Start here! A roundup of classic and signature songs of overseas psychobilly
Have you heard of a music genre called “psychobilly,” born from the collision of rockabilly and punk? Flourishing across Europe and the U.S.
from the late 1970s into the ’80s, this music has captivated many fans with its thunderous double bass and a distinctive aesthetic infused with horror elements.
Psychobilly is characterized by a refined musicality beneath its raw edge, along with lyrics that sometimes carry a sense of humor.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of standout tracks that will draw in any music lover, while exploring the genre’s origins and its unique appeal.
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Start here! A roundup of classic and signature psychobilly tracks from overseas (1–10)
Zombies Ate Her BrainThe Creepshow
This is a horror punk number that thrillingly portrays the tragic event of a lover being attacked by zombies, set to a breakneck beat.
The growling double bass and eerie organ tones evoke the world of a classic B-movie horror flick! The track is featured on Canadian band The Creepshow’s debut album, Sell Your Soul, released in May 2006.
It’s packed with the charms of psychobilly—wrapping what should be a sad story in irresistible, dance-inducing humor.
Perfect for those who like their horror with more than just scares! It’s also an ideal pick to liven up a Halloween party, don’t you think?
Transvesitite BluesDemented Are Go
It’s striking for the way it sings about the ache of being out of step with society’s “normal,” and the irresistible urge to stay true to yourself anyway.
This track by Demented Are Go—Wales’s proud psychobilly stalwarts—sets the blues of the minority against an up-tempo rockabilly sound.
If you’ve ever struggled with feeling different, you might find something in it that resonates.
The song appears on their 1986 debut, In Sickness & In Health.
True to the legend that 90% of the album was recorded in first takes, it vacuum-seals that raw, early burst of energy.
On nights when you want to punch a hole in a claustrophobic routine, it’s best enjoyed while lingering in a slightly wicked mood.
Let Me Teach You How To EatThe Reverend Horton Heat
The Reverend Horton Heat is a psychobilly trio from Dallas, Texas, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Jim Heath.
Heath is sometimes referred to as the “Godfather of modern rockabilly and psychobilly.” The band’s songs are frequently used in video games and commercials.
Start here! A roundup of classic and signature psychobilly songs from overseas (11–20)
Destination Zulu LandKing Kurt
How about a raucously fun party anthem slammed down by King Kurt? The moment you hear the clash of African-inspired beats and breakneck rockabilly, your spirits shoot sky-high.
The lyrics follow an explorer heading for the unknown land of “Zululand,” but what awaits there isn’t fear—it’s an irrepressible positivity that laughs off even the mishaps.
Released in October 1983, this hit single reached No.
36 on the UK charts and was included on the classic album Ooh Wallah Wallah.
When they performed it on music shows, their chaotic staging became a huge talking point.
On a night when you want to forget everything and raise a ruckus, this exhilarating sound might just keep you dancing till dawn.
Psychobilly FreakoutReverend Horton Heat
A searing guitar riff that hits you right between the eyes! This track by Reverend Horton Heat packs the dangerous allure of psychobilly into a tight, explosive dose.
It’s uniquely humorous in the way it rides a breakneck beat to portray a B-movie horror protagonist gradually losing their sanity.
Listening to it, you might feel your own limiter snap off—a thrilling sense of release.
Originally issued as a limited single in December 1990, it was later included on their debut album, “Smoke ’Em If You Got ’Em.” Many will also recognize it from its use in the popular animated series Beavis and Butt-Head.
It’s a potent sonic stimulant—perfect for nights when you want to forget the dull routine and raise some hell!
Outlaw HeartTiger Army
A rock number brimming with melancholy and defiance, like an outlaw from a Western baring his soul! Free from society’s rules, the cry of a lonely spirit forging its own path hits the listener hard.
The growling thrum of the double bass intertwines with a wistful yet beautiful guitar melody, while the cool vocals deepen the world it creates.
This track appears on Tiger Army’s landmark debut album, “Tiger Army,” released in October 1999, a record that would go on to lead the psychobilly scene in the 2000s.
It was recorded in the studio that January, with a member of AFI on drums—capturing the heat of the scene at the time.
If you ever feel bound by something, or want to tear through the highway alone at night, give it a spin and you’re sure to feel that weight lift from your chest!
Take A Razor To Your HeadThe Sharks
It began as a trio called The Dixie Rebels, featuring founding member Alan Wilson on guitar, who had been an avid rockabilly fan since childhood.
After changing their name to The Sharks in 1980, they toured across the UK and became a popular band with numerous television appearances.
This song is said to be a perfect track from the transitional period when neo-rockabilly was shifting into psychobilly.