Psychotic Revelation [Original recording reissued]

This San Jose, CA band could be the poster act for "one hit wonders," given that anything beyond their seminal single, "Psychotic Reaction," is probably unknown beyond garage/psych aficionados and those who knew the band from live appearances. But like so many acts whose art only intersects popular acclaim for an instant, there was a great deal more to their catalog than one chart hit.

The Count Five were spawned by the same South Bay scene that produced The Syndicate of Sound, and, eventually, The Chocolate Watchband. They were a bona fide band of high school and college students who'd been gigging steadily by the time they landed a record contract with Double Shot. Even more importantly, the original song that would become their defining three minutes had been their calling card for countless label auditions; by the time they laid down the version that sparked national acclaim, the song had been allowed to marinate in numerous improvements. Even after they laid it down it was tweaked for AM radio with a razor blade laid to recording tape.

Big Beat's 24-track compilation pulls together the entire history of the band, from the original, unedited version of "Psychotic Reaction" and its reworked hit-single, through hastily recorded album tracks, and post-LP singles. Alec Palao's extensive liner notes include generous interviews with original band members and their management/production team. Of particular interest are the details of how regional radio play was parlayed (station-by-station!) into the critical mass of national chart success; a fascinating peek into the pre-consultant world of locally-controlled AM radio.

What comes through on this disc that the Count Five was an excellent garage band whose emphasis on Yardbirds' styled rock could spark up covers of British Invasion material (or, in the case of "You Must Believe Me," British interpretations of American soul songs) and fine originals. It's no wonder they were a favorite at area teen clubs, high school dances and mall openings! The mostly mono tracks are surprisingly clean and well produced (with excellent bass and drum sound), and #15, 16 and 21 are true stereo.

As the author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent" and a former radio disc-jockey, I am often asked to write and or discuss various music supplies and recordings from the 60's and 70's.

If you are deciding to have lunch with the Count, make sure you don't get cheated. The July, 2003 CD release on Big Beat ("Psychotic Revelation: The Ultimate Count Five") supersedes all previous versions of "Psychotic Reaction: The Very Best of Count Five."

The tracks increase from 18 to 24 with mono and stereo mixes of certain tunes. Although the running order is not exactly the same, the additional material outweighs any minor inconvenience. You still are able to possess the original LP in good quality.

Excluding the timeless "Psychotic Reaction", San Jose's- Count Five were never applauded with the same accolades as many of the other mid-sixties garage bands. The track wasn't the standard three minute rock and roll number. The fuzz tone of the guitar and the catchy beat held listeners clamoring for more. What they got was some darn good sounds and covers but the inability to stay on the psychotic and psychedelic plateaus.

They dared to take on two Who tracks (Pete Townshend) "My Generation" and "Out In The Streets" with respectable results. The versions were rough and raw and in your face. "Peace Of Mind" a tune the band did pen is the most underrated composition on the recording. The groups career could have taken a different turn with one or two more originals the strength of "Psychotic Reaction" and "Peace Of Mind."

A curious cover was the terrific Curtis Mayfield tune "You Must Believe Me." The Count Five wanted to take two directions during the song and it would have been better to follow one path. They attempted to cross the rhythm and blues style of Mayfield with a bit of Psychotic Rock but the end result doesn't deliver with the same gusto as the two Who covers.

This is an easy listen if you have enjoyed the garage rock sound previously. The first time around you'll be able to pick your favorites quickly and nothing will turn you off. An average Count Five song will still intrigue you enough to stay the course.

Enjoy the music and be well,
Craig Fenton
Author of the Jefferson Airplane book "Take Me To A Circus Tent"

The other people who wrote about this album take to long to get to the point, but Im going to get straight to it: If your going to buy a count five cd, then this is the one to get. The sound quality is fantastic and it has a bunch of songs that were unreleased. It has a really cool booklet that has info on the band, interviews, and cool pics. Its a little bit more expenisve but well worth it. I actually bought "Count Five: Psychotic Reaction" and was ripped off, because the sound quality is awful!!!! Fo Sho!!