They started off in 1964, founded by John "Mouse" Michalski and Kenn Ellner, two high school friends who had previously played in several short-lived outfits. After going shortly under the name of The Squires and several line-up changes later, the Count Five were born, with Roy Chaney taking over vocal duties, Irish-born John "Sean" Byrne on rhythm guitar and Craig "Butch" Atkinson on drums.
Almost from the start, they had a trademark song with "Psychotic Reaction" which was to become their one and only top-10 hit ever. The song was initially devised by Byrne, with the group refining it over the next time and turning it into the highlight of their live sets. Regarded from today's point of view, "Psychotic Reaction" is now a bonafide garage-rock classic, unashamedly borrowing on the style of contemporary bands and artists like The Standells and The Yardbirds.
Looking for a contract, the band found themselves rejected by several record companies before they finally got signed to the Los Angeles-based Double Shot Records. "Psychotic Reaction" was released as a single and found immediate popularity with the proto-punk movement that started in these days, peaking at #5 in the U.S. charts late 1966. The Count Five also gained some fair publicity for their habit of wearing Dracula-style capes when playing live. However, subsequent issues sold disappointingly. The band got along for about another year but dropped out of view altogether when their one and only hit had fallen from public memory. Another setback to a potential career in music business was the decision of the five members (the age of whom, at the time of their '15 minutes of fame', still ranged between 17 and 19 years) to pursue a college degree.
By 1969, the Count Five were history. Even after many had dismissed them as a one hit wonder, the band had one major supporter, legendary music critic Lester Bangs, who loved the single "Psychotic Reation" and wrote a famous essay called "Psychotic Reactions and Carburetor Dung" about an alternate universe where the Count Five made four more albums to lukewarm sales but critical acclaim. The essay's name was used for a posthumous collection of Bangs' writings in 1987.
Double-Decker Bus
The Count Five Lyrics
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You're sure to be, one of us
Well if you don't be, one of us
You're sure to see, a double decker bus
Get aboard, now don't you fuss
Go for a ride, on this double decker bus
Oh It can take, you so far away
Cmon get aboard, oh don't you fuss
Oh go please go for a ride, on our double decker buss
Oh it can take take take you, so far away
The Count Five's song "Double-Decker Bus" is known for its catchy tune and simple yet intriguing lyrics. The song is about the experience of riding on a double-decker bus through the city. The song opens with the line "just you walk, down any street, you're sure to be, one of us," suggesting that the act of walking down a street is enough to make someone a part of the experience of the city. The lyrics go on to say that if one doesn't become a part of the city experience, they're sure to see a double-decker bus – a symbol of the urban landscape.
The singer then encourages the listener to "get aboard, now don't you fuss, go for a ride on this double-decker bus." The song's use of repetition and simple lyrics work together to create a sense of urgency and excitement around the idea of getting on the bus and going for a ride. The song ends with the line "oh it can take take take you so far away," emphasizing the idea that the bus can transport you to another world, even if just for a short time.
Overall, The Count Five's "Double-Decker Bus" is a fun and lighthearted ode to the urban experience, using the symbol of the double-decker bus to convey the excitement and possibility of city life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well just you walk, down any street
If you take a stroll on any street
You're sure to be, one of us
You're likely to join our group
Well if you don't be, one of us
If you choose not to join us
You're sure to see, a double decker bus
You'll definitely spot a double decker bus
Get aboard, now don't you fuss
Come on, get on the bus without any worries
Go for a ride, on this double decker bus
Enjoy the journey on this double decker bus
Oh It can take, you so far away
It can transport you to distant places
Take you back to the city, on some other day
Take you back to the city on a different day
Cmon get aboard, oh don't you fuss
Come on, hop on and don't hesitate
Oh go please go for a ride, on our double decker buss
Please take a ride on our double decker bus
Oh it can take take take you, so far away
It can take you to far-off places
Contributed by Mason Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.