The article highlights four rock songs released in 1966 that it says remain especially memorable for baby boomers: The Rolling Stones’ “Paint It Black”, The Troggs’ “Wild Thing”, The Monkees’ “Last Train To Clarksville” and Count Five’s “Psychotic Reaction”. It presents them as examples of a musically innovative year, spanning psychedelic, garage, pop-rock and proto-punk influences.

“Paint It Black”, developed from a sitar-led improvisation, reached number one in the UK and US, while “Wild Thing”, written by Chip Taylor, also topped the US Billboard Hot 100. “Last Train To Clarksville” became a US number one and appeared in seven episodes of The Monkees’ television series; Count Five’s “Psychotic Reaction” peaked at number five in the US and was the group’s only major hit.