Garage Rock

Breakups can certainly make you crazy. The song was written by band member Irish-born guitarist John “Sean” Byrne with a little help from the other members. They were in High School health class and were learning about neuroses and psychoses and thought it could be incorporated into a song they were working on. (A little knowledge is a dangerous thing.) Count Five released the single twice, once in 1965 and then in 1966. The second time was the charm, and it went to #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. They also had the song on their 1966 album titled Psychotic Reaction.

Count Five formed in San Jose, California. They were Byrne (vocals, rhythm guitar), John “Mouse” Michalski (fuzz guitar), Craig “Butch” Atkinson (drums), Kenn Ellner (Harmonica), and Roy Chaney (fender bass). They were influential as a garage rock band. “Psychotic Reaction” was featured in the films Less Than Zero, Drugstore Cowboy, Auto Focus, and CBGB. It is popular on Classic Rock radio stations.

Here are the lyrics to “Psychotic Reaction” by Count Five:

“I feel depressed, I feel so bad
‘Cause you’re the best girl that I ever had
I can’t get your love, I can’t get affection
Uh-oh, little girl, psychotic reaction
(shouted) And it feels like this!

[Instrumental break]

I feel so lonely night and day
I can’t get your love, I must stay away
Well, I need you girl, by my side
Uh-oh, little girl, would you like to take a ride, now
I can’t get your love, I can’t get satisfaction
Uh-oh, little girl, psychotic reaction
[Instrumental break]
[Fade]”
Check Out The Groove Pad for More 1960s Music

The Pass the Paisley Groove Pad is a resting stop, a place to chill out and listen to the featured song on the stereo. If the mood strikes you, click on the juke box to access and listen to the 50+ free online songs there. The TV has several channels, with selections updated twice a week. Every now and then, Pass the Paisley hosts an all-request of 1960s and 1970s songs for a Be-In at the juke box in the Groove Pad. Keep on truckin’. Hope you enjoyed “Psychotic Reaction” by Count Five.