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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: 2790









Released: 1978
Length: 3:06
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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! 
They call her Natasha but she looks like Elsie...  Love it!!
Great drumming by Pete Thomas
Elvis C is God… Hey Betty there is some black goo leaking out of your ears.
Ahh fond memories of this track in London👍
Great album cover.
The best thing he ever did was marry Diana Krall! He hasn't aged well!
 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!!
 meatmike wrote:

Seriously unique keyboard sound.




I AGREE! ...GREAT TUNE!!!!
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.  
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?
I really like Elvis. Some of his stuff I have to skip through
Brilliant-and it is over 40 years old....
1 -> 4. This song is somehow growing on me.
what an egotistical wanker declan is.
Don't go then - jeez
Amazing how much this sounds like the police of the era.
Bass, lyrics, this is everything
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.
Seriously unique keyboard sound.
Seriously annoying keyboard sound.
Did Mirror in the Bathroom rip this off?
 Ayejoe wrote:
This has one of the top bass-lines underlying it !
 
oh heck ya, and I LOVE the drummer! so tight and edgy
This has one of the top bass-lines underlying it !
Elvis Costello  is an alliteration wizard... One of my fav songs in those New Wave days... 
 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.
 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.
Is this his protest against the possibility of a two-generation Clinton family political dynasty?
The best Elvis.
While of course it is totally subjective, for me, if there was a physical museum of music, this would be a prized exhibit. 
Elvis Costello == PSD

i can t stand his voice
Where does he not want to? Stop the whining Elvis! Sorry hard to get into this one.
 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.
killer song, excellent lyrics, man Elvis rocked! Chelsea (London or NY) in '78 was radically hipper than they are now 
 MojoJojo wrote:
 

MiracleDrug wrote:
this album is STAGGERING...
 

 
AMEN.  And I've been staggered by EC repeatedly ever since.
 (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
Ah, my introduction to early punk. Love it!!
This, yes, is interesting... 1,000,000,000 times more interesting than any Moby's crap.
 Zeito wrote:
(I Don't Want to Go To) Work.  

 
most performing artists have to start somewhere!
OK, don't go to Chelsea but please stop singing!
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
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}


 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.
 

MiracleDrug wrote:
this album is STAGGERING...
 


(I Don't Want to Go To) Work.  
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.
 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.

 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  ....

this album is STAGGERING...
How can this song not rate above 7?

Classic Elvis.  
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...
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 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}
 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...

Don't freakin go to Chelsea then you whiney git
 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.

 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...
this song kills, never mind the bollocks
Judging by the comments I seem to be in the minority that happens to like this song...{#Music}
Not a big Elvis fan.
 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.

Way to go, RP, following up Janis' "Move Over" with this!  What a great segue!  {#Notworthy} {#Notworthy} {#Notworthy}
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?
 


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!!!
GREAT Song!  Great on the album/cd and even better live...  Elvis likes to play this one.  {#Clap}
Enough Elvis Costello now, Bill.  He was never really that good in the first place.
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? 
 


 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)
I think Elvis has the right idea here, I've been to Chelsea and didn't like it.
 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.

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?
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.
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!
What is it about EC that makes me dislike his work far beyond the degree to which it actually sucks? 
So awesome to hear to this on RP!
Fantasic album too!
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.
 


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!


Sounds like Elvis with red hot chili peppers, or what!?
 if I never hear this again I'll die a happy man.
 treatment_bound wrote:


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

Not yet anyway.
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.
This reminds me of the Seeds' "Pushin' Too Hard," particularly the guitar riff interjected between verses.  The organ, too.
 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.
 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).
Would anyone have a problem with me punching this guy in the throat?
Anyone else listening at 3am?  (It's only 8pm here on the East Coast... of Australia.)

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".
 tnt_thomas wrote:
OMG! Soooo true. The other one should have been taken by aliens waaaaaaaaaaaay sooner.
 
{#Lol}

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.


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"...
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.
wtmecorp
5
Mirror in the Bathroom ...
Chi_Guy wrote:
To the ONLY Elvis that counts.
OMG! Soooo true. The other one should have been taken by aliens waaaaaaaaaaaay sooner.
I was just in Chelsea, the place, a few weeks ago. We ate at Chutney Mary's. Great Indian food. Incredible song by EC.
dionysius wrote:
Not even if I was drunk. Okay...maybe.
treatment_bound wrote:
Is she going to be be the first "First Daughter" of two different presidents?
My eyes..my eyes!
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...
I heartily agree. mwsteele79 wrote:
Let's just not play this one anymore, what do you say?
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.
dionysius wrote:
Is she going to be be the first "First Daughter" of two different presidents?
such good stuff. cool memories....hard to believe so much time has passed!
Let's just not play this one anymore, what do you say?
I'm really starting to dig Elvis Costello. Don't know why I never got into him before!
That drum break at the start is straight out of a Hendrix song...
Can we just park this song for awhile?
Genius!!!
Reminds of my 6th form days - great song, great artist
Excuse me while I kiss this guy...hehehehe How about "I don't want to go to Jail Sir!"? ... fits the context too.
dmax wrote:
Skinny tie.
To the ONLY Elvis that counts.
His best album. Doing the herky jerk in black leather jacket and Ray-Bans in the college Rat on dollar pitcher night.
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
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...
Wow. A thematic set of songs about not going to locations in England. Well done, Bill.
Janis Jopling followed by this one - can we have "I Remember You Well at the Chelsea Hotel" by Cohen next?
skinny elvis= good? fat bald collaborating elvis = bad? I'd like to hear Party Girl btw
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.
my goodness, that synth is unbearable!