Psycho Suzie

The song "Psycho Suzie" by Brian Setzer from his album The Devil Always Collects carries a vibrant backstory rooted in Minneapolis culture. According to a post on X, the track was inspired by a local motor lounge and dive bar in Minneapolis called Psycho Suzie's Motor Lounge, a quirky tiki-themed spot that closed in 2021. Setzer, a resident of Minneapolis, drew from the bar’s eccentric vibe to craft the song’s energetic, psychobilly flair. In an interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Setzer revealed that "Psycho Suzie" was co-written with his wife, Julie Reiten Setzer, a singer. Julie suggested the idea after their visits to the bar, and she kicked off the lyrics, with Setzer contributing to shape the song’s narrative. The track’s high-octane rhythm and twangy guitar riffs reflect Setzer’s knack for blending rockabilly with a darker, punk-infused edge, as he noted the album leans into a "psychobilly turn" compared to his earlier work.

Critics have praised "Psycho Suzie" for its punchy delivery and lyrical playfulness. A review on The Rocking Magpie highlights the song’s scorching energy, likening it to the style of Reverend Horton Heat, and notes its clever use of rhymes for the titular character, adding to the bad-girl archetype often found in rock ’n’ roll. Another review from Tuonela Magazine suggests that with a bit more grit, "Psycho Suzie" could cross into full-on psychobilly territory, underscoring its robust guitar solo as proof of Setzer’s virtuosity. The song’s placement as the second-to-last track on the album gives it a climactic feel, though some reviewers, like those at Tuonela, felt it could have closed the record with even greater impact due to its dynamic energy.

Brian Setzer, born April 10, 1959, in Massapequa, New York, began his musical journey with a diverse foundation. Initially, he played the euphonium and performed in jazz bands during his school years, as detailed on his Wikipedia page. His early exposure to jazz at venues like the Village Vanguard sparked his musical curiosity, but as a teenager, he gravitated toward rock, punk, and rockabilly. Setzer formed his first band, the Bloodless Pharaohs, and later the Tomcats with his brother Gary. The Tomcats evolved into the Stray Cats when double bassist Lee Rocker and drummer Slim Jim Phantom joined, marking the start of Setzer’s rise to fame. The Stray Cats, with their 1950s-style rockabilly sound, gained massive success in the early 1980s with hits like "Rock This Town" and "Stray Cat Strut" from their 1982 album Built for Speed. Setzer’s innovative approach revitalized rockabilly, blending it with punk energy, which resonated with a broad audience.

After the Stray Cats disbanded in 1984, Setzer embarked on a solo career, exploring various genres. His 1986 album The Knife Feels Like Justice marked a departure from rockabilly, leaning into roots rock, while his 1990s formation of the Brian Setzer Orchestra, a 19-piece swing revival band, brought jump blues and big band music back into the mainstream. The orchestra’s cover of Louis Prima’s "Jump, Jive an’ Wail" from the 1998 album The Dirty Boogie won a Grammy, showcasing Setzer’s ability to reinvent forgotten genres. His career, spanning over 40 years, includes 13 million records sold, three Grammy Awards, and a reputation as one of the world’s greatest living guitarists, as noted on Velvet Thunder. Setzer’s signature Gretsch guitars, celebrated in his best-selling line of models, remain central to his sound.

Fans can connect with Brian Setzer through his official website, where updates on tours, albums, and news are posted. His social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares behind-the-scenes content and engages with followers. Fan communities thrive online, notably the Stray Cats Fan Group on Facebook, where enthusiasts discuss Setzer’s work, share memorabilia, and celebrate his legacy. Another fan-driven site, The Rockabilly Chronicle, offers detailed insights into Setzer’s discography and career milestones, catering to dedicated Zoo Freaks who dig his rockabilly roots.