"Psychotic Reaction" was the only album Count Five would ever
release. Originally released in 1966, on the heels of the title track
hit single, the group could not seem to come up with another formula
for success after that initial burst of energy. It was good enough
to be committed to vinyl in 1966 and it is still good enough for the
same treatment, albeit better with a bonus track, in 2002.
This is garage punk at its best in its infancy. I would be willing
to bet all the kids that were getting off on the Seattle grunge sound
in the 90's didn't have a clue that it was groups like this that inspired
the music they were listening to.
There is something raw and simplistic that always has held an attraction
for me with this music. All of the fuzz tone and feedback with the
angst-ridden vocals were no doubt a precursor to the rise of groups
like the Sex Pistols. Yes my younger music enthusiast, punk
rock goes back a ways, long before you were a gleam in your parent's
eye. This is a real collector's piece, and it is a very important
part of the puzzle in the formation of a genre. This was the only
album they ever made and they made it count.
Side One
1. Double-Decker Bus
2. Pretty Big Mouth
3. The World
4. My Generation
5. She's Fine
6. Psychotic Reaction
Side Two
1. Peace of Mind
2. They're Gonna Get You
3. The Morning After
4. Can't Get Your Lovin'
5. Out In The Street
Bonus Track
6. Contrast
Credits:
Craig Atkinson-Drums
Sean Byrne-Rhythm guitar, vocals
Roy Chaney-Bass
Kenn Ellner -Vocals, tambourine, harmonica
John Michalski-Lead guitar
