetman1437]

In his book he says "we used a solitary box of tricks to delay & detune the guitars, organ even the drums until the whole shebang sounded like a klaxon"

[@henrywolf5332]

What is a solitary box of tricks? I want one if it makes these sounds.

[@wykes14]

Nick Lowe was one of Elvis's influences in the very early days, sounds similar to my ear.

[@mclff6926]

wykes14 Nick was producer, so that makes sense. But I do not hear any of the Brinsley Schwarz sound. Nor even the Clover sound. Which was the backing band for the first album. They were both "pub rock" bands, which was a more laid-back sound, But by the second album Elvis is definitely feeding off of the punk angst a little more. And the production is more wall of sound like the sex pistols

[@cledman69]

Where's my cowboy outfit?

[@annerenwick4322]

elvis is so underated. love his music ,i know its not for everyone, but i love it

[@kyawkyawwin1]

Underrated by who?

[@annerenwick4322]

@@kyawkyawwin1 politicions lol

[@psulux]

Genius F*kin Genius

[@aquamarinesucuraj2183]

The best drum intro!

[@pinball1970]

Great band and some very nice drumming in this

[@chrisedwards1333]

Lyrical genius.

[@TheJoeyboots]

I luv your work Elvis. 😁👍

[@Gabe94dotcom]

Me too ✋

[@Moneyaddthenmultiply]

Beautiful track. Soundtrack of my mid 2000s, but truthfully the soundtrack of my eternity

[@nagadorset]

I witnessed this clip being shot in London in 1978. they were fresh they were new and they went all the way!

[@clairecassey5880]

Colin, do you remember what studio it was shot in? I like to try and find out where these early videos were done, at the time it was companies like Molinaire, Ewart Television, Trilion, Televison International and even ITN who were the go-to's for simple shot on video music promos.

[@nagadorset]

@@clairecassey5880 Hi there! No, I do not recall the studio name. I was with director Russell Mulcahy - we were observing the shoot as a precursor to us doing music clips. We were with Lexi Godfrey from Jon Roseman Productions - they made Queen's ground breaking Bohemian Rhapsody clip. Great experience for a blue eyed boy like me from Aussie.

[@ohilton576]

It is hard to choose one person that had the best voice in the history of the world ever. But this guy was definitely in the top 5.

[@carlmarsh2397]

Had this stuck in my head all weekend... no idea why, but it's still fantastic.

[@ruthdixon7807]

the thick bass rumble sounds like an invite to a fight.

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you should look up a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@robertjohnston7030]

There is something about the burning intensity of this track. Elvis C still rules!

[@wombatcarebundanoon942]

So very good to hear this one again....and again...and again. Wow!

[@lmp9726]

HOT tune. The Attractions were spectacular.

[@CaptainAndy]

One of my favourite guitar riffs.

[@Gabe94dotcom]

True 👍

[@lauralockrey2524]

My favorite Elvis Costello song

[@jasmineblack9778]

14 years old when this came out & it sounds even better now

[@enriccoll3908]

Same age.

[@provocase]

@@enriccoll3908 Same ball park here - 1965. Loved it instanly when this hit the radio and it hasn't got stale since for me... in fact the older I get the more I appreciate the genius of both Costello and this song!

[@zamaz99]

Hell yes! This gem holds up and holds up and holds up ... just like me, ha ha.

[@rattyeely]

In the late 70s-early 80s a music video could just be your nerdy-looking front man doing a weird dance in front of a white screen with some effects on top, and it was iconic and awesome. Probably my favorite weird Elvis Costello dance from this era, simultaneously goofy and sultry.

[@undergroundwarrior70]

The first time I saw Elvis Costello and The Attractions was in 1978, then around 1980 or '81, then about 1984. Elvis Costello, when he came out with his debut album, My Aim Is True, and seeing him on stage, he reminded me of a schizophrenia version of a Buddy Holly. I thought that was so cool. This is one of my favorite songs by him. A little bit of Ska.

[@HarryFlowerrs]

Terrific track, my childhood personified!❤ I don’t wanna go to Chelsea cos I’m West Ham!😂❤

[@markcf83]

Haha. Nobody wants to go there now they're completely pony.

[@sonjawhite5815]

i LOVE HIM SO MUCH

[@timothygrayson]

The clevest songwriter to emerge from England great musician.

[@claybeach117]

An all time favorite

[@cristinaklun3665]

I've just realized that this song is actually a rap. Amazing!

[@intravenusdemilo974]

What an awesome bass grove

[@brucec43]

Bruce Thomas helped make those songs. Listen to the demos and you can see they are totally transformed by the Attractions' playing. Note: Zero hits since Bruce left.

[@ClueSign]

OK Bruce we know that's you posting

[@thewarwickbear]

Mark Francisco agreed but how about accidents will happen?

[@brucethomas6886]

Screw you mate. This is me :)

[@freetofu]

Doesn't "Veronica" count as a hit, sort of? That had a pretty good bass player on it, too imo.

[@HimanXK]

That's a pretty talented organist, playing both the melody and the completely separate bass line at the same time

[@oliveeisner8964]

His name is Steve Naive & he's a LEGEND on the keys!

[@oldrockerkickinass5569]

Gotta love Elvis Costello!!!

[@tudormiller8898]

Love this song. Watching from London.

[@brycehosseini3319]

Wow, this has a great groove to it.

[@geemarsh.7766]

Still one of my favourite tracks and favourite bass lines. The Attractions and The Blockheads were two amazing backing bands. Both created the sound of my rebellious youth along with some of the best singer/songwriters of the 20th century. Listening to this, I am transported back to days of changing, growing and anti-Thatcher demonstrations.

[@Gabe94dotcom]

True 👍

[@thundergrace]

great song........

[@robhammer6547]

This song is stuck in my head

[@georgeproudian4073]

Love the line - " They call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie " and Brilliant bass line 👌

[@cqesherlock]

Wonderful! I love this song! Powerful!

[@trilogy91]

I was 9 when this song was released. Shaped my taste ever since

[@MegaFlyingScotsman]

Superb Elvis C track, one of his best IMO.

[@DMC33]

Elvis Costello like XTC started harsh and vibrant Both bands had undeniable genius in their song writing Love this song!!!

[@funlittlefish]

Hey you should look up a band called The Doublejumps if you like Elvis Costello

[@padpaddeno9402]

Never released as a single in America, the label didn't think they'd get it, what's to get, killer tune, 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😁🇬🇧

[@koukou6531]

awesome bass line !

[@baldybouncers]

What a talent! Great tune. And a face made for radio.

[@dalejones9919]

We all know.. Elvis is King~!

[@auberjean6873]

Many thanks, Elvis Costello, for all the music that helped me express myself, consoled me, and made me want to dance at that hardest time of life besides old age. I always admired you for having the balls to make your statements--SNL be damned for pulling the plug!