Dr. Spec's Optical Illusion
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1965 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States |
| Headquarters | New Orleans , United States |
| Products | Garage rock music, singles |
Dr. Spec's Optical Illusion was a garage rock band originating from the United States, established in 1965 in New Orleans, Louisiana. They are primarily recognized for their single containing the tracks "Tryin' to Mess My Mind" and "She's the One," both of which have achieved cult status within the garage rock community and have been featured on numerous compilation records.
History
The band emerged from the Gentilly Woods neighborhood in eastern New Orleans. Initially called the Illusions, the group formed in 1965 when brothers Kris Sherman (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Scott Sherman (drums) joined forces with lead guitarist Marshall Clyburn.
Shortly thereafter, bassist Brice "Pinky" Hatchett and keyboardist Rick Stelma became part of the ensemble. The band quickly built a strong local presence through frequent performances and victories in battle of the bands competitions. Their early repertoire included covers spanning British Invasion hits and R&B numbers by artists such as James Brown. Noted for their exceptionally loud shows, reaching volumes around 140 decibels, they cultivated a dedicated regional fan base.
In 1967, James Migliaccio—who managed Mardi Gras Bowling Alley and owned Flambeau Records—provided financial backing for their single. The recording took place at Cosimo Matassa's Jazz City Studio, producing "Tryin' to Mess My Mind," distinguished by Scott Sherman's vocals and an organ-driven proto-punk style, along with "She's the One." Both songs have since become staples of regional garage rock lore. Two additional tracks were recorded with plans for a follow-up release. The single was issued under the name Dr. Spec's Optical Illusion—a moniker proposed by R&B vocalist Joyce Harris to convey a psychedelic vibe—and quickly gained traction on local charts.
However, distribution was curtailed when the band's parents declined to approve a recording contract, leading to their dissolution by 1968. Despite its limited initial circulation, the single eventually earned cult acclaim; both songs appear on the Louisiana Punk compilation, with "She's the One" also featured on Teenage Shutdown! The World Ain't Round, It's Square! (1998). In 2004, Dr. Spec's Optical Illusion reunited to perform at the Tryin’ To Mess My Mind Festival alongside prominent Louisiana garage bands and The Seeds. Their single was later reissued by Crypt Records.
Tragically, drummer Scott Sherman passed away in 2005 at age 54 during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
Discography
| Year | Title (A-side/B-side) |
Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1967 | "Tryin' to Mess My Mind" "She's the One" |
Flambeau | 7" |