‘PUMP IT UP’ By ELVIS COSTELLO – 1978

45prm singles on vinyl

26 May 2025

Artist: ELVIS COSTELLO & THE ATTRACTIONS
Born Declan Patrick MacManus 71 years ago in London, the supreme songsmith
has released (so far) 32 albums solo and as a band leader. He also has multiple collaborative records to his credit.

Single: PUMP IT UP
Album: This Year’s Model
His 2nd one.
Year: 1978

Costello: “It was a satire. If you listen to the lyrics, it kind of goes against the grain
of hedonism. Well, just how much can you fuck, how many drugs can you do before
you get so numb you can’t really feel anything?”

EC: Instagram – Discography

Striking Singles Turning 40 In 2018 – Here Are TURN UP THE VOLUME’S 10 Winners…

Going back in sonic history…

1978 was one of the highlight years
for stand out punk/new wave singles
Really tough to choose only ten!
Here are TURN UP THE VOLUME’S
top picks (some great sleeves too)

.
1/ ‘Hong Kong Garden’ by SIOUXSIE AND THE BANSHEES
Oriental riffs and Siouxsie‘s pitch black voice…
Released: 18 August 1978 – debut single

2/ ‘(White Man) In Hammersmith Palais’ by THE CLASH
Barbed wire reggae à la The Clash
Released: 16 June 1978

3/ ‘Public Image’ by PUBLIC IMAGE LTD
Goodbye Pistols, hello PIL
Released: 13 October 1978 – debut single

4/ ‘Damaged Goods’ by GANG OF FOUR
The band’s smashing debut 45…
Released: 13 October 1978

5/ ‘Where Were You’ by THE MEKONS
Explosive like a molotov cocktail…

6/ ‘Pump It Up’ by ELVIS COSTELLO
Costello‘s sex song…
Released: 28 April 1978

7/ ‘Shot By Both Sides’ by MAGAZINE
Howard Devoto‘s glorious paranoia stroke…
Released: 20 January 1978

8/ ‘Down In The Tube Station At Midnight’ by THE JAM
Molestation in the London Underground…
Released: 13 October 1978

9/ ‘Ambition’ by SUBWAY SECT
Founder Vic Godard was a underrated genius…

10/ ‘Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve) by BUZZC0CKS
One of their many speedy pop punk crackers…