Classic Freakbeat: Count Five;1966 7" Psychotic Reaction; Pye International 7" 7
£
16
$
21
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Description
The band, Count Five, was founded in 1964 by John "Mouse" Michalski (born 1948, Cleveland, Ohio) playing lead guitar and Roy Chaney (born 1948, Indianapolis, Indiana) playing bass guitar. The two were high school friends. As the British Invasion's influence took effect, the band changed in musical direction, having been The Squires for a short time, along with several line-up changes, the Count Five was born. John "Sean" Byrne (1947-2008, born Dublin, Ireland) played rhythm guitar and performed lead vocals, Kenn Ellner played tambourine and harmonica, while sharing lead vocals, and Craig "Butch" Atkinson (1947-1998, born San Jose, California) played drums. The Count Five were recognisable for their wonderful habit of wearing Count Dracula-style capes when playing live.
"Psychotic Reaction", an acknowledged cornerstone of freakbeat garage rock, was initially devised by Byrne, with the group refining it and turning it into the highlight of their live sets. The song was influenced by the style of contemporary musicians such as The Standells and The Yardbirds. "Psychotic Reaction" was released as a single, peaking at number five in the U.S. charts in late 1966. The band enjoyed limited success for a short time, dropping out of view altogether when their only hit had fallen from public memory.
Any self-respecting psych, freakbeat/garage collection MUST contain a copy of this all-time great, even if the best available is, like this copy, somewhat battle scarred, but still capable of delivering a hefty audio punch. It is certainly better to have than none at all - but could also make a 'playing' copy for someone who already has one better. Yes, there are superficial flaws to be seen on the disc, but both sides play through without a jump - couple of clicks on side two. 'Good' at best. Sensational record, though.
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