In the UK around the time this was released the BBC ran a Friday night American cop show strand called “The Detectives”- One week it would be an episode of “Ironside”, the next it would be “Cannon”, also “The Rockford Files” and “Harry O” were in the rotation if I remember.
This song was about British TV detective shows, which were incredibly gritty in the late 1970s (Taggart and The Professionals spring to mind). One could almost feel one's teeth being moved during the interrogation scenes. This album was my introduction to Elvis Costello. I loved it. Thank you.
The Keys are soo good ❤️ amongst everything else just nailing it down. this takes me back to dad's place in the seventies . Did i mention I LOVE THIS WHOLE ALBUM? . I LOVE THIS ALBUM 😍😀
After watching your CULT reaction yesterday and recommending DANZIG'S song HOW THE GOD'S KILL. I've been on a DANZIG Binge. I can't believe i haven't listened to them in over twenty years and this is a reunion I'm really enjoying . i know my taste in music isn't for everyone . I'm sad for you 😢😂😂 maybe a short 6 months in a musical re education camp is needed to mend your ways 6 months of PUNKROCK SKA and REGGAE with 5 hours a day of SKANKING and SLAMMING with 5 minutes POGOING for cool down and then compulsory fourth slice of CHEESECAKE 😋🤤. Cheesecake breakfast - morning tea - Lunch and Dinner time COMPULSORY!!!! NO EXCUSES gluten intolerant too bad IT'S LAW! DAIRY intolerant no excuse. I love CHEESECAKE 😍. I'VE GOT TEETH 😁
This is one of my favourite Elvis Costello songs 💗. Late 70's and early 80's was his best, I would also recommend Oliver's army, what's so funny about peace love and understanding, you belong to me and of course, pump it up.
I'm surprised you two aren't familiar with this one. It certainly did well in Australia around 1977/78. I first heard it on Melbourne community radio station 3RRR around about December of '77, and I was intrigued. The distorted drums is part of the charm. Cheers, Hayley
Hi Hayley ! That question why some bands were heard in some countries and not so much in others , Is mostly down to say Deals ! BBC would play some Aus tunes and some Aus channels would play Brit stuff , same with soaps , we used to have the Sulivans on at lunch time in the week ,(1978 ish ) only know that because if we skived school , a load of us would pile into our mates house (both parents were out working ) Cup of tea , and Sulivans on the TV , much better than Maths !! Cheers Graham !
@@ghichens3418 😝😝😝 Sir G you just described some wonderful mid-week lunchtimes me n a select few school skipping mates had ( in my youth in Scotland it was called Dogging - that word has been somewhat tainted in recent years …😅.. so skipping school it is ! .. I shouldn’t know about the Sullivans .. but I do ! ) 😝 👍🏴
@@ghichens3418 Hi Ghitchens.. I have to respond with a Yes and No. I remember a lot that went on with broadcasters of both TV and radio, because Countdown kids (like me) got pretty close to the music industry. The only deals concerning music were ones that major broadcasters had with major record companies and their major artists. Elvis Costello wasn't played on Australian radio because of a deal. He was played on community radio station, 3RRR, because the volunteers that worked as DJ's on the station wanted to play his music. Major radio stations in Australia wouldn't play stuff like Cheap Trick, Tom Petty or Elvis Costello in 1977, because they were to pre-occupied with playing Rod Stewart, Bryan Ferry, ELO... You get the picture. The deals you're referring to were more to do with film and television. The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and the BBC had those content exchange deals, where British shows would hit Aussie TV via ABC and vice versa. The Sullivans was a Crawford production, so whatever UK channel decided to broadcast that show had to have some licensing deal with Crawford. Incidentally, a few episodes of The Sullivans was shot where Gillian and I grew up in Elwood, Victoria. I remember a time in the 80's when a lot of after school children's hours were taken up by Canadian shows like The Littlest Hobo, The Edison Twins, You Can't Do That On Television, Degrassi High. These shows weren't on TV in Australia because of some deal with Canada. They were just cherry picked by our broadcasters. That's how I remember it...
Elvis was introduced to most Americans on Saturday Night Live in 1977 when he stopped a song a minute in to play Radio Radio instead which the show had specifically told him not to play. Got him banned from the popular show for 13 years but the publicity was worth it ! 🕵️♂️
Elvis is undoubtedly one of the greatest song writers,who's lyric's make you think.This has always been one of my favourites,as well as the very dark song kinder murder.
This was the song that got me into EC, it was so different to everything else at the time. I never fully understood it but it has some great lyrics all the same. Cheers for the shout out!
I don't care about Elvis Costello beyond this earliest phase of his career, and I don't have to know what this all means to know it's an incredible song. It feels musically loose, but tight and tense at the same time, and the imagery is straight from film noir or a pulp magazine. I like the sound of the drums. This was the punk era, stark and low budget like the theme of the song. It's not supposed to be smooth.
What a great song, the bass line is fantastic! There is a little bit of guitar that sounds (tone wise) of the James Bond Theme. It reminded me of a one hit wonder band called The 88's (or The Eighty Eights, not sure which) that had a ska/rock song called She fell In Love With James Bond. I have never heard the song on the radio myself, but a band I was in use to cover it.
Yes, my two favourites for great bass lines are Elvis Costello and Jo Jackson and of course, a lot of the ska bands had good bass too. I loved that era.
@@barbararees604 , Graham Maby who played bass for Joe Jackson has always been a fave. I play bass a little, so I always pay more attention to the bass than most people.
This is an excellent one…. I’d say his greatest song is “BEYOND BELIEF,”… which is a lyrical masterpiece, with matching music and vocals, to boot. Other top-tier Elvis songs: “New Amsterdam,” “Riot Act,” “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding,” “Goon Squad,” “Lipstick Vogue,” and “Strict Time.”
A lot of people have view Elvis in the singular over the years . But not a lot of credit is given to The attractions his backing group.seen them many times over the years.So tight and flawless.
All his albums in the first decade are excellent. First album I bought was "This Years Model" from 1978. My favorite album of all time. First one with The Attractions.
Hard to think I was 16 when this came out in 1977. It's a brilliant album and I recommend you look further into it. I can't remember if you've done 'Alison' , if not put it up for consideration
I learnt to play the bass(still learning!😮) after buying this album. It's a gem of an album,a stand out gem at the time when a lot of average "New wave" stuff was being released.......Elvis Costello is an amazing songwriter,performer and producer👏👏.......⚽️......"COME ON ENGLAND 🏴⚽️....the drum sound was supposed to recreate the"Dub" reggae sound of the early 70s.....it didnt really work did it!!!🤔
Just subscribed. love your channel , and both your excellent reactions...and choice of music more my style ( indie/punk/post punk). Hope all went well with your house hunting. Kia Ora from NZ
From my understanding of the lyrics, it's basically about a guy who is upset that his girl would rather watch a detective show on TV (where she thinks the actor is cute) than be with him.
An early track from Elvis and Co, I remember this well, his first two albums were great, not that his later stuff wasn't but for me I prefer his earlier stuff. I highly recommend: "Less Than Zero", "(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes", "Pump it Up", "Pills and Soap", "Alison" I can't remember if you've already done this one or not, "Radio Radio", "High Fidelity". There are many more but these are good ones to continue with.
Hello Hanier Family! How do? I think you two are about ready for another YES reaction, it's been a while. I'd like to recommend 'Siberian Khatru' live from Montreux or Birmingham year 2003. I know you've done the studio version already but like 'Yours is No Disgrace' live, it will blow you away!🤩
I’ve never ‘got’ Elvis Costello the way many people seem to. I sort of put him in the same area as Joe Jackson, but I find Joe easy to get into by comparison. That being said, I’ve generally enjoyed his singles such as Oliver’s Army, Alison, and very especially Pump It Up (which for a long time I had just thought was ok but recently did it in a cover band and it was a top song to play live).
Its a brilliant song about a guy with little self confidence (elvis?) taking a beautiful girl out to the movies wishing he was cool, tough and stoic like the male movie stars on the screen.
Do you guys have an e-mail addy where I can reach you? I see all of your scials (none of which am I on), I see the coffee thing, and gofundme, and a snail mail po box addy, but no e-mail address. I have some questions and suggestions I would like to discuss with you, in a private manner. If you have such an e-mail can you drop the address here, or tell me how I can teach out to you privately?TY. 😁
Elvis is one of the greatest lyricists of all time.
In the UK around the time this was released the BBC ran a Friday night American cop show strand called “The Detectives”- One week it would be an episode of “Ironside”, the next it would be “Cannon”, also “The Rockford Files” and “Harry O” were in the rotation if I remember.
Cracking Tune ! Great Album , "Olivers Army " a track well worth a go ! Cheers !
Fun fact - Woke Elvis has now said he won’t play Olivers Army any more at his gigs Sir G.. 😳
👍🏴
Hey Graham hope you're good , I'm off to Wiltshire next weekend, crop circling, plenty wishbone ash lol 🏴✌️
@@jaymacgee_A_Bawbag_Blethering Well Boo Yaaaa to Elvis Cos for being a Wokery Titface !
That is proper Naff ! Thanks Sir Jay !
@@ghichens3418 I AM the bearer of bad news Sir G 😳
👍🏴
Always been a big Elvis Costello fan. You have so many songs to choose from (I recommend Pidgin English).
Thank you for mentioning a hidden gem from Imperial Bedroom...my favorite song from that Album
@@mattsombrano3786 Mine as well
This song was about British TV detective shows, which were incredibly gritty in the late 1970s (Taggart and The Professionals spring to mind). One could almost feel one's teeth being moved during the interrogation scenes.
This album was my introduction to Elvis Costello. I loved it. Thank you.
You forgot my favourite - the Sweeney.
Taggart didn't come out until 1983.
The Keys are soo good ❤️ amongst everything else just nailing it down. this takes me back to dad's place in the seventies . Did i mention I LOVE THIS WHOLE ALBUM? .
I LOVE THIS ALBUM 😍😀
After watching your CULT reaction yesterday and recommending DANZIG'S song HOW THE GOD'S KILL. I've been on a DANZIG Binge. I can't believe i haven't listened to them in over twenty years and this is a reunion I'm really enjoying . i know my taste in music isn't for everyone . I'm sad for you 😢😂😂 maybe a short 6 months in a musical re education camp is needed to mend your ways 6 months of PUNKROCK SKA and REGGAE with 5 hours a day of SKANKING and SLAMMING with 5 minutes POGOING for cool down and then compulsory fourth slice of CHEESECAKE 😋🤤.
Cheesecake breakfast - morning tea - Lunch and Dinner time COMPULSORY!!!! NO EXCUSES gluten intolerant too bad IT'S LAW!
DAIRY intolerant no excuse. I love CHEESECAKE 😍.
I'VE GOT TEETH 😁
This is one of my favourite Elvis Costello songs 💗. Late 70's and early 80's was his best, I would also recommend Oliver's army, what's so funny about peace love and understanding, you belong to me and of course, pump it up.
"(i don't want to go to) chelsea" - another great one by him - but I always loved "Watching The Detectives" by him. Those first albums were great
Declan is a fan of B-movies and film noir, and yes, that SNL appearance was momentous.
I'm surprised you two aren't familiar with this one. It certainly did well in Australia around 1977/78. I first heard it on Melbourne community radio station 3RRR around about December of '77, and I was intrigued. The distorted drums is part of the charm.
Cheers,
Hayley
Hi Hayley ! That question why some bands were heard in some countries and not so much in others ,
Is mostly down to say Deals ! BBC would play some Aus tunes and some Aus channels would play Brit stuff , same with soaps , we used to have the Sulivans on at lunch time in the week ,(1978 ish )
only know that because if we skived school , a load of us would pile into our mates house (both parents were out working ) Cup of tea , and Sulivans on the TV , much better than Maths !!
Cheers Graham !
@@ghichens3418 😝😝😝 Sir G you just described some wonderful mid-week lunchtimes me n a select few school skipping mates had ( in my youth in Scotland it was called Dogging - that word has been somewhat tainted in recent years …😅.. so skipping school it is ! .. I shouldn’t know about the Sullivans .. but I do ! )
😝
👍🏴
@@ghichens3418 Hi Ghitchens.. I have to respond with a Yes and No. I remember a lot that went on with broadcasters of both TV and radio, because Countdown kids (like me) got pretty close to the music industry.
The only deals concerning music were ones that major broadcasters had with major record companies and their major artists.
Elvis Costello wasn't played on Australian radio because of a deal. He was played on community radio station, 3RRR, because the volunteers that worked as DJ's on the station wanted to play his music. Major radio stations in Australia wouldn't play stuff like Cheap Trick, Tom Petty or Elvis Costello in 1977, because they were to pre-occupied with playing Rod Stewart, Bryan Ferry, ELO... You get the picture.
The deals you're referring to were more to do with film and television. The ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) and the BBC had those content exchange deals, where British shows would hit Aussie TV via ABC and vice versa. The Sullivans was a Crawford production, so whatever UK channel decided to broadcast that show had to have some licensing deal with Crawford.
Incidentally, a few episodes of The Sullivans was shot where Gillian and I grew up in Elwood, Victoria.
I remember a time in the 80's when a lot of after school children's hours were taken up by Canadian shows like The Littlest Hobo, The Edison Twins, You Can't Do That On Television, Degrassi High. These shows weren't on TV in Australia because of some deal with Canada. They were just cherry picked by our broadcasters.
That's how I remember it...
@@jaymacgee_A_Bawbag_Blethering Happy Belated Birthday Jay... 🙂
@@I_was_a_Countdown_Kid-75-83 Hayley that’s SO kind of you , much appreciated I assure you 🙏💖
👍🏴
Please please try pump it up . I remember it when i was ten years old in nineteen seventy nine, i still think it is his best hit.
His first 2 albums were incredible
Armed forces? The 3rd…..his best
@@brianwalsh3091....Uhh, I don't know about that...I'm partial to TRUST
Elvis was introduced to most Americans on Saturday Night Live in 1977 when he stopped a song a minute in to play Radio Radio instead which the show had specifically told him not to play. Got him banned from the popular show for 13 years but the publicity was worth it ! 🕵️♂️
Elvis is undoubtedly one of the greatest song writers,who's lyric's make you think.This has always been one of my favourites,as well as the very dark song kinder murder.
Peace, Love and Understanding is my favorite Elvis song.
This was the song that got me into EC, it was so different to everything else at the time. I never fully understood it but it has some great lyrics all the same. Cheers for the shout out!
I don't care about Elvis Costello beyond this earliest phase of his career, and I don't have to know what this all means to know it's an incredible song. It feels musically loose, but tight and tense at the same time, and the imagery is straight from film noir or a pulp magazine. I like the sound of the drums. This was the punk era, stark and low budget like the theme of the song. It's not supposed to be smooth.
Totally agree...Elvis never bettered this!
Elvis produced the first Specials album.Man of many talents and styles
What a great song, the bass line is fantastic! There is a little bit of guitar that sounds (tone wise) of the James Bond Theme. It reminded me of a one hit wonder band called The 88's (or The Eighty Eights, not sure which) that had a ska/rock song called She fell In Love With James Bond. I have never heard the song on the radio myself, but a band I was in use to cover it.
Yes, my two favourites for great bass lines are Elvis Costello and Jo Jackson and of course, a lot of the ska bands had good bass too. I loved that era.
@@barbararees604 , Graham Maby who played bass for Joe Jackson has always been a fave. I play bass a little, so I always pay more attention to the bass than most people.
th-cam.com/video/faOipsNXow4/w-d-xo.htmlsi=LuaPn9NYvxfUP_o0
@@notanotherenigma7759 Me too, but haven't touched it for a while, but once I'm settled in my new abode, will pick it up again. Always loved the bass.
Kia Ora hello Chris and Cynthia and our reaction crew hope you all are well. My dad brought this album when it was released. Loved it ever since
Cor Blimey ! that means Im old enough to be your Dad !!
@@ghichens3418 DAD!!!at last I've found you!!!
This is an excellent one…. I’d say his greatest song is “BEYOND BELIEF,”… which is a lyrical masterpiece, with matching music and vocals, to boot.
Other top-tier Elvis songs: “New Amsterdam,” “Riot Act,” “What’s So Funny ‘Bout Peace, Love and Understanding,” “Goon Squad,” “Lipstick Vogue,” and “Strict Time.”
clubland....Great music and incredible wordplay
It's a great track. My fave Elvis Costellosong is "Goon Squad" which was on the RAR's Greatest Hits-album.
A lot of people have view Elvis in the singular over the years .
But not a lot of credit is given to The attractions his backing group.seen them many times over the years.So tight and flawless.
The Attractions, The Blockheads and The Invisible Girls are aw Great Bands even withoot the Frontman.
That’s a great point both of you .. count me in too ! 👏
👍🏴
All his albums in the first decade are excellent. First album I bought was "This Years Model" from 1978. My favorite album of all time. First one with The Attractions.
One of his better songs. I always found him toʻ be hit and miss.
Hard to think I was 16 when this came out in 1977. It's a brilliant album and I recommend you look further into it. I can't remember if you've done 'Alison' , if not put it up for consideration
We know Alison very well. It's a favourite for sure.
I learnt to play the bass(still learning!😮) after buying this album. It's a gem of an album,a stand out gem at the time when a lot of average "New wave" stuff was being released.......Elvis Costello is an amazing songwriter,performer and producer👏👏.......⚽️......"COME ON ENGLAND 🏴⚽️....the drum sound was supposed to recreate the"Dub" reggae sound of the early 70s.....it didnt really work did it!!!🤔
Just subscribed. love your channel , and both your excellent reactions...and choice of music more my style ( indie/punk/post punk). Hope all went well with your house hunting. Kia Ora from NZ
Great tune, could I also recommend Pills and Soap by Elvis which was released under the pseudonym of The Imposter for some reason
From my understanding of the lyrics, it's basically about a guy who is upset that his girl would rather watch a detective show on TV (where she thinks the actor is cute) than be with him.
An early track from Elvis and Co, I remember this well, his first two albums were great, not that his later stuff wasn't but for me I prefer his earlier stuff. I highly recommend:
"Less Than Zero",
"(The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes",
"Pump it Up",
"Pills and Soap",
"Alison" I can't remember if you've already done this one or not,
"Radio Radio",
"High Fidelity".
There are many more but these are good ones to continue with.
We know a few of these quite well. Pump It Up, Alison and Radio Radio are absolute favourites of ours.
@@hanierfamily I'm glad that you know a few of these as they're great tracks.
Hello Hanier Family! How do? I think you two are about ready for another YES reaction, it's been a while. I'd like to recommend 'Siberian Khatru' live from Montreux or Birmingham year 2003. I know you've done the studio version already but like 'Yours is No Disgrace' live, it will blow you away!🤩
I’ve never ‘got’ Elvis Costello the way many people seem to. I sort of put him in the same area as Joe Jackson, but I find Joe easy to get into by comparison.
That being said, I’ve generally enjoyed his singles such as Oliver’s Army, Alison, and very especially Pump It Up (which for a long time I had just thought was ok but recently did it in a cover band and it was a top song to play live).
Its a brilliant song about a guy with little self confidence (elvis?) taking a beautiful girl out to the movies wishing he was cool, tough and stoic like the male movie stars on the screen.
Do you guys have an e-mail addy where I can reach you? I see all of your scials (none of which am I on), I see the coffee thing, and gofundme, and a snail mail po box addy, but no e-mail address. I have some questions and suggestions I would like to discuss with you, in a private manner. If you have such an e-mail can you drop the address here, or tell me how I can teach out to you privately?TY. 😁
hanierfamily@gmail.com
@@hanierfamily Thanks for the reply. I will reach out to you guys soon
His drums are distorted “badly?”….pretty sure its how he wanted…nothing bad about it