Ain't No Pleasing You

Album: Greatest Hits (1982)
Charted: 2
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Ain't No Pleasing You" has been called a novelty record, probably because Chas & Dave had a reputation as a novelty act, though it is anything but. At the end of the 2012 BBC documentary Chas & Dave: Last Orders, Chas Hodges said, in effect, this was his greatest song, one sung in his own accent that was taken seriously. A music journalist said the same thing.

    Running to 4 minutes 14 seconds, Hodges sings the lead on this song which was co-written by the team in 12/8 time. It was released on their Rockney label in March 1982 backed by "Give It Some Stick, Mick!" >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

Comments: 1

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn this day in 1982 {April 11th} "Ain't No Pleasing You" by Chas and Dave peaked at #2 {for 1 week} on the United Kingdom's Official Top 75 Singles* chart, for the week it was at #2, the #1 record for that week was "My Camera Never Lies' by Buck's Fizz...
    "Ain't No Pleasing You" reached #3 on the Irish Singles chart...
    Between 1978 and 1991 the London-based duo had eighteen records on the U.K. Singles chart, four made the Top 10 with the above "Ain't No Pleasing You" being their biggest hit...
    Besides "Ain't No Pleasing You", their other three Top 10 records were "Rabbit" {#8 in 1980}, "Ossie's Dream" {#5 in 1981}, and "Snooker Loopy" {#6 in 1986}...
    Charles Nicholas 'Chas' Hodges passed away at the age of 74 on September 22nd, 2018, and David Victor Peacock will celebrate his 76th birthday next month on May 24th, 2021...
    May Chas R.I.P.
    * And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of the U.K. Top 75 Singles' Top 10 on April 11th, 1982:
    At #3. "Ebony and Ivory" by Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder
    #4. "Seven Tears" by The Goombay Dance Band
    #5. "Give Me Back My Heart" by Dollar
    #6. "More Than This" by Roxy Music
    #7. "Ghosts" by Japan
    #8. "Just An Illusion" by Imagination
    #9. "Papa's Got A Brand New Pigbag" by Pigbag
    #10. "Dear John" by Status Quo
see more comments

Editor's Picks

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse Pop

He Hit Me (And It Felt Like A Kiss): A History Of Abuse PopSong Writing

Songs that seem to glorify violence against women are often misinterpreted - but not always.

Loreena McKennitt

Loreena McKennittSongwriter Interviews

The Celtic music maker Loreena McKennitt on finding musical inspiration, the "New Age" label, and working on the movie Tinker Bell.

90s Music Quiz 1

90s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

First question: Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson appeared in videos for what artist?

Bass Player Scott Edwards

Bass Player Scott EdwardsSong Writing

Scott was Stevie Wonder's bass player before becoming a top session player. Hits he played on include "I Will Survive," "Being With You" and "Sara Smile."

Colin Hay

Colin HaySongwriter Interviews

Established as a redoubtable singer-songwriter, the Men At Work frontman explains how religion, sobriety and Jack Nicholson play into his songwriting.

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine

The Untold Story Of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary MachineSong Writing

Fiona's highly-anticipated third album almost didn't make it. Here's how it finally came together after two years and a leak.