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Elvis Costello & The Attractions — (I Don’t Want to Go to) Chelsea
Album: This Year's Model
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2755









Released: 1978
Length: 3:06
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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Photographs of fancy tricks
To get your kicks at sixty-six
He thinks of all the lips that he licks
And all the girls that he's goin' to fix

She gave a little flirt, gave herself a little cuddle
But there's no place here for the mini-skirt waddle
Capital punishment, she's last year's model
They call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Oh no, it does not move me
Even though I've seen the movie
I don't want to check your pulse
I don't want nobody else
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Everybody's got new orders
Be a nice girl and kiss the warders
Now the teacher is away
All the kids begin to play

Men come screaming, dressed in white coats
Shake you very gently by the throat
One's named Gus, one's named Alfie
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Oh no, it does not move me
Even though I've seen the movie
I don't want to check your pulse
I don't want nobody else
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Photographs of fancy tricks
To get your kicks at sixty-six
He thinks of all the lips that he licks
And all the girls that he's goin' to fix

She gave a little flirt, gave herself a little cuddle
But there's no place here for the mini-skirt waddle
Capital punishment, she's last year's model
They call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie
I don't want to go to Chelsea

Oh no, it does not move me
Even though I've seen the movie
I don't want to check your pulse
I don't want nobody else
I don't want to go to Chelsea
Comments (176)add comment
What a TRIP it was when this first rocked our world and blew our minds! That wacky, spastic guitar; the shrill, wailing organ; that crazy, jamming bass; the wild syncopations and manic, fantastic percussion, and the one and only Elvis Costello, mustering all the angst and alienation my friends and I felt those last two years of High School... Such a kick to hear, after all this time! 
Posted 6 months ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
They call her Natasha but she looks like Elsie...  Love it!!
Posted 1 year ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
Great drumming by Pete Thomas
Posted 1 year ago by grandemarch    [ Reply ]
Elvis C is God… Hey Betty there is some black goo leaking out of your ears.
Posted 1 year ago by tm    [ Reply ]
Ahh fond memories of this track in London👍
Posted 1 year ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
Great album cover.
Posted 1 year ago by pbouchar    [ Reply ]
The best thing he ever did was marry Diana Krall! He hasn't aged well!
Posted 2 years ago by BlackBetty    [ Reply ]
 aneal300 wrote:

I really like Elvis. Some of his stuff I have to skip through




I agree! But I really like THIS tune! Especially the unique keyboard sound!!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 meatmike wrote:

Seriously unique keyboard sound.




I AGREE! ...GREAT TUNE!!!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
When I was 13 in 1978, I only listened to Soul music, my brother had a 21st birthday party, and in the morning I was looking through his present haul, and found this odd looking album. I gave it a spin and was blown away by the raw energy of this album, I have loved Elvis Costello ever since.  
Posted 3 years ago by eamon3    [ Reply ]
I'm no libertarian or lawyer, but this Chelsea place he is singing about seems like it might have some sort of defamation case or something?
Posted 3 years ago by ddbz    [ Reply ]
I really like Elvis. Some of his stuff I have to skip through
Posted 3 years ago by aneal300    [ Reply ]
Brilliant-and it is over 40 years old....
Posted 4 years ago by robspeds    [ Reply ]
1 -> 4. This song is somehow growing on me.
Posted 4 years ago by njswede    [ Reply ]
what an egotistical wanker declan is.
Posted 4 years ago by Stetsonman    [ Reply ]
Don't go then - jeez
Posted 4 years ago by MrsTom    [ Reply ]
Amazing how much this sounds like the police of the era.
Posted 4 years ago by islander    [ Reply ]
Bass, lyrics, this is everything
Posted 4 years ago by viewfinder509325    [ Reply ]
Elvis , solo, or with the attractions, puts on a hell of a show.
Totally rocks out for 100% for the duration.  We've seen him 3 times and it's a been a great show all 3 times.
Posted 4 years ago by bluefrog    [ Reply ]
Seriously unique keyboard sound.
Posted 4 years ago by meatmike    [ Reply ]
Seriously annoying keyboard sound.
Posted 5 years ago by ppopp    [ Reply ]
Did Mirror in the Bathroom rip this off?
Posted 5 years ago by stewliscious    [ Reply ]
 Ayejoe wrote:
This has one of the top bass-lines underlying it !
 
oh heck ya, and I LOVE the drummer! so tight and edgy
Posted 5 years ago by Ihatethissong    [ Reply ]
This has one of the top bass-lines underlying it !
Posted 5 years ago by Ayejoe    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello  is an alliteration wizard... One of my fav songs in those New Wave days... 
Posted 6 years ago by natius    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:
Is this his protest against the possibility of a two-generation Clinton family political dynasty?
 
Silly comment. This rocked the house four decades ago. Still a big slice of genius that looks like Natasha.
Elvis is King.
Posted 6 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 Baby_M wrote:
Is this his protest against the possibility of a two-generation Clinton family political dynasty?

 
Let's hope not. But at least her mother had to go to the back yard and eat worms for awhile.  {#Clap}

Now if we can just do the same on Der Orange Furor.
Posted 7 years ago by LowPhreak    [ Reply ]
Is this his protest against the possibility of a two-generation Clinton family political dynasty?
Posted 7 years ago by Baby_M    [ Reply ]
The best Elvis.
Posted 7 years ago by Jota    [ Reply ]
While of course it is totally subjective, for me, if there was a physical museum of music, this would be a prized exhibit. 
Posted 8 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
Elvis Costello == PSD

i can t stand his voice
Posted 8 years ago by giammin    [ Reply ]
Where does he not want to? Stop the whining Elvis! Sorry hard to get into this one.
Posted 8 years ago by Stefan_Lutz    [ Reply ]
 MojoJojo wrote:
 

MiracleDrug wrote:
this album is STAGGERING...
 

 
My Aim is True, This Years Model, Armed Forces, Get Happy, Trust, and Imperial Bedroom.
6 terrific albums and a cover record (Almost Blue) in his first 5 years. That's staggering. Who else has been that prolific? the Beatles and Dylan are the only ones that come to mind.
Posted 9 years ago by phlattop    [ Reply ]
killer song, excellent lyrics, man Elvis rocked! Chelsea (London or NY) in '78 was radically hipper than they are now 
Posted 9 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
 MojoJojo wrote:
 

MiracleDrug wrote:
this album is STAGGERING...
 

 
AMEN.  And I've been staggered by EC repeatedly ever since.
Posted 9 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 (dmax) wrote:

That's the key. This and the Pretenders and Tom Petty were "New Wave" and not playable on regular radio stations. These folks changed music right when we needed it most (thank you, Randy VanWarmer).
 
She gave a little flirt, gave herself a little cuddle
But there's no place here for the mini-skirt waddle
Capital punishment, she's last year's model
They call her Natasha when she looks like Elsie
I don't want to go to Chelsea
Posted 9 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
Ah, my introduction to early punk. Love it!!
Posted 10 years ago by Will62    [ Reply ]
This, yes, is interesting... 1,000,000,000 times more interesting than any Moby's crap.
Posted 10 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
 Zeito wrote:
(I Don't Want to Go To) Work.  

 
most performing artists have to start somewhere!
Posted 10 years ago by KaraokeVox    [ Reply ]
OK, don't go to Chelsea but please stop singing!
Posted 10 years ago by ciolca    [ Reply ]
Men come screaming, dressed in white coats
Shake you very gently by the throat
One's named Gus, one's named Alfie
I don't want to go to Chelsea
Posted 11 years ago by southcoastsounds    [ Reply ]
19 Seventy Eight!

There's so much here that's 1, 2, 20 steps ahead of its time. New Wave, Punk, Post-pop rock...

And I get concussion - my head just can't help bouncing when I hear this.

{#Roflol}


Posted 11 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
 LaurentianD wrote:
I am still not understanding why he doesn't want to go to Chelsea. I've heard this song a hundred times and it hasn't become apparent to me yet. After google earthing it I see the Courtyard Cafe is even there. What is not to like?

 

I always presumed that he wanted to avoid the 'hooray henrie's and 'sloane rangers.' Good enough reason NOT to go to Chelsea.
Posted 11 years ago by funkyalfonso    [ Reply ]
 

MiracleDrug wrote:
this album is STAGGERING...
 


Posted 11 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
(I Don't Want to Go To) Work.  
Posted 11 years ago by Zeito    [ Reply ]
Back in '76/'77 Elton John won a U.K. music award and accepting it said it should have gone to Elvis Costello. Thought that was pretty cool at the time.
Posted 11 years ago by funkyalfonso    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:

I've heard them all.  And as for music style that you don't like - you'll have to tell me which one - because in in 30 plus year's he's covered most of them.

As for lyrics - he is among the most literate, clever, biting, brilliant, creative lyricists ever.

As for voice - some folks think rock singers should all have great range or great clarity or whatever - for me that misses the essence of rock and roll.

Oh shit — the Beatles  ....

 
AMAZING vocal ability. Seen him live a few times - what pipes.

Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
 Byronape wrote:
I'm sorry folks, I just don't "get" Elvis Costello.  Don't care for his voice, music style, or lyrics generally.  I'm not saying every song by him sucks, after all I haven't heard them all, but so far I just can't like him.
 
I've heard them all.  And as for music style that you don't like - you'll have to tell me which one - because in in 30 plus year's he's covered most of them.

As for lyrics - he is among the most literate, clever, biting, brilliant, creative lyricists ever.

As for voice - some folks think rock singers should all have great range or great clarity or whatever - for me that misses the essence of rock and roll.

Oh shit — the Beatles  ....

Posted 13 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
this album is STAGGERING...
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
How can this song not rate above 7?

Classic Elvis.  
Posted 13 years ago by gemtag    [ Reply ]
if not for people like Elvis, Joe Jackson, and Graham Parker, bands like REO FRICKEN Speedwagon and Jefferson WHATEVER would STILL be played to death...

you don't have to thank them...

just doing their jobs, maam...
Posted 13 years ago by MiracleDrug    [ Reply ]
I'm sorry folks, I just don't "get" Elvis Costello.  Don't care for his voice, music style, or lyrics generally.  I'm not saying every song by him sucks, after all I haven't heard them all, but so far I just can't like him.
Posted 13 years ago by Byronape    [ Reply ]
I heard the beginning drums on this song and irrationally thought it was the theme song from the new-and-improved "Hawaii Five-O" series.  Silly me.{#Roflol}
Posted 13 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
 DaveInVA wrote:
Judging by the comments I seem to be in the minority that happens to like this song...{#Music}
 
You're in good company Dave. Over here with all the other weirdos...

Posted 13 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
Don't freakin go to Chelsea then you whiney git
Posted 13 years ago by drews    [ Reply ]
 LaurentianD wrote:
I am still not understanding why he doesn't want to go to Chelsea. I've heard this song a hundred times and it hasn't become apparent to me yet. After google earthing it I see the Courtyard Cafe is even there. What is not to like?
 
Chelsea FC fans. I went to Stamford Bridge a couple of times in the early 80s and the place was infested by skins and Nazis. Our team had the gall to win 1-0 once, and we needed a police escort to escape the ground. They were seriously nasty pieces of work. I certainly didn't want to go to Chelsea again.

Posted 13 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 jersey_birdman wrote:
Maybe he is a Liverpool or Man U fan: they do not like playing at Stamford Bridge...

 LaurentianD wrote:
I am still not understanding why he doesn't want to go to Chelsea. I've heard this song a hundred times and it hasn't become apparent to me yet. After google earthing it I see the Courtyard Cafe is even there. What is not to like?
 
 
Well, he is a Scouser, so...
Posted 14 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
this song kills, never mind the bollocks
Posted 14 years ago by icemang    [ Reply ]
Judging by the comments I seem to be in the minority that happens to like this song...{#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Not a big Elvis fan.
Posted 14 years ago by Ubaldo    [ Reply ]
 Govi wrote:
This reminds me of the Seeds' "Pushin' Too Hard," particularly the guitar riff interjected between verses.  The organ, too.
 
As one person said, "There is nothing new under the sun."  Guess it applies to music, too.

Posted 14 years ago by RedGuitar    [ Reply ]
Way to go, RP, following up Janis' "Move Over" with this!  What a great segue!  {#Notworthy} {#Notworthy} {#Notworthy}
Posted 14 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
Maybe he is a Liverpool or Man U fan: they do not like playing at Stamford Bridge...

 LaurentianD wrote:
I am still not understanding why he doesn't want to go to Chelsea. I've heard this song a hundred times and it hasn't become apparent to me yet. After google earthing it I see the Courtyard Cafe is even there. What is not to like?
 


Posted 14 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
I was there in 1978 and it does not help this song or anything by elvis c, at all.  there is so much good stuff on here, and this elvis just ....yuk!!!
Posted 14 years ago by upgal    [ Reply ]
GREAT Song!  Great on the album/cd and even better live...  Elvis likes to play this one.  {#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by jersey_birdman    [ Reply ]
Enough Elvis Costello now, Bill.  He was never really that good in the first place.
Posted 14 years ago by liteon1    [ Reply ]
I think it is that grating voice.

 spigolli wrote:
What is it about EC that makes me dislike his work far beyond the degree to which it actually sucks? 
 


Posted 14 years ago by musickat    [ Reply ]
 LaurentianD wrote:
I am still not understanding why he doesn't want to go to Chelsea. I've heard this song a hundred times and it hasn't become apparent to me yet. After google earthing it I see the Courtyard Cafe is even there. What is not to like?
 
Maybe he is intimidated by the Chelsea Dagger (which should follow this song more often)
Posted 14 years ago by Frater_Kork    [ Reply ]
I think Elvis has the right idea here, I've been to Chelsea and didn't like it.
Posted 14 years ago by Dillinquent    [ Reply ]
 Bat wrote:
If memory serves me (and it often doesn't) this song was not on the original US release of  the "This Year's Model" LP.
 

It wasn't on the US release - but on the UK import.  I think the US release had "Radio,Radio" instead.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I am still not understanding why he doesn't want to go to Chelsea. I've heard this song a hundred times and it hasn't become apparent to me yet. After google earthing it I see the Courtyard Cafe is even there. What is not to like?
Posted 14 years ago by LaurentianD    [ Reply ]
If memory serves me (and it often doesn't) this song was not on the original US release of  the "This Year's Model" LP.
Posted 15 years ago by Bat    [ Reply ]
1998 was a poor year for me, this album stayed on the turntable for days. Haven't played it for years, will change that soon. 9!
Posted 15 years ago by gumbo73039    [ Reply ]
What is it about EC that makes me dislike his work far beyond the degree to which it actually sucks? 
Posted 15 years ago by spigolli    [ Reply ]
So awesome to hear to this on RP!
Posted 15 years ago by ArnoDick    [ Reply ]
Fantasic album too!
Posted 15 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
Yup. I was enjoying my afternoon until this clap trap came on!
 EssexTex wrote:
 if I never hear this again I'll die a happy man.
 


Posted 15 years ago by MM_Oz    [ Reply ]
brilliant!
don't forget it was 1978...
& most of the radio's played pink floyd, boston, yes, tavares, styx & other groups who you wishes they never had been there....
when this came around; it really was a relief!


Posted 15 years ago by bobcat1963    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Elvis with red hot chili peppers, or what!?
Posted 15 years ago by helgigermany    [ Reply ]
 if I never hear this again I'll die a happy man.
Posted 15 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:


Is she going to be be the first "First Daughter" of two different presidents?
 

Not yet anyway.
Posted 15 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
How cool is this ... I just happen to be wearing my Chelsea (which I bought just a couple of weeks ago at the Chelsea v. AC Milan match here in the Rose Bowl.
Posted 15 years ago by secretsauce    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of the Seeds' "Pushin' Too Hard," particularly the guitar riff interjected between verses.  The organ, too.
Posted 15 years ago by Govi    [ Reply ]
 lophrequa wrote:
Mirror in the Bathroom ...
 

Mirror in the Bathroom—The (English) Beat, release date: 1980

(I don't want to go to) Chelsea—Elvis Costello, release date: 1978
Not sure you were implying a nicking, just gettting the chronology straight in case you were.
Posted 15 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
 davin wrote:
Would anyone have a problem with me punching this guy in the throat?
 
{#Frown} Only 99.9% of us! Violence is not the answer. Please just mute if you don't like a song. Otherwise we'll have to ship you off to Chelsea (to the Chelsea prison if there is one).
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
Would anyone have a problem with me punching this guy in the throat?
Posted 15 years ago by davin    [ Reply ]
Anyone else listening at 3am?  (It's only 8pm here on the East Coast... of Australia.)

Posted 15 years ago by roknrob    [ Reply ]
I'm an Elvis fan, but I've always found his songs with the Attractions to be too busy. This is a good example. Decent song decorated with "too many notes".
Posted 15 years ago by Shimmer    [ Reply ]
 tnt_thomas wrote:
OMG! Soooo true. The other one should have been taken by aliens waaaaaaaaaaaay sooner.
 
{#Lol}

Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
tnt_thomas wrote:
OMG! Soooo true. The other one should have been taken by aliens waaaaaaaaaaaay sooner.
One of the best bits of DJ patter I've ever heard was Johnny Mars on WXRT back when they mattered saying: "If your Elvis is dead, try ours!" and then launching into this or Pump it Up.

Great stuff.


Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
I remember hearing this in the days when I followed my football (soccer, to you lot across the Pond) team at away games in London, and it was absolutely bang on. In those days Chelsea FC had a pretty nasty (and Nazi) hard core and you were in with a good chance of getting a kicking as an away fan, particularly if your team (as mine did) had the impudence to actually win at Stamford Bridge. Damn right I didn't want to go to Chelsea!

For ages, I thought he was singing about a "miniscule waddle"...
Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
I didn't think I was going to make it through another EC song... thankfully, the blood is starting to clot (that which was gushing from my ears), and I just might make it out alive.
Posted 16 years ago by andesitic    [ Reply ]
wtmecorp
5
Posted 16 years ago by papaman    [ Reply ]
Mirror in the Bathroom ...
Posted 16 years ago by lophrequa    [ Reply ]
Chi_Guy wrote:
To the ONLY Elvis that counts.
OMG! Soooo true. The other one should have been taken by aliens waaaaaaaaaaaay sooner.
Posted 16 years ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
I was just in Chelsea, the place, a few weeks ago. We ate at Chutney Mary's. Great Indian food. Incredible song by EC.
Posted 16 years ago by Rickvee    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
Not even if I was drunk. Okay...maybe.
Posted 16 years ago by BKardon    [ Reply ]
treatment_bound wrote:
Is she going to be be the first "First Daughter" of two different presidents?
My eyes..my eyes!
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
i never realized until just now how much the bass-line of "give it away" by the red hot chili peppers owes to this song...
Posted 16 years ago by rah    [ Reply ]
I heartily agree. mwsteele79 wrote:
Let's just not play this one anymore, what do you say?
Posted 16 years ago by spicymonkey    [ Reply ]
treatment_bound wrote:
Is she going to be be the first "First Daughter" of two different presidents?
Not if democrat voters have anything to do with it.
Posted 16 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
dionysius wrote:
Is she going to be be the first "First Daughter" of two different presidents?
Posted 16 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
such good stuff. cool memories....hard to believe so much time has passed!
Posted 16 years ago by Alifreckles50    [ Reply ]
Let's just not play this one anymore, what do you say?
Posted 16 years ago by mwsteele79    [ Reply ]
I'm really starting to dig Elvis Costello. Don't know why I never got into him before!
Posted 16 years ago by wilcogirl11    [ Reply ]
That drum break at the start is straight out of a Hendrix song...
Posted 16 years ago by EssexTex    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by dionysius    [ Reply ]
Can we just park this song for awhile?
Posted 17 years ago by pushkinjim    [ Reply ]
Genius!!!
Posted 17 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
Reminds of my 6th form days - great song, great artist
Posted 17 years ago by canoeist    [ Reply ]
Excuse me while I kiss this guy...hehehehe How about "I don't want to go to Jail Sir!"? ... fits the context too.
Posted 17 years ago by jdorn1    [ Reply ]
dmax wrote:
Skinny tie.
To the ONLY Elvis that counts.
Posted 17 years ago by Chi_Guy    [ Reply ]
His best album. Doing the herky jerk in black leather jacket and Ray-Bans in the college Rat on dollar pitcher night.
Posted 17 years ago by gopre    [ Reply ]
dmax wrote:
Farfisa organ. Man, if you were in college around this time like I was, this was full of angular, epileptic angst and sputtering vitriolic sneer... There's no place here for the minister's waddle!
I stand corrected. Thanks
Posted 17 years ago by federico    [ Reply ]
dmax wrote:
There's no place here for the minister's waddle!
But there's no place here for the mini-skirt waddle? Maybe your quote is ironic, not a Mondegreen, but I'm pretty sure that Elvis meant mini-skirted waddle...
Posted 17 years ago by Paul_in_Australia    [ Reply ]
Wow. A thematic set of songs about not going to locations in England. Well done, Bill.
Posted 17 years ago by UltraNurd    [ Reply ]
Janis Jopling followed by this one - can we have "I Remember You Well at the Chelsea Hotel" by Cohen next?
Posted 17 years ago by labete    [ Reply ]
skinny elvis= good? fat bald collaborating elvis = bad? I'd like to hear Party Girl btw
Posted 17 years ago by rocco1207    [ Reply ]
So this song came on, and I took my headphones out of my head because I don't enjoy Costello. They are painting the office this week, so the painters have their own radio, and I hear a promo for the station "music about loving god, & loving people." And once again, I remember how much I love RP even if I don't always like the music. Thank you Bill. Keep up the great work.
Posted 17 years ago by okobojicat    [ Reply ]
my goodness, that synth is unbearable!
Posted 17 years ago by federico    [ Reply ]