‘Psycho’ singers keep it simple

By John Benson

When Puddle of Mudd’s Wes Scantlin thinks back to his band’s No. 1 hit song “Psycho” from their 2007 album “Famous,” the singer-guitarist admits he’s still dumbfounded why the track was so popular.

“That song just like connected with people,” said Scantlin, calling from Boston. “Shoot, I don’t usually get on the computer very much, but I was checking it out and that song is the biggest song ever for us. Like ‘Blurry’ was big and ‘She Hates Me’ was big, but ‘Psycho’ just blew everything else out of the water. Why is that? Can you explain that to me?”

In some regards, “Psycho” was to Puddle of Mudd what “Crazy B****” was to Buckcherry. Both hit songs seemingly resuscitated careers that some music journalists had written off as being over.

“Yeah, ‘Crazy B****’ is a money song right there,” Scantlin said. “Those guys are living the dream, and chicks dig that stuff.”

He quickly joked, “I guess ‘Psycho’ is our ‘Crazy B****.’ Maybe I’ll write a song called ‘Psycho Crazy B****.'"

Having hit songs was pretty much Puddle of Mudd’s modus operandi right out of the gate when the band’s 2001 debut effort, the three-times platinum “Come Clean,” yielded four No. 1 alternative and rock-radio hit singles (“Blurry,” “She Hates Me,” “Control” and “Drift and Die”). The group’s 2003 follow-up “Life on Display” didn’t sell as well, but the band still enjoyed hit songs “Away from Me” and “Heel over Head.”

While “Famous” did put the band back on the rock map, Scantlin said he had specific ideas for Puddle of Mudd’s latest effort, the recently released “Volume 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate.”

“The ‘Famous’ record was amazing and everything turned out nice, but it was a struggle,” Scantlin said. “So I just wanted to keep this new CD real edgy and more punk-y. Of course, you have to keep the hook-iness, but it’s very simple, quick and rocking. Our old guitar player Paul [Phillips] came back in the band. He definitely lifted a lot of weight off my shoulders as far as writing and stuff.

“So we really were just having a good time. It shows with our favorite jam ‘Pitchin’ a Fit.’ It’s just right-in-your-face type rock. The ‘Keep It Together’ track is very heartfelt and means a lot to me. And then [lead single] ‘Spaceship’ is doing really well for us right now, which is great. I’m really proud of the entire record. I wouldn’t change it for a thing.”

Up next for Puddle of Mudd is an opening slot on the winter Shinedown tour, which rolls into Youngstown on Tuesday for a show at the Covelli Centre. Scantlin, who said he remembers great Youngstown-area shows in the past, said Puddle of Mudd is playing all of its hits, as well as a rocking cover of AC/DC’s “TNT.”

“This is just a cool bill,” Scantlin said. “It’s a good package. We’re just rolling. Shinedown is amazing. We have Skillet; they’re great. So it’s just a good time to take your mind off the crazy economy and the weird stuff right now.”