Elvis Costello — Pump It Up
Album: This Year's ModelAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3849
Length: 3:12
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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I've been on tenterhooks
Ending in dirty looks
Listening to the muzak
Thinking 'bout this and that
She said, "That's that"
I don't wanna chit or chat
Turn it down a little bit
Or turn it down flat
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Down in the pleasure centre
Hell-bent or heaven-sent
Listen to the propaganda
Listen to the latest slander
There's nothing underhand
That she wouldn't understand
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Hey!
She's been a bad girl
She's like a chemical
Though you try to stop it
She's like a narcotic
You wanna torture her
You wanna talk to her
All the things you bought for her
Putting up your temperature
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Out in the fashion show
Down in the bargain bin
You put your passion out
Under the pressure pin
Fall into submission
Hit and run transmission
No use wishing now for any other sin
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Don't really need it
Don't really need it
Don't really need it
Ending in dirty looks
Listening to the muzak
Thinking 'bout this and that
She said, "That's that"
I don't wanna chit or chat
Turn it down a little bit
Or turn it down flat
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Down in the pleasure centre
Hell-bent or heaven-sent
Listen to the propaganda
Listen to the latest slander
There's nothing underhand
That she wouldn't understand
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Hey!
She's been a bad girl
She's like a chemical
Though you try to stop it
She's like a narcotic
You wanna torture her
You wanna talk to her
All the things you bought for her
Putting up your temperature
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Out in the fashion show
Down in the bargain bin
You put your passion out
Under the pressure pin
Fall into submission
Hit and run transmission
No use wishing now for any other sin
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Pump it up, until you can feel it
Pump it up, when you don't really need it
Don't really need it
Don't really need it
Don't really need it
Comments (382)add comment
pretty good for ‘78….although I was not a Costello fan at the time
lizardking wrote:
Pump it up, Bill!
Pump it up, Bill!
jmhimber wrote:
TOTALLY!! Thanx RP!
THIS is THE STUFF.
TOTALLY!! Thanx RP!
THIS is THE STUFF.
One of his top 3 albums of all time.
frisbeepilot wrote:
I Agree. Me too!
This bassist is superb. Totally driving the song, nice and fat in the mix. Love it.
I Agree. Me too!
This bassist is superb. Totally driving the song, nice and fat in the mix. Love it.
GREAT TUNE!! Thanx RP!
davidq wrote:
144
gross!
144
gross!
I'm not normally a fan of his. This one rocks.
tcseeley wrote:
The Escape Club, 1988. Loved that song. Very infectious.
I've always wondered why Elvis Costello didn't sue over that one. (Wild Wild West)
The Escape Club, 1988. Loved that song. Very infectious.
I've always wondered why Elvis Costello didn't sue over that one. (Wild Wild West)
Chongo59 wrote:
Did he not produce this for Stiff?
Did he not produce this for Stiff?
It ain't worth a fuck if it ain't Stiff...
Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.
BSartiste wrote:
HE is sick of YOU too!!!!
ugh- so frk'n sick of Elvis Costello!
HE is sick of YOU too!!!!
1978: Pump it Up
1979: M-m-m-my Sharona
1979: M-m-m-my Sharona
Did R.P know I was working out with weights when they played this ?
Other than our wedding song, this is the only other song I required the DJ to play at my wedding..... Entire dance floor was packed
BSartiste wrote:
Must be the single most played artist on RP........
ugh- so frk'n sick of Elvis Costello!
Must be the single most played artist on RP........
ugh- so frk'n sick of Elvis Costello!
Here come the drums,
Here come the drums.
Here come the drums.
Chongo59 wrote:
Did he not produce this for Stiff?
Yes he wrote, recorded and produced for Stiff artists
Did he not produce this for Stiff?
Yes he wrote, recorded and produced for Stiff artists
electronicthroat wrote:
The Escape Club, 1988. Loved that song. Very infectious.
anyone else hear that 80's one hit wonder song "Wild Wild West" during the verses?
I don't remember who did that song.
The Escape Club, 1988. Loved that song. Very infectious.
Every time I hear Elvis Costello I think, that goats should not be allowed singing. EC always means PSD
Ihatethissong wrote:
Bruce Thomas, one of the original Attractions! Bill appreciates a good bass line.
Never noticed before how the bass guitarist tears it up.
Bruce Thomas, one of the original Attractions! Bill appreciates a good bass line.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Pump it up, Bill!
Please make it stop Bill
Pump it up, Bill!
idiot_wind wrote:
Did he not produce this for Stiff?
Nick Lowe does a nice cover of this.
Did he not produce this for Stiff?
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Over 2500 ratings and a 7.4 average. Glad you're in the minority and don't want it to stop.
Please make it stop Bill
Over 2500 ratings and a 7.4 average. Glad you're in the minority and don't want it to stop.
Please make it stop Bill
Have to honestly say that Elvis -- better than most -- stands the test of time for me...I get tapping toes and the wiggling shoulders ... but nah ... can't do that vigorously without attracting attention in the office!
Have to honestly say that Elvis just doesn't stand the test of time for me...I get the cultural significance and the nostalgia...but nah...hang this one in a museum...
Never noticed before how the bass guitarist tears it up.
Here we go more circus music, horrible.
Proclivities wrote:
That may be because it's not a Hammond. It's likely a Vox (or maybe a Farfisa).
Most definitely a Farfisa.
That may be because it's not a Hammond. It's likely a Vox (or maybe a Farfisa).
Most definitely a Farfisa.
Nick Lowe does a nice cover of this.
Fall into submission,
hit-and-run transmission
No use wishing now for any other sin
hit-and-run transmission
No use wishing now for any other sin
Sometime I like this & sometimes not so much. Is this overplayed?
chinaski wrote:
WHFS - now that is a powerful memory. All through high school in the DC area. Cerphe, and Weasel with his razor voice. They don' t make radio stations like that anymore.
Weasel spinning this up on WHFS back in the day. Good ol' WHFS. And WGTB on Friday nights...the Hard Implosion. Those were the days.
WHFS - now that is a powerful memory. All through high school in the DC area. Cerphe, and Weasel with his razor voice. They don' t make radio stations like that anymore.
Weasel spinning this up on WHFS back in the day. Good ol' WHFS. And WGTB on Friday nights...the Hard Implosion. Those were the days.
The older I get, the more I appreciate Elvis Costello.
I will never forget the day, August 16, 1977. Watchin TV. Interrupted with News Bulletin: The King Is Dead. Stunned. Then, programming genius, cut back to programming to Elvis Costello doing Pump It Up! Totally blown away. Like a torch had been passed.
What a way to start a Friday...
Some people are too uptight to ever have a goddamned bit of fun in their lives.
Can't do it after you're dead.
Can't do it after you're dead.
GetBakedTonight wrote:
Oh, the inane, puerile comments here...it's embarrassing just to read them. And the commentators feel like they're hot shit with their condescending, sarcastic, witless musings...kinda entertaining though - for about 2 seconds. I hope against my better judgment that I was never as insipid and stupid-sounding when I was kid. Gah. Stinks of teen spirit...
Lucky you — you're stupid-sounding now.
And where was the wit in YOUR post ?
New name for a band : The Flaming Trolls.
Oh, the inane, puerile comments here...it's embarrassing just to read them. And the commentators feel like they're hot shit with their condescending, sarcastic, witless musings...kinda entertaining though - for about 2 seconds. I hope against my better judgment that I was never as insipid and stupid-sounding when I was kid. Gah. Stinks of teen spirit...
Lucky you — you're stupid-sounding now.
And where was the wit in YOUR post ?
New name for a band : The Flaming Trolls.
Great rockin tune! Another great one from Elvis.
GetBakedTonight wrote:
Oh, the inane, puerile comments here...it's embarrassing just to read them. And the commentators feel like they're hot shit with their condescending, sarcastic, witless musings...kinda entertaining though - for about 2 seconds. I hope against my better judgment that I was never as insipid and stupid-sounding when I was kid. Gah. Stinks of teen spirit...
So the 'grandfather' thing stung?
Oh, the inane, puerile comments here...it's embarrassing just to read them. And the commentators feel like they're hot shit with their condescending, sarcastic, witless musings...kinda entertaining though - for about 2 seconds. I hope against my better judgment that I was never as insipid and stupid-sounding when I was kid. Gah. Stinks of teen spirit...
So the 'grandfather' thing stung?
clive369 wrote:
Spoken (OK, written) like a grandfather!
Oh, the inane, puerile comments here...it's embarrassing just to read them. And the commentators feel like they're hot shit with their condescending, sarcastic, witless musings...kinda entertaining though - for about 2 seconds. I hope against my better judgment that I was never as insipid and stupid-sounding when I was kid. Gah. Stinks of teen spirit...
Spoken (OK, written) like a grandfather!
Oh, the inane, puerile comments here...it's embarrassing just to read them. And the commentators feel like they're hot shit with their condescending, sarcastic, witless musings...kinda entertaining though - for about 2 seconds. I hope against my better judgment that I was never as insipid and stupid-sounding when I was kid. Gah. Stinks of teen spirit...
Steely_D wrote:
He's saying PUMP IT UP - UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL IT!
I say this repeatedly because it's true: folks don't realize that the airwaves at this point were Muskrat Love and Afternoon Delight. Elvis, Pretenders, Petty, Devo - these were fresh air for folks starving for edgy pop.
I thought those two songs hit it big before '76, but wow you're right. I hated "Muskrat Love" the first time I heard it and it's still toxic to my ears. Yeah, Elvis was new, brash, and in your face. Devo was a WTF thing that only teenagers got at first.
There was so much to dislike about mainstream pop culture at that time. Somebody had to blow it up. New Wave wasn't punk, it was better.
He's saying PUMP IT UP - UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL IT!
I say this repeatedly because it's true: folks don't realize that the airwaves at this point were Muskrat Love and Afternoon Delight. Elvis, Pretenders, Petty, Devo - these were fresh air for folks starving for edgy pop.
I thought those two songs hit it big before '76, but wow you're right. I hated "Muskrat Love" the first time I heard it and it's still toxic to my ears. Yeah, Elvis was new, brash, and in your face. Devo was a WTF thing that only teenagers got at first.
There was so much to dislike about mainstream pop culture at that time. Somebody had to blow it up. New Wave wasn't punk, it was better.
testpilot wrote:
That may be because it's not a Hammond. It's likely a Vox (or maybe a Farfisa).
Not only he sings awfully, he even managed to make that Hammond sound awful as well - which is quite an accomplishment.
That may be because it's not a Hammond. It's likely a Vox (or maybe a Farfisa).
djengs wrote:
Yessirree, Bob. Same.
Chair dancing, people are staring. I'm not caring.
Yessirree, Bob. Same.
pump it up!!!
Chair dancing, people are staring. I'm not caring.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Spoken (OK, written) like a grandfather!
What is he saying ? Is there a stop button?
Spoken (OK, written) like a grandfather!
Pretty solid stuff here making Humpday morning much easier to take!!
Pink Floyd - Comfortably Numb
Pearl Jam - Alive
Billy Idol - Rebel Yell
Elvis Costello - Pump It Up
And as I'm typing my joy out I get Ray Charles then Pixies... I'm getting, like, NO work done!!
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
He's saying PUMP IT UP - UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL IT!
I say this repeatedly because it's true: folks don't realize that the airwaves at this point were Muskrat Love and Afternoon Delight. Elvis, Pretenders, Petty, Devo - these were fresh air for folks starving for edgy pop.
What is he saying ? Is there a stop button?
He's saying PUMP IT UP - UNTIL YOU CAN FEEL IT!
I say this repeatedly because it's true: folks don't realize that the airwaves at this point were Muskrat Love and Afternoon Delight. Elvis, Pretenders, Petty, Devo - these were fresh air for folks starving for edgy pop.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Nope. Guess you'll have to sweat this one out.
Is there a stop button?
Nope. Guess you'll have to sweat this one out.
What is he saying ? Is there a stop button?
One of the best bass lines ever!
I'm suppose to get off work!
NO! I have to sing to this!
Long live Elvis!
Playing Eugene next month! I'm pumped! lol
gjr wrote:
Hey I resemble that remark......Oh well
i cant believe how old im getting.....this was cutting edge, nasty, in-your-face rock from my youth.......... and, alas, i see now my youth was 35 years ago
wie traurig
wie traurig
Hey I resemble that remark......Oh well
She's been a bad girl, she's like a chemical
Though you try to stop it, she's like a narcotic
You want to torture her, you want to talk to her
Bill:
thanks for the continually good mixes.
Listener forever.
thanks for the continually good mixes.
Listener forever.
Sure easy to spot the less adventuresome hippies in this thread. Brings back memories of the late 70's and how exciting a change it was. Of course on hindsight it was only rock and roll, trying to stay alive.
LOVE IT!!!!! thanks so very much for throwing Mr Costello into the mix! Cheerful throw your hat off dance around the room kinda stuff!
I would leave RP on day and night, if it weren't for their strange love for Elvis Costello songs
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Pump it up until you can feel it.
Pump it up when you don't really need it.
Please make it stop, it can't get worse than this.
Pump it up until you can feel it.
Pump it up when you don't really need it.
Please make it stop, it can't get worse than this.
testpilot wrote:
Hey, it was EC's take on punk - it was supposed to sound awful!
You just need to pump it up, man.
Not only he sings awfully, he even managed to make that Hammond sound awful as well - which is quite an accomplishment.
Hey, it was EC's take on punk - it was supposed to sound awful!
You just need to pump it up, man.
Not only he sings awfully, he even managed to make that Hammond sound awful as well - which is quite an accomplishment.
PCU flashbacks . Every time.
The ultimate party song!
Listener-friendly punk rock!
Nice, but let's get "Oliver's Army" up and running here!
excellent! happy friday! 
Crank up those speakers.....
10 +
PUMP IT UP!!
10 +
PUMP IT UP!!
9 because no matter how crappy the day is, this song is sure to bring a smile to my face and refill my energy levels. Play it LOUD !
...but we DO really need it!
You guys are killing it....
bpkengor wrote:
A corporate set....
The times, they have a changed.
I saw EC last week at a corporate event with the Imposters. about a 90 minute set. Mostly the classics with a couple of songs from his recent Roots collaboration. He and the Imposters sure look old these days. Pete Thomas is still his drummer. He looked particularly old but is still an incredibly solid drummer. to be honest, he seemed bored with most of this older songs. He only seemed energized when he played the songs from the Roots collaboration. Of course, to this fanboy, even a bored Elvis Costello is better than most other artists.
A corporate set....
The times, they have a changed.
The Very first EC show in the states was in the Rutgers Commuter Lounge.
Five bucks.
Those were the days....
Five bucks.
Those were the days....
Pump it up... Whoop dancing in my livingroom with my dog ð whoop ð
You can never have too much Elvis! His live solo tour was incredible! 
Would like to hear more Elvis Costello.
I wish RP wouldn't put so much Elvis Costello....
I know a lot of people like it, but man, this annoying voice is here like EVERYDAY
Please RP: Reduce the Costello by a notch or two.... thanks...
I know a lot of people like it, but man, this annoying voice is here like EVERYDAY
Please RP: Reduce the Costello by a notch or two.... thanks...
Wellwellwell.
Elvis Costello did a good song.
Never Heard that Before.
blackjackshellac wrote:
How does this guy keep the beat so well?
Pete Thomas is an absolutely awesome drummer. And his daughter Tennessee is pretty good as well.
How does this guy keep the beat so well?
Pete Thomas is an absolutely awesome drummer. And his daughter Tennessee is pretty good as well.
gjr wrote:
OHhh, don't remind me....
i cant believe how old im getting.....this was cutting edge, nasty, in-your-face rock from my youth.......... and, alas, i see now my youth was 35 years ago
wie traurig
wie traurig
OHhh, don't remind me....
I saw EC last week at a corporate event with the Imposters. about a 90 minute set. Mostly the classics with a couple of songs from his recent Roots collaboration. He and the Imposters sure look old these days. Pete Thomas is still his drummer. He looked particularly old but is still an incredibly solid drummer. to be honest, he seemed bored with most of this older songs. He only seemed energized when he played the songs from the Roots collaboration. Of course, to this fanboy, even a bored Elvis Costello is better than most other artists.
pwilster wrote:
Yeap.
Elvis Costello AGAIN !!??
Yeap.
lemmoth wrote:
You clearly haven't read alot about EC or seen the TV series he hosted "Spectacle." EC loves, loves jazz, blues, country, classical, Burt Bacharach New Orleans swing, soul, Beatles, Springsteen, Clash, Dylan, the Band, Richard Thompson as predecessors and contempaoraries as well as a bevy of modern inidie rockers like Fiona Apple, Deatch Cab, Green Day, She and Him, and many others.
He is a preeminent musicologist and musical omnivore. And its reflected in his recorde output.
I've never heard the term "musical omnivore" before, Love it!
You clearly haven't read alot about EC or seen the TV series he hosted "Spectacle." EC loves, loves jazz, blues, country, classical, Burt Bacharach New Orleans swing, soul, Beatles, Springsteen, Clash, Dylan, the Band, Richard Thompson as predecessors and contempaoraries as well as a bevy of modern inidie rockers like Fiona Apple, Deatch Cab, Green Day, She and Him, and many others.
He is a preeminent musicologist and musical omnivore. And its reflected in his recorde output.
I've never heard the term "musical omnivore" before, Love it!
unclehud wrote:
SImilar experiece. Only our frigate was tied up pierside in Subic Bay RP, and it was a sailor bar on Magsaysay street in Olongapo with a Filipino coverband. Ah, San Maguels and music so loud you couldn't hear yourself think!
Submarine had anchored off Lahiana, Maui, and we asked the DJ in the (wherever we were) club to play this three times in a row. He did. Dance floor was packed, and the house was rocking.
SImilar experiece. Only our frigate was tied up pierside in Subic Bay RP, and it was a sailor bar on Magsaysay street in Olongapo with a Filipino coverband. Ah, San Maguels and music so loud you couldn't hear yourself think!
One of EC's better songs
helgigermany wrote:
Really? Am not his greatest fan, but I cannot sit still listening to this song. Love the driving beat. Gotta dance!!!!!
Terrible!
Really? Am not his greatest fan, but I cannot sit still listening to this song. Love the driving beat. Gotta dance!!!!!
Elvis Costello AGAIN !!??
Pump it up gotdammit!
Terrible!
i cant believe how old im getting.....this was cutting edge, nasty, in-your-face rock from my youth.......... and, alas, i see now my youth was 35 years ago
wie traurig
wie traurig
unclehud wrote:
Now THAT is an excellent thing to do. Good call.
Submarine had anchored off Lahiana, Maui, and we asked the DJ in the (wherever we were) club to play this three times in a row. He did. Dance floor was packed, and the house was rocking.
Now THAT is an excellent thing to do. Good call.
It's a great EC classic, but it is a bit monotonous despite the running time of only 3:12. This is one reason why Get Happy is better than This Year's Model: most of the songs are closer to 2 minutes than 3.
Elvis is king.
Submarine had anchored off Lahiana, Maui, and we asked the DJ in the (wherever we were) club to play this three times in a row. He did. Dance floor was packed, and the house was rocking.
He and the band always finish their shows with this one
I think this is still his greatest album by far. Back when he was famous for his little black book...
blackjackshellac wrote:
How does this guy keep the beat so well?
Because Pete Thomas is one of the most solid drummers in the history rock and roll.
How does this guy keep the beat so well?
Because Pete Thomas is one of the most solid drummers in the history rock and roll.
LPCity wrote:
Back in the early 80's I lived in a really beat house in Sun Valley Idaho that we dubbed "The Rock-n-Roll House" where we used to throw really great New Years eve parties. Back in those days we would always prepare several mix tapes a few days in advance that were loaded with songs for one simple purpose; to have all your guests dancing on the beer soaked carpet. This song was batting in the lead off position of the first tape put in the deck.
I loved this song in college; because all the girls would get up and dance. Back in the early 80's I lived in a really beat house in Sun Valley Idaho that we dubbed "The Rock-n-Roll House" where we used to throw really great New Years eve parties. Back in those days we would always prepare several mix tapes a few days in advance that were loaded with songs for one simple purpose; to have all your guests dancing on the beer soaked carpet. This song was batting in the lead off position of the first tape put in the deck.
Steve Nieve's organ and Pete Thomas' relantless drumming are the drivers of this unbelievably catchy tune.
For years after - like many bands with the fan's favorite tunes - Elvis probably tired of playing it live and always ran through it at 150% speed.
Lately he's been playing like he really appreciates how good a song it is.
For years after - like many bands with the fan's favorite tunes - Elvis probably tired of playing it live and always ran through it at 150% speed.
Lately he's been playing like he really appreciates how good a song it is.
joelbb wrote:
So you respond with a dis?
Awesome cut. Dissers are dorks.
So you respond with a dis?
I'd like a widget that automatically turned up the volume for songs rated 8 or over and down afterwards.
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
Awesome cut. Dissers are dorks.
Dinges,_the_Dude wrote:
Still the same...
That annoying organ in this song: so repetitively whining and irritating. I've got a CD of Costello's with his best songs ("the best of"?) and I always skip number 3 and 4 (I believe). The rest is good indeed.
Still the same...
blackjackshellac wrote:
How does this guy keep the beat so well?
By "This Guy" I assume you mean the drummer?
I never got the Elvis Costello thing. He's just so... bland.
How does this guy keep the beat so well?
By "This Guy" I assume you mean the drummer?
I never got the Elvis Costello thing. He's just so... bland.
How does this guy keep the beat so well?
gjr wrote:
Beats the alternatives!
what a great album...can't believe it's already 33 years old....that means i'm 33 years older than when i bought it.....now that sucks
Beats the alternatives!
This song brings me right back to College. Love it!
impediguy wrote:
One of the first songs my college band played (i.e. I pre-date y'all, but I'm still young at heart). Elvis turned out also to be one of the preeminant wordsmiths of our day ("What's so Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding?"), such as Dylan was. Tom Waits is another example, who is also a master at delivery.
Every time I hear about someone being old, I am reminded about my ex-neighbour Gertie Peters who was born in 1899 and died in 2001. Lived in 3 Centuries, from horsedrawn buses to the atom bomb. Most of human history in that statement.
That's a real wealth of experience. And yes, she did like Elvis "that young man who is upsetting everybody".
One of the first songs my college band played (i.e. I pre-date y'all, but I'm still young at heart). Elvis turned out also to be one of the preeminant wordsmiths of our day ("What's so Funny About Peace, Love, and Understanding?"), such as Dylan was. Tom Waits is another example, who is also a master at delivery.
Every time I hear about someone being old, I am reminded about my ex-neighbour Gertie Peters who was born in 1899 and died in 2001. Lived in 3 Centuries, from horsedrawn buses to the atom bomb. Most of human history in that statement.
That's a real wealth of experience. And yes, she did like Elvis "that young man who is upsetting everybody".