Elvis Costello — Watching The Detectives
Album: My Aim Is TrueAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 4812
Length: 3:40
Plays (last 30 days): 2
share
tweet
Nice girls, not one with a defect
Cellophane shrink-wrapped, so correct
Red dogs under illegal legs
She looks so good that he gets down and begs
She is watching the detectives
Ooh, it's so cute
She's watching the detectives
When they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot
They beat him up until the teardrops start
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart
Long shot of that jumping sign
Invisible shivers running down my spine
Cut to baby taking off her clothes
Closeup of the sign that says "we never close"
You snatch a tune and you match a cigarette
She pulls your eyes out with a face like a magnet
I don't know how much more of this I can take
She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake
She is watching the detectives
Oh, he's so cute
She is watching the detectives
Oh, and they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot
They beat him up until the teardrops start
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart
You think you're alone until you realize you're in it
Now baby's here to stay, love is here for a visit
They call it instant justice when it's past the legal limit
Someone's scratching at the window, I wonder, who is it?
The detectives come to check if you belong to the parents
Who are ready to hear the worst about their daughter's disappearance
Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay
It only took my little fingers to blow you away
Just like watching the detectives
Don't get cute
Just like watching the detectives
I get so angry when the teardrops start
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart
Watching the detectives
It's just like watching the detectives
Watching the detectives
Watching the detectives
Watching the detectives
...
Cellophane shrink-wrapped, so correct
Red dogs under illegal legs
She looks so good that he gets down and begs
She is watching the detectives
Ooh, it's so cute
She's watching the detectives
When they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot
They beat him up until the teardrops start
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart
Long shot of that jumping sign
Invisible shivers running down my spine
Cut to baby taking off her clothes
Closeup of the sign that says "we never close"
You snatch a tune and you match a cigarette
She pulls your eyes out with a face like a magnet
I don't know how much more of this I can take
She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake
She is watching the detectives
Oh, he's so cute
She is watching the detectives
Oh, and they shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot
They beat him up until the teardrops start
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart
You think you're alone until you realize you're in it
Now baby's here to stay, love is here for a visit
They call it instant justice when it's past the legal limit
Someone's scratching at the window, I wonder, who is it?
The detectives come to check if you belong to the parents
Who are ready to hear the worst about their daughter's disappearance
Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay
It only took my little fingers to blow you away
Just like watching the detectives
Don't get cute
Just like watching the detectives
I get so angry when the teardrops start
But he can't be wounded 'cause he's got no heart
Watching the detectives
It's just like watching the detectives
Watching the detectives
Watching the detectives
Watching the detectives
...
Comments (406)add comment
Is it a coincidence that this one is played right after "Far From Any Road" by The Handsome Family? Anyway, made me smile
Saw him three weeks ago at a small venue in FL.
He took the stage in a kilt & kicked ass on that stage for just short of three hours
Raah!!!
He took the stage in a kilt & kicked ass on that stage for just short of three hours
Raah!!!
I said yo..!!
I love the Vox Jaguar /Farfisa organ sound! ...Too cool! 
Elvis hits you 20 years after on a side radio from off the alley out back where they are barbecuing and drinking tequila. What the fuck is that?
Alastair wrote:
Thankfully, with recorded music, it's never too late!
Cannot believe that, in my teens, I didn't like EC. I was too busy listening to Genesis and Vangelis. I feel like I missed out now.
Thankfully, with recorded music, it's never too late!
There is a song in Mexico called El Afilador, with that similar odd sound.
Shit hot. 
Cannot believe that, in my teens, I didn't like EC. I was too busy listening to Genesis and Vangelis. I feel like I missed out now.
Fantastic..
Excellent transition after Far From Any Road - The Handsome Family!
Although I was never a big Elvis Costello fan, this is one of my favorites from that era.
Elvis also put on one of the best shows I've ever seen at the Pageant in St. Louis in 2015. High energy, crowd-surfing, everyone had a blast!
Elvis also put on one of the best shows I've ever seen at the Pageant in St. Louis in 2015. High energy, crowd-surfing, everyone had a blast!
Elvis Costello's evolution as an artist is one of the most interesting in recording music history.
I remember when EC hit the music world - honestly I wasn´t into the quirky punk sorta stuff at the time, but I will never forget when this song came out - made our ears stand up and listen! Still so fresh... Finally got to see him with the Roots in New York a number of years ago - a great show from amazing musicians...
I bought this the week it came out at "Sam The Record Man" on Yonge Street in Toronto!
Jolicoeur wrote:
The lyrics in this song are really very clever - Elvis Costello is underrated on that score - massively so.
"She's filing her nails as they're dragging the lake"
Genius.
"Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay
It only took my little fingers to blow you away"
What a payoff!
The lyrics in this song are really very clever - Elvis Costello is underrated on that score - massively so.
"She's filing her nails as they're dragging the lake"
Genius.
"Though it nearly took a miracle to get you to stay
It only took my little fingers to blow you away"
What a payoff!
It only took my little fingers to blow you away"
What a payoff!
For some reason i don't like Elvis Costello so much but i like this one
Turner Classic Movies uses this during 'Noir Week'. Maybe the only time he is ever heard on TCM.
c.
c.
'She's filing her nails as they're dragging the lake' one of the most memorable lines ever
eileenomurphy wrote:
Still IS!
Oh very cool thanks
Still IS!
Oh very cool thanks
Great!
justlistening wrote:
and "she's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake." Elvis is an awesome lyricist.
"She pulls your eyes out with a face like a magnet."
Love that line.
and "she's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake." Elvis is an awesome lyricist.
I love the sound of the bass guitar on this song!
I remember when Elvis was a radical shock to the musical senses.
Now, his music is timeless.
Now, his music is timeless.
I remember when this was the theme song from history detectives on PBS.
Can't help but think of Elvis on Two and Half Men... hilarious!
RabbitEars wrote:
Same here... it was Imperial Bedroom that hooked me and then his live shows. After that, I started loving all the records that came before it.
Look after the king of R n R please
Same here... it was Imperial Bedroom that hooked me and then his live shows. After that, I started loving all the records that came before it.
Look after the king of R n R please
joejennings wrote:
Same here... it was Imperial Bedroom that hooked me and then his live shows. After that, I started loving all the records that came before it.
When this album first came out, I hated him! Within a few years, I thought that he was EXCELLENT! I still do!
Same here... it was Imperial Bedroom that hooked me and then his live shows. After that, I started loving all the records that came before it.
"She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake."
Very good drummer Steve Goulding
too much Costello on RP.... a little Elvis goes a long way
justin4kick wrote:
Never thought of it that way, but Spoon must have listened to Costello a lot.
Spoon just came after this song :)
Never thought of it that way, but Spoon must have listened to Costello a lot.
Spoon just came after this song :)
You snatch a tune and you match a cigarette
She pulls your eyes out with a face like a magnet
I don't know how much more of this I can take
She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake
Great stuff.
She pulls your eyes out with a face like a magnet
I don't know how much more of this I can take
She's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake
Great stuff.
Queue wrote:
We can hope!
Neil Young followed by Elvis Costello? Is Bill trolling the voice haters? What's next? Bob Dylan? 
We can hope!
It's taken me a lot of years to fully appreciate Elvis Costello. Even so he is definitely overplayed on RP.......
When this album first came out, I hated him! Within a few years, I thought that he was EXCELLENT! I still do!
+1 to 9, fun and quirky + great song writing and music...LLRP!!
Twice in one day? I'll have to skip the second play through.
talexb wrote:
My younger brother bought this when it was released. I hadn't heard of EC at the time. Then, every time Bob wanted to listen to it, he had to get it from my room. Just picked up a UK import of this couple of weeks ago. KEEPER!
Got this album when it came out and loved it, but not this track. Forty years later .. this track is great. Such talent. Wow.
My younger brother bought this when it was released. I hadn't heard of EC at the time. Then, every time Bob wanted to listen to it, he had to get it from my room. Just picked up a UK import of this couple of weeks ago. KEEPER!
"She pulls your eyes out with a face like a magnet."
Love that line.
Love that line.
"she's filing her nails wile they're dragging the lake..."
What a great image of I-don't-give-a-damn.
What a great image of I-don't-give-a-damn.
Songwriting genius.
stevesaw wrote:
I always dug the bass in this song, but never really listened in on the drums until I read your comment. Wow.
Bass and Drums compliments of the Rumour. No wonder.
I always dug the bass in this song, but never really listened in on the drums until I read your comment. Wow.
Bass and Drums compliments of the Rumour. No wonder.
Got this album when it came out and loved it, but not this track. Forty years later .. this track is great. Such talent. Wow.
ih8bills wrote:
I always dug the bass in this song, but never really listened in on the drums until I read your comment. Wow.
Great base line -- and drums.
I always dug the bass in this song, but never really listened in on the drums until I read your comment. Wow.
one of the few Costello songs I actually enjoy.
coloradojohn wrote:
Never thought of it that way, but Spoon must have listened to Costello a lot.
I've heard it countless times; still appreciate the wacky, odd syncopated rhythms and film noir lyrics; same stuff makes me dig Spoon.
Never thought of it that way, but Spoon must have listened to Costello a lot.
Bubble gum pulp fiction noir. Brill! :o)
Neil Young followed by Elvis Costello? Is Bill trolling the voice haters? What's next? Bob Dylan?
Perfection.
This and Lipstick Vogue.
This and Lipstick Vogue.
I am completely unable to bear this voice. Drives me beyond crazy. Play this at a party and I will have to leave, no matter how hot the chicks.
I have no problem with Spoon that was mentioned in the thread, that voice is OK.
Love me some Elvis. I always have since the first time I heard him in my teens.
The genius of EC was that he tried so hard to copy others but always ended up creating a different amazing thing. Truly amazing.
The Police, and the Clash appropriated faux reggae sounds and made a new sound, this is no different, but a one-off for EC and not indicative of the rest of My Aim Is True
I once read a (non-critical) article about Elvis Costello that referred to his singing voice as "churlish." I think that totally captures why I instantly dive for the volume controls or whatever thing I can click, tap, or push to make it go away as soon as I hear it.
DocStrangelove wrote:
Not a fan of EC either. Had a rating of 3 for this one, but now it sounds like a 7.
Maybe it's the scotch.
Mostly cannot stand whiny EC but this is spot on.
Not a fan of EC either. Had a rating of 3 for this one, but now it sounds like a 7.
Maybe it's the scotch.
Great base line -- and drums.
arserocket wrote:
Go and find you another web radio... just saying.
always PSD for EC, just sayin ...
Go and find you another web radio... just saying.
always PSD for EC, just sayin ...
Brilliant!
Mostly cannot stand whiny EC but this is spot on.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Here we go again I'll go water the plants until it's over. How did he get a recording contract?
You must have some pretty dry plants if you water them in April , then June.....maybe you should water them more...Brilliant. Elvis, Joe Jackson and the Cars were the "New Wavers" with staying power. Substantial.
Did I miss anyone? Police left off on purpose.
Did I miss anyone? Police left off on purpose.
Make it stop this is the worst one possible. True torture on a Sunday night.
WARNING! WARNING! Hater alert, EC is playing 
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Yeah, we get it. You don't like EC. Don't need to repeat yourself every time the song plays.
Here we go again I'll go water the plants until it's over. How did he get a recording contract?
Yeah, we get it. You don't like EC. Don't need to repeat yourself every time the song plays.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Funny, I just stopped watering mine to come and listen.
Here we go again I'll go water the plants until it's over. How did he get a recording contract?
Funny, I just stopped watering mine to come and listen.
Though I've heard it countless times, I still appreciate the wacky, odd syncopated rhythms and film noir lyrics; same stuff makes me dig Spoon...
Here we go again I'll go water the plants until it's over. How did he get a recording contract?
..... anything less than 10 would be a crime to music.
Saw EC a few years ago at, of all things, a Grateful Dead-type festival (Gathering of the Vibes). He still has it. He brought a lot of energy to the show and played nonstop for a couple hours. What a fantastic musician.
Not again Bill, how did he get a recording contract? Did he bribe someone? Awful!
What the hell is he talking about? Please make it stop!
Kaisersosay wrote:
Still the best way to listen to em....too bad we cant miniaturize vinyl
Pixies, B-52's Johnny Rivers, now Elvis,,,,its like my 1980 playlist on my ,,,,,,phone,,,no, I pod,,,no,,,um walkma,,,um no,,,,my turntable,,, yup turntable.
Nice lineup.
Still the best way to listen to em....too bad we cant miniaturize vinyl
My favorite Elvis song... by either artist using the name.
Just beautiful
Proclivities wrote:
I remember making a point of not missing it because The Sex Pistols were originally scheduled.
I remember making a point of not missing it because The Sex Pistols were originally scheduled.
Next year, the Sex Pistols album "Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols" will be 40 (FORTY!) years old. And for some reason, it's still considered unplayable—too harsh for public consumption. I know some tracks are definitely not suitable for the airwaves, but I see no reason why a couple of these songs couldn't get a spin in 2016.
I've submitted the leadoff track here, only to see it get shot down like a 1960's Berlin Wall tower guard picking off a freedom seeker.
12 Track Version (US Edition)
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Holidays in the Sun" Cook/Jones/Rotten/Vicious3:22
2."Bodies" Cook/Jones/Rotten/Vicious3:03
3."No Feelings" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten2:53
4."Liar" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten2:41
5."Problems" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten4:11
6."God Save the Queen" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten3:20
7."Seventeen" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten2:02
8."Anarchy in the U.K." Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten3:32
9."Submission" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten4:12
10."Pretty Vacant" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten3:18
11."New York" Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten3:07
12."E.M.I." Cook/Jones/Matlock/Rotten3:10
Is so full of love & Ardour
So we line up.
It better be a big family affair.
Miranda, she will be the one prompting law,
Because she's pretty much the nearest to the grime scene
Despite deputy too has got his own toy collection
He can barely do little better than stuttering,
That keeps freaking hella lotta people
Out of their dearest minds.
So looks like soon we won't need around here
No deputy no more, crying up to the sky
'Diáspora' from the places you never heard.
Maybe he was shooting for irony
ziakut wrote:
As a graphic designer (with OCD tendencies) I'd have to agree with you - the cover art execution is piss poor. Song's good though.
Titled album: My Aim Is True
It's actually not good aim. His picture on the album is not centered. Maybe he should have been watching the graphics guy's aim instead of the detectives.
It's actually not good aim. His picture on the album is not centered. Maybe he should have been watching the graphics guy's aim instead of the detectives.
As a graphic designer (with OCD tendencies) I'd have to agree with you - the cover art execution is piss poor. Song's good though.
https://www.radioparadise.com/rp_2.php?#name=songinfo&song_id=941
Another Elvis Costello just a few hours back.
Some music is fine all day but one Elvis a day is good enough.
Another Elvis Costello just a few hours back.
Some music is fine all day but one Elvis a day is good enough.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
Man's inhumanity to man,,,or something or other,,,,,who cares.
what's he talking about?
Man's inhumanity to man,,,or something or other,,,,,who cares.
what's he talking about?
trevc wrote:
This is such a great record. That's one reason how.
Agreed
This is such a great record. That's one reason how.
Agreed
Pixies, B-52's Johnny Rivers, now Elvis,,,,its like my 1980 playlist on my ,,,,,,phone,,,no, I pod,,,no,,,um walkma,,,um no,,,,my turntable,,, yup turntable.
Nice lineup.
Stefan_Lutz wrote:
This is such a great record. That's one reason how.
Please push fast forward, how did he get a recording contract?
This is such a great record. That's one reason how.
Please push fast forward, how did he get a recording contract?
she's filing her nails while they're dragging the lake...
kinda like the indifference we now have amongst political candidates towards mass shootings.
so many great lines in this song, as punchy as it ever was
kinda like the indifference we now have amongst political candidates towards mass shootings.
so many great lines in this song, as punchy as it ever was
Holy CRAP did that come in well after the ending jam of "Can't You Hear Me Knocking"!!!
coloradojohn wrote:
Yes, I remember that as well. I remember making a point of not missing it because The Sex Pistols were originally scheduled. I was not disappointed - Elvis rocked, but he was playing a Fender Jazzmaster, not a Jaguar.
Another mighty blast from the past catches up with us on good old RP...
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
Yes, I remember that as well. I remember making a point of not missing it because The Sex Pistols were originally scheduled. I was not disappointed - Elvis rocked, but he was playing a Fender Jazzmaster, not a Jaguar.
Titled album: My Aim Is True
It's actually not good aim. His picture on the album is not centered. Maybe he should have been watching the graphics guy's aim instead of the detectives.
It's actually not good aim. His picture on the album is not centered. Maybe he should have been watching the graphics guy's aim instead of the detectives.
superb bass line
How the hell am I supposed to get any work done.
First Cant you hear me Knockin" now this brilliant record.
First Cant you hear me Knockin" now this brilliant record.
Kudos to Carnegie Hall he goes in late June - wooooo! :)
this is a "G O D L I K E" songMr Costello at his very best
Does this get old?
No.
No.
coloradojohn wrote:
kcar wrote:
I remember watching that too...not fully engaged (who is this manic geek) and being sleepily puzzled as to why the hell he wouldn't play the song?
All-knowing Uncle Wikipedia explains...Frankly, I don't think Americans watching were going to link "Less Than Zero" to Oswald Mosley, so Elvis might have made the right call. I sure didn't until I looked at the Wikipedia piece; like a lot of guys, I admittedly don't listen carefully to lyrics.
As for SNL banning Elvis for x years: assclowns. Lighten up: the unrehearsed and chaotic make shows like that fun.
Me too! Can't believe I am not the only one with that performance indelibly burned in my brain. It was incredible.
The Radio,Radio appearance (that got him banned) must have been a subsequent appearance, because I can remember be mesmerized by the "watching the detectives" like it just yesterday!
Another mighty blast from the past catches up with us on good old RP...
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
kcar wrote:
I remember watching that too...not fully engaged (who is this manic geek) and being sleepily puzzled as to why the hell he wouldn't play the song?
All-knowing Uncle Wikipedia explains...Frankly, I don't think Americans watching were going to link "Less Than Zero" to Oswald Mosley, so Elvis might have made the right call. I sure didn't until I looked at the Wikipedia piece; like a lot of guys, I admittedly don't listen carefully to lyrics.
As for SNL banning Elvis for x years: assclowns. Lighten up: the unrehearsed and chaotic make shows like that fun.
Me too! Can't believe I am not the only one with that performance indelibly burned in my brain. It was incredible.
The Radio,Radio appearance (that got him banned) must have been a subsequent appearance, because I can remember be mesmerized by the "watching the detectives" like it just yesterday!
OK, after the 20th time hearing this song on this radio station I have begun to wonder if the proprietor of this station is married? I very much enjoy this song and if this song is played for "someone" else I am all for it! all the best to all and play it again.
I just love the ambiance of this song. Brings back a lot of good times...
The first big hit from an enormous talent and the only Film Noir pop tune ever recorded to my knowledge. This cut is an all-time RnR masterpiece. Gave it a 9.
kcar wrote:
I remember watching that too...not fully engaged (who is this manic geek) and being sleepily puzzled as to why the hell he wouldn't play the song?
All-knowing Uncle Wikipedia explains...Frankly, I don't think Americans watching were going to link "Less Than Zero" to Oswald Mosley, so Elvis might have made the right call. I sure didn't until I looked at the Wikipedia piece; like a lot of guys, I admittedly don't listen carefully to lyrics.
As for SNL banning Elvis for x years: assclowns. Lighten up: the unrehearsed and chaotic make shows like that fun.
I saw that show...f**kin brilliant...loved him ever since.
I remember watching that too...not fully engaged (who is this manic geek) and being sleepily puzzled as to why the hell he wouldn't play the song?
All-knowing Uncle Wikipedia explains...Frankly, I don't think Americans watching were going to link "Less Than Zero" to Oswald Mosley, so Elvis might have made the right call. I sure didn't until I looked at the Wikipedia piece; like a lot of guys, I admittedly don't listen carefully to lyrics.
As for SNL banning Elvis for x years: assclowns. Lighten up: the unrehearsed and chaotic make shows like that fun.
I saw that show...f**kin brilliant...loved him ever since.
coloradojohn wrote:
I remember watching that too...not fully engaged (who is this manic geek) and being sleepily puzzled as to why the hell he wouldn't play the song?
All-knowing Uncle Wikipedia explains...Frankly, I don't think Americans watching were going to link "Less Than Zero" to Oswald Mosley, so Elvis might have made the right call. I sure didn't until I looked at the Wikipedia piece; like a lot of guys, I admittedly don't listen carefully to lyrics.
As for SNL banning Elvis for x years: assclowns. Lighten up: the unrehearsed and chaotic make shows like that fun.
Another mighty blast from the past catches up with us on good old RP...
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
I remember watching that too...not fully engaged (who is this manic geek) and being sleepily puzzled as to why the hell he wouldn't play the song?
All-knowing Uncle Wikipedia explains...Frankly, I don't think Americans watching were going to link "Less Than Zero" to Oswald Mosley, so Elvis might have made the right call. I sure didn't until I looked at the Wikipedia piece; like a lot of guys, I admittedly don't listen carefully to lyrics.
As for SNL banning Elvis for x years: assclowns. Lighten up: the unrehearsed and chaotic make shows like that fun.
Byronape wrote:
Yeah, I agree there. Irony is good, snarky is good, but to be ironically snarky while projecting an image that I'm not cool enough to be part of the "in crowd" anyway does not give me any reason to want to listen.
I just have no idea what this means. Either you were absent in 77 or you were listening elsewhere to something I would not go near.
Yeah, I agree there. Irony is good, snarky is good, but to be ironically snarky while projecting an image that I'm not cool enough to be part of the "in crowd" anyway does not give me any reason to want to listen.
I just have no idea what this means. Either you were absent in 77 or you were listening elsewhere to something I would not go near.
karljonasson wrote:
Well, except the song he did instead was 'Radio Radio' off his This Year's Model album. The producers at SNL banned him from the show for decades for that stunt.
i THOUGHT that was the song i remembered!
i remember it was a super uptempo and i was about to say "wasn't it radio radio" as some kind of slam to producers or something - is why he did it? i can't recall...
Well, except the song he did instead was 'Radio Radio' off his This Year's Model album. The producers at SNL banned him from the show for decades for that stunt.
i THOUGHT that was the song i remembered!
i remember it was a super uptempo and i was about to say "wasn't it radio radio" as some kind of slam to producers or something - is why he did it? i can't recall... coloradojohn wrote:
Well, except the song he did instead was 'Radio Radio' off his This Year's Model album. The producers at SNL banned him from the show for decades for that stunt.
Another mighty blast from the past catches up with us on good old RP...
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
Well, except the song he did instead was 'Radio Radio' off his This Year's Model album. The producers at SNL banned him from the show for decades for that stunt.
damn, i love this.
Another mighty blast from the past catches up with us on good old RP...
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
I can never forget how I was first introduced to this song, this guy and his wacky new sound...
Watching SNL, '77, back in the day — this nerdy gawky sweaty pigeon-toed dude comes on with Buddy Holly specs and Fender Jag guitar and tight stove-pipe jeans with the cuffs turned up hideously high (weirdly enough, bell bottoms were the norm then!). He herks and jerks around the stage spastically then grabs the mike and wraps around it and snarls something like, "Nhuh we're not gonna do THAT one...we're gonna do THIS one instead," and HE FREAKED THE WATCHING WORLD RIGHT OUT WITH IT! Next day at high school, we're all imitating the pigeon-toed pose and sneering the wicked, twisted lyrics, "and she is WATCHING the de-TEC-TIVES!" and the teachers are giving us the same sort of stunned and quizzical looks we'd first given Mr. Declan MacManus on the tube the night before...and we sure DUG IT!
1977 - the year I abandoned grad school and took a third-shift job, where I was able to play a local radio station whose overnight DJ played Elvis Costello, XTC, Nick Lowe, etc.
Thanks, Pat P., wherever you are!
Thanks, Pat P., wherever you are!
Classic.
Listening to the older Elvis C always brings back memories of Warm Guns; a danish band inspired by Elvis C.
Especially their album "Hard luck"
"Bedtime story" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqkHy3xNypU hmm cut short by a minute
"The young go first" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4vfl3vnBiA hideous video, but that was how it was back then
Listening to the older Elvis C always brings back memories of Warm Guns; a danish band inspired by Elvis C.
Especially their album "Hard luck"
"Bedtime story" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqkHy3xNypU hmm cut short by a minute
"The young go first" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4vfl3vnBiA hideous video, but that was how it was back then
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watching_The_Detectives_(song)
The single, produced by Nick Lowe, was the first to be credited to 'Elvis Costello & the Attractions', reflecting the new backing band that he was using, previous releases being credited solely to the singer.<7> The lead track was, in fact, recorded in May 1977, before the Attractions existed - the backing band on the song were Steve Goulding on drums and Andrew Bodnar on bass guitar, both from Graham Parker's band, The Rumour.<8> Keyboard overdubs were added later by Steve Nason (later better-known as Steve Nieve).<8> It was also the first top 40 hit in the UK Singles Chart for Costello, reaching #15 and spending a total of eleven weeks in the chart.<7><9>
Andrew Bodnar on bass guitar
The single, produced by Nick Lowe, was the first to be credited to 'Elvis Costello & the Attractions', reflecting the new backing band that he was using, previous releases being credited solely to the singer.<7> The lead track was, in fact, recorded in May 1977, before the Attractions existed - the backing band on the song were Steve Goulding on drums and Andrew Bodnar on bass guitar, both from Graham Parker's band, The Rumour.<8> Keyboard overdubs were added later by Steve Nason (later better-known as Steve Nieve).<8> It was also the first top 40 hit in the UK Singles Chart for Costello, reaching #15 and spending a total of eleven weeks in the chart.<7><9>
Andrew Bodnar on bass guitar
Pure Genius
Love Elvis,,,,or I should say the Elvi..
Sorcha wrote:
Yeah, I agree there. Irony is good, snarky is good, but to be ironically snarky while projecting an image that I'm not cool enough to be part of the "in crowd" anyway does not give me any reason to want to listen.
My comment is sure to be trashed, but here goes:
I have NEVER liked Elvis C. I cannot *stand* when people sing in that sneery, snarky contrived tone. I suppose he's a clever songwriter, to be fair; but his singing just cancels out any listenability for me.
Tra La.....
Yeah, I agree there. Irony is good, snarky is good, but to be ironically snarky while projecting an image that I'm not cool enough to be part of the "in crowd" anyway does not give me any reason to want to listen.
WonderLizard wrote:
As a long time Elvis fan, I can appreciate the work of the boys from Clover on MAIT but.........I would put Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas up against anyone in their generation on their respective instruments.
Most critics think The Attractions, EC's band after this album, was his best. Hmm. Don't know if he'd have gained any traction if My Aim Is True had bombed. Clover, a group from Mill Valley, CA, backed him on My Aim courtesy of Nick Lowe, who'd brought them over to England to record. Clover was Huey Lewis's band by then, but he doesn't appear on My Aim. Sean Hopper, later starting The News with Lewis, and John McFee, long time Doobie Brother, do.
As a long time Elvis fan, I can appreciate the work of the boys from Clover on MAIT but.........I would put Steve Nieve and Pete Thomas up against anyone in their generation on their respective instruments.
Love Elvis..all class
THE REAL ELVIS! 
WonderLizard wrote:
That's Andrew Bodnar playing the incredible bass on this track. Clover's bassist, Johnny Ciambotti, sat out.
Most critics think The Attractions, EC's band after this album, was his best. Hmm. Don't know if he'd have gained any traction if My Aim Is True had bombed. Clover, a group from Mill Valley, CA, backed him on My Aim courtesy of Nick Lowe, who'd brought them over to England to record. Clover was Huey Lewis's band by then, but he doesn't appear on My Aim. Sean Hopper, later starting The News with Lewis, and John McFee, long time Doobie Brother, do.
That's Andrew Bodnar playing the incredible bass on this track. Clover's bassist, Johnny Ciambotti, sat out.