I remember visiting our grandmother at her retirement home and had a room of our own. Later that night, when everyone had gone to bed, we discovered they had a decent stereo system. We put in a tape featuring songs of the day like "Rock Lobster" and this tune "Pump it Up". By the end of the night, the empty chairs (set up if front of the stereo for people to enjoy "super-oldies" like Beny Goodman) were filled up with older people enjoying great early 80's music. Surreal experience to be sure.
Just looked at this video one more time. Costello and the boys really were special. They came on during the tail end of the anger and disenfranchised punk movement, and turned it into something hip, intelligent with catchy with upbeat tempos and a whole new geeky cool style. One thing is for sure, Costello is a master lyricist and songwriter, but the Attractions were an AMAZING band that made Elvis music come to life: amazing bass and drum, and Stevie Nieve on Keys added a stroke of genius to every Elvis song. I strongly believe that this music would still turn heads today even if it were just being released for the first time today!
Lived through it. In the video The Attractions play the wrong instruments; The drummer "plays" the keys, the bassist "plays" the drums and Steve Naieve "plays" the bass. Seen live in concert in Wellington, 1979 or 1980
I disagree with the punk movement 'analysis'. I live where that pic on the left wz taken. right across the Hudson River from New York Citys' West Side; meat packing district. bands portrayed anger, like Idols' sneer. Idol is a geek. The 'geek' thing NEVER happened! 'Geek' is NEVER happening! prob more geek lookin' people w/Neil Young...LMfAO Maybe those things happened, other places, but not here. ANY way after The Sex Pistols, "punk" wz over.
When a song was written before you were born and you are able to get up and jive and sing along......Well, I guess that tells you that it is a pretty fuckin epic and timeless song.
JudeJaded15 What the fuck does this even mean? Why do things have to match your point of view to maximize your enjoyment? That's so close minded and shitty. You've actually ruined my day a bit with this comment. Fuck you.
Those organ riffs get to me every time! 😄😄 And the organ player looks as if they're doing the stand up splits each time they have to bear down on the keys! Those moves!
I remember watching this on MTV when it debuted, I think I was 15 or so and I thought "That's gotta hurt like hell, I gotta try it!" I can't move like that now, but then again I don't think Elvis can either. Great vid thanks!
I got stage front in the pogo pit when I saw this band live in '78 and stood right at Elvis' feet. I remember he looked about 4 foot six, small and skinny, but what a voice and what a band. The support acts, Richard Hell and the Voidoids and John Cooper Clarke were bloody good too. Great days.
Yes he was dam lucky it did not snap , he pumped it up to the limit LOL , This video is so cool even so many years later . im 53 and stil rock out ride dirt bikes and just have fun
"Pump It Up" I've been on tenterhooks ending in dirty looks, list'ning to the Muzak, thinking 'bout this 'n' that. She said that's that. I don't wanna chitter-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. 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 temp'rature. 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.
This song is quite possibly the single best live performance I have ever seen...'bout 20 years ago...Atlanta Fox Theatre. The whole place was pumpin'...
Don't get too crazy. One big jump will scratch Brother Scotts album...............Then there will be hell to pay. (I've spent more than enough time in confession already)
The ULTIMATE party tune. Here I sit after having been a HUGE fan of this tune for MANY (too many to count) years and now that I have overcome stage fright I find myself incredibly motivated to try this at karaoke. PRACTICING! Need big lungs!
Tara Lee - The album's name was "This Year's Model" (yeah, I have the LP). Saw this guy at the Cow Palace in SF in '79 HE TOTALLY KICKED ASS! Glad to be able to tell people I saw him at the top of his game.
@xXChickenStevensXx You're right!!! I'm 48 and still love this! Good music knows no age boundaries...you can't help it if you've got good taste! It shows that you formed your own opinion, instead of the marketers and spin doctors - good for you!
i saw Elvis at a high school gym in rhode island in like 77 & he wasn't really known at that time - but what energy, PUNK, satirizing The other Elvis, his earlier stuff, like all artists, is best!!!!!!!!!!! Watching the detectives,
As an old rocker looking to play an eclectic mix of tunes I thought Id have a look and listen to Elvis's Pump it Up before attempting a version of it. It continues to mystify me as to how he is somehow not regarded with the likes of so many of our greatest. His lyrics, music, stlye and humor are among the best stuff of the past forty years. -- Jim Longo
wow, memories, elvis played 4 times over at the El Mocambo tavern in Toronto in those days, and the gf and I went to every show (we lived half a block away). I still have the vinyl bootlegs of his early concerts
First time I've heard this and it's EXCELLENT! I'm a big fan of his, "She" and "Every Day I Write the Book." and now this. Very cool. Any others I should check out?
Really good New Wave song. I just added it to a playlist called (something like) Favorite '70s Songs M-Q. All are based on the alphabetical order of the song title , just for variety. Please never delete, and 3-Million+ Hits is really a LOT ! d:)
I love old music videos like this one. They're so rough around the edges, but that's part of the appeal; no one really knew what they were doing making the videos back then.
LOL - Memories - I saw EC on some TV show - maybe the first time EC was on TV - I actually thought at first that he was like a "Special Needs" musician!
I remember seeing this special on rock n roll on tv when I was either 8 or 9 so 78 or 79. I'm pretty sure this is the video of his that was featured. I remember my dad calling him "toothpick legs." My dad is still alive so I'll ask him if he remembers that next time I see him.
This, my friends, is how it's done. All of you young people who are thinking of starting your own bands. Mark this well. This is how it's done. I'm looking forward to your work. So is everybody else.
Now, don't get me wrong, I hate it when people say "blah blahhhh brought me here", but I feel like Never Mind The Buzzcocks is legendary enough to get credit for bringing me to this glorious song, especially since Simon Amstell hosted the episode this was played on.
My all time favorite Elvis tune! Saw him with Talk Talk in 1981. Every time I hear this song I want to POGO! At 50 years old it's not that easy !
He makes me forget my age too!!!
I remember visiting our grandmother at her retirement home and had a room of our own. Later that night, when everyone had gone to bed, we discovered they had a decent stereo system. We put in a tape featuring songs of the day like "Rock Lobster" and this tune "Pump it Up". By the end of the night, the empty chairs (set up if front of the stereo for people to enjoy "super-oldies" like Beny Goodman) were filled up with older people enjoying great early 80's music. Surreal experience to be sure.
Just looked at this video one more time. Costello and the boys really were special. They came on during the tail end of the anger and disenfranchised punk movement, and turned it into something hip, intelligent with catchy with upbeat tempos and a whole new geeky cool style. One thing is for sure, Costello is a master lyricist and songwriter, but the Attractions were an AMAZING band that made Elvis music come to life: amazing bass and drum, and Stevie Nieve on Keys added a stroke of genius to every Elvis song. I strongly believe that this music would still turn heads today even if it were just being released for the first time today!
Lived through it. In the video The Attractions play the wrong instruments; The drummer "plays" the keys, the bassist "plays" the drums and Steve Naieve "plays" the bass. Seen live in concert in Wellington, 1979 or 1980
I disagree with the punk movement 'analysis'. I live where that pic on the left wz taken. right across the Hudson River from New York Citys' West Side; meat packing district.
bands portrayed anger, like Idols' sneer. Idol is a geek. The 'geek' thing NEVER happened! 'Geek' is NEVER happening! prob more geek lookin' people w/Neil Young...LMfAO Maybe those things happened, other places, but not here. ANY way after The Sex Pistols, "punk" wz over.
@@LIZZIE-lizzie Punk doesn't care what you or I think punk is
When a song was written before you were born and you are able to get up and jive and sing along......Well, I guess that tells you that it is a pretty fuckin epic and timeless song.
This song comes from a decidedly male POV, but I guess the music is feel good for all genders.
JudeJaded15 A song from the male POV? OMG someone call the PC po-lice. Arrest that Costello troublemaker.
JudeJaded15
What the fuck does this even mean? Why do things have to match your point of view to maximize your enjoyment? That's so close minded and shitty. You've actually ruined my day a bit with this comment. Fuck you.
@@VandelayIndustries61 LOL
Over 30 years later...this song still holds up! It would sound brand new today, timeless!!!
OMG I just laughed my self to tears. This should be seen by more folks that need a laugh. Good tune funny funny dance moves hahahahahaha
Brilliance never gets old!! This track rocks for all time!! WhaooooooOOOOO!
Start your day off right. This week me and my three year old will be visiting a few of Elvis Costello's albums. Pump it up!
Elvis Costello could pump up any party.
Those organ riffs get to me every time! 😄😄
And the organ player looks as if they're doing the stand up splits each time they have to bear down on the keys!
Those moves!
It's good being different, good. i'm 62 and will keep coming back for a pump up!
lol song is good and his legs are SO entertaining to watch!
I remember watching this on MTV when it debuted, I think I was 15 or so and I thought "That's gotta hurt like hell, I gotta try it!"
I can't move like that now, but then again I don't think Elvis can either.
Great vid thanks!
This song rocks!
Possibly the best songwriter of the 20th century. Takes me back to my late 70's Punk days.
I want to have this bassline's children.
Good ole Bruce Thomas was a mighty good bass man.
Bass is Dan K. Brown, who joined The Fixx in 1983 & is still with them. Dan's not in this video, unfortunately.
Until you can feel it!! Memories of dancing to this tune! LOVE IT!
Great tune! Hilarious video. Remember when we thought those early MTV videos were cool?
Bruce --- you are my hero bass player !!! Fecking awesomeness all round !
CAN SOMEONE ~~ PLEASE ~~~ WRITE A SONG AS GOOD AS THIS TODAY?????
I love this era of Elvis. Spaztastic.
America had Presley, we had Costello!
America had Costello, too, he was funny with Abbott.
One of the first hits of the Punk era of 1977-78.
Buddy Holly + Ray Davies = Elvis Costello ( and I mean that with honor and respect to all three of these gentlemen)
I got stage front in the pogo pit when I saw this band live in '78 and stood right at Elvis' feet. I remember he looked about 4 foot six, small and skinny, but what a voice and what a band. The support acts, Richard Hell and the Voidoids and John Cooper Clarke were bloody good too. Great days.
I love Elvis. He's so wordy :-)
How can you NOT like this? Great band, great song!
Looks like his legs are gonna snap at any second.
Yes he was dam lucky it did not snap , he pumped it up to the limit LOL , This video is so cool even so many years later . im 53 and stil rock out ride dirt bikes and just have fun
This song is the very genesis of The New Wave. Pop music was forever changed.
Nice to see one of Jerry's kids having a good time.
Elvis Costello has always had a very unique style....and this song rocks!!! A thumbs up! Peace2U, Alex
I still think this is his finest moment #elviscostello
I love Elvis Costello!!!
Mr Amok24 I forgot how good this period was - thanks for the memories
It's only MONDAY night and I'm already having a party to this!!! :)
First time I saw this man, on cable back in the day, I was hooked. CLASSIC!
Most Excellent Bass Line!
Thank you for posting this!!! I first heard this song back in junior high school.
Brings back memories... I really miss the Album Rock FM stations.
GREAT SONG
TIMELESS. HE’S STILL MAKING RECORDS TODAY.
Great tune especially if your in charge of the balloons before the kids' party
what a bassline. the attractions are so underrated, it's criminal
"Pump It Up"
I've been on tenterhooks
ending in dirty looks,
list'ning to the Muzak,
thinking 'bout this 'n' that.
She said that's that.
I don't wanna chitter-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.
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 temp'rature.
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.
Love it. The song, the beat and Elvis's leg action are all awe-some!
for some reason it just dawned on me how much Lenny Kravitz sounds like this lol
Mongloid amazingly correct,, his voice in that time period,,
DUDE! I always thought it was Kravits until today when I searched it up!
What a song. Very few tunes feature chords-only as a hook, but that little 3 chord descending thing is pure magic.
Those are some illegal legs.
I have a nervous feeling that he's going to fall in that wiggly stance.
yeah his ankles must be made of rubber
This song is quite possibly the single best live performance I have ever seen...'bout 20 years ago...Atlanta Fox Theatre. The whole place was pumpin'...
Don't get too crazy. One big jump will scratch Brother Scotts album...............Then there will be hell to pay. (I've spent more than enough time in confession already)
I play this when I'm getting ready for a night out - always gets me in the mood!
One of my all-time-favourites - "This year's model" is an incredible album!
It’s in my Top 25 Desert Island LPs. That’s assuming the island has electric power, a turntable, amp and speakers.
The ULTIMATE party tune. Here I sit after having been a HUGE fan of this tune for MANY (too many to count) years and now that I have overcome stage fright I find myself incredibly motivated to try this at karaoke. PRACTICING! Need big lungs!
Epic, great post on one of the greatest songs... ever!
love Love LOVE the intro! Fantastico performance indeed!
Tara Lee - The album's name was "This Year's Model" (yeah, I have the LP). Saw this guy at the Cow Palace in SF in '79 HE TOTALLY KICKED ASS! Glad to be able to tell people I saw him at the top of his game.
leg brace shuffle ....Love this jam...Elvis C is a timeless great talent~
This was my favorite song when i was little. I would listen to it over and over. I can't get enough!!!!! ELVIS COSTELLO RULES!!!!!!
Classic! Legend! Love it, Love him
It is impossible to sit still listening to this. What a beat !
After all this time, STILL EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!! DJ
LOL 0:33 "She said that's that! I don't wanna Jibberjab..diddy donaa little bit donna dad flaaabb'
That's what I thought he said😂
Brilliant'', thanks for sharing
The RETRO-drinking song of the night!
love the wobbly leg dancin !!
@xXChickenStevensXx You're right!!! I'm 48 and still love this! Good music knows no age boundaries...you can't help it if you've got good taste! It shows that you formed your own opinion, instead of the marketers and spin doctors - good for you!
i saw Elvis at a high school gym in rhode island in like 77 & he wasn't really known at that time - but what energy, PUNK, satirizing The other Elvis, his earlier stuff, like all artists, is best!!!!!!!!!!! Watching the detectives,
this is so awesome, I cant even explain how awesome this is and so awesome.
I saw Elvis Costello at MerleFest last year. I love his music!!
As an old rocker looking to play an eclectic mix of tunes I thought Id have a look and listen to Elvis's Pump it Up before attempting a version of it. It continues to mystify me as to how he is somehow not regarded with the likes of so many of our greatest. His lyrics, music, stlye and humor are among the best stuff of the past forty years. -- Jim Longo
I absolutely love this song and the video just makes it even more AWEsome!
This song still feels so fresh!
What a marvellous production that was out there
wow, memories, elvis played 4 times over at the El Mocambo tavern in Toronto in those days, and the gf and I went to every show (we lived half a block away). I still have the vinyl bootlegs of his early concerts
Hands down one of the all time greats! Love to Pump It Up with Costello in my car!
Man, this guy could jam! One of my all- favorite songs.
First saw him on Saturday Night Live…when he stopped the song after a few seconds, and played a different one…it was killer koool!~E
First time I've heard this and it's EXCELLENT! I'm a big fan of his, "She" and "Every Day I Write the Book." and now this. Very cool. Any others I should check out?
My favorite song to play on Rockband - gotta love that melodic bass!
I was lucky enough to see Elvis and the Attractions on the "Armed Forces Tour" in Birmingham, AL. Amazing!
Really good New Wave song. I just added it to a playlist called (something like) Favorite '70s Songs M-Q. All are based on the alphabetical order of the song title , just for variety.
Please never delete, and 3-Million+ Hits is really a LOT ! d:)
I love old music videos like this one. They're so rough around the edges, but that's part of the appeal; no one really knew what they were doing making the videos back then.
That bass line is immense. LOVE it.
Awesome
Back when he was snarly and the music fantastic
Love the attitude, sound and ... fuck this is damn great
Wonderful post
Hey! Who says you can't have 2 Elvis' or is it Elvi? I had forgotten how very young he was! Love you Elvis C.
this is the best song i have heard from elvis costello
Bravo Always Been A Fan Brilliant
Dig that Elvis dance. Bring it back! Quirky people rule!!!
What A Class Act Elvis Costello!❤️🌹🏴⚒👊🏽
Thanks for posting this!
LOL - Memories - I saw EC on some TV show - maybe the first time EC was on TV - I actually thought at first that he was like a "Special Needs" musician!
BEST 80's guy (although a HUGE DEVO FAN) HANDS DOWN! This shit get's me jacked UP!
What a video!!!
Elvis dances like he has thrush!!!!!!!!!
Oh wow, this was in PCU and I never knew what it was! Awesome!
Classic! Love Elvis since the 70's!
I remember seeing this special on rock n roll on tv when I was either 8 or 9 so 78 or 79. I'm pretty sure this is the video of his that was featured. I remember my dad calling him "toothpick legs." My dad is still alive so I'll ask him if he remembers that next time I see him.
A true musical artist right here baby!!!!
Looking forward to tomorrow night's concert at Fox Oakland - more info on concerts and nearby restaurants at
I remember seeing this on MTv in colorado in the mid 80's. But I fell for elvis in the 70's in Vancouver
Quality song, quality singer and quality group...........simple as that!
Yes, even for me as a 19 year old this song is a classic.
This, my friends, is how it's done. All of you young people who are thinking of starting your own bands. Mark this well. This is how it's done. I'm looking forward to your work. So is everybody else.
Now, don't get me wrong, I hate it when people say "blah blahhhh brought me here", but I feel like Never Mind The Buzzcocks is legendary enough to get credit for bringing me to this glorious song, especially since Simon Amstell hosted the episode this was played on.