The United States Of America

My wife while listening to this album: “ This sounds like the music that would play when a clown comes to murder you”

4.7 - Yes! This is finally a psychedelic sound that redeems the genre for me, after having choked down so many other buttoned-up commercial examples that crowd this list. Wonderful and incredibly forward-thinking use of noise, electronics and field recordings, all of which add so much dimension. I'd argue the use of secondary sonics rivals contemporary bands like Stereolab and Broadcast. Truly a "garden of earthly delights" that belongs in the psychedelic pantheon alongside "Os Mutantes", "Sgt Pepper" and just a handful of others.

[puts on Uncle Sam outfit] I WANT *YOU* TO DROP ACID

Whats the difference between avant garde and just annoying?

who names their band this? Yea this sucks. I mean I appreciate weirdness but it's not good.

Whoa, this is crazy ahead of its time. At least, it sure feels like it. The electronics add to the music rather than detract, and man is that bass playing really satisfying. I actually love this album. It's just experimental enough without sacrificing the music to really bring me in. Sure, there's some weird circus-y stuff, but it hardly detracts it for me, in fact, I think it adds to the charm. Shame this is their sole album, would definitely binge their discography otherwise. I love how well it eases from psychedelic rock to baroque pop to ballads while all sounding like its own thing. Reminds me of what I've heard of the later Kinks but more rock heavy. Again, just crazy ahead of its time.

Oh fuck ya this is my shit. I sort of recall the name/co ver art but glad to listen to this. "Creating the electronic sounds on the album was difficult because of the technical limitations. Byrd recalled "the only available functioning keyable synthesizers were Robert Moog's at +$20,000. We were left with whatever sounds I could squeeze from three variable wave shape generators, modulating one another." ... this is my shit. This is basically the Beatles "Number 9" meets The Velvet Underground. I can't believe this could chart on the billboard 200 (hit 181). The album also has some beautiful Can-like frenzy in the guitar playling, in some ways this is Krarutrock... Yankrock? The very Nico-esque vocals are a great pairing with all the other weirdness going on. This is the stuff that only could get a label's backing in the 60s/70s for sure. It's almost perfect that this was the only album that happened, then everything fell apart. It's STILL forward thinking, like a fucked up National Album that we deserve.

“The United States of America” by The United States of America (1968) If you’re a fan of “American Metaphysical Circus” by Joe Byrd and the Field Hippies (1969), you might want to know that “The United States of America” was Byrd’s immediate predecessor album. Very narrow niche appeal. But wow. You should not listen to this music while on acid. I make that recommendation on good advice from someone I trust, not from any personal experience (heh, heh). This experimental musical product was an early exploration of synthesized sounds and the John Gage school of what I call anti-music music. It’s really cool. Weird, avant-garde, whimsical, chaotic, and horrifying to boot, performed by musicians who actually know what they’re doing and seem to not give a shit. This is an effort to go exponentially beyond Sgt. Pepper, but unlike The Beatles, these folks really want to mess with your mind, and they have some seriously political burrs in their saddles. Serving up induced psychosis, nymphomania, sadomasochism, “queer” appetites to satisfy, and other naughty bits in the lyrics, they deliver sonic distortion as an art form, with frequent departures from melody altogether. Very nice (undistorted) fretless bass by Rand Forbes throughout, and quite pleasing lead vocals by Dorothy Moskowitz. Oh, and I should mention—they’re communists. God, I love this country. One can discern numerous synchronization and pitch problems, but this is still in the analog epoch, baby. Anyway, not only does this music not age well, it was rendered obsolete as the vinyl was still cooling, but who cares? “And the price is right: The cost of one admission is your mind.” 3/5

This is great on so many levels. It’s weird and avant-garde, twisted but funny, experimental with its clever use of primitive electronics, but accessible. One of the easiest 5’s I’ve given and way ahead of its time both sonically and stylistically.

Fuckin weird and kinda loved it. Like sgt pepper crossed with os mutantes

Very high 3. Lot of great songs on this album like Lump and Peaches but the back half was largely unnecessary. Stranger was the underrated hit for me

Proper 1968 psychedelic freakout

Love this album, fantastic psychedelic music. Strange, groovy and a joy to listen to. I hope Rob doesn’t make me look silly and give me third 5 star album in a row

that was a pretty cool album, I’ll probably need to listen to it again to “get it” but from what I heard, I really liked it 9/10

Definitely psychedelic and not what I expected. I wouldn't say it's shit, but the first track was very interesting to say the least, I also don't entirely understand it, I guess. It got better as it went on. Very Alice in Wonderland vibes. Organized chaos. Fave track(s): Hard Coming Love, Cloud Song, Coming Down, No Love To Give

It is different, it is very experimental, but also very good

Title: A Psychedelic Masterpiece: "The United States Of America" Album Review Released in 1968, "The United States Of America" self-titled album stands as a pioneering and avant-garde masterpiece of the psychedelic rock era. Led by the visionary composer and electronic music pioneer Joseph Byrd, this album is a daring exploration of the possibilities of rock music, blending elements of experimentalism, folk, and electronic sounds to create a truly unique sonic experience. From the very first track, "The American Metaphysical Circus," it's evident that this album is like no other. The cacophonous opening immediately grabs your attention, setting the tone for an unpredictable journey through soundscapes that are both dissonant and enchanting. Dorothy Moskowitz's haunting vocals soar above the intricate tapestry of instruments, creating an ethereal and hypnotic atmosphere. One of the standout tracks, "Garden of Earthly Delights," is a mesmerizing trip into the surreal. Its use of oscillators and synthesizers was groundbreaking at the time, foreshadowing the electronic music revolution that would follow in the decades to come. The juxtaposition of these futuristic sounds with Byrd's intricate arrangements and Moskowitz's haunting vocals is nothing short of mind-bending. "The United States Of America" also offers a critical and satirical take on American society during the late 1960s. Tracks like "Coming Down" and "Love Song For The Dead Che" feature thought-provoking lyrics that challenge the status quo and offer a glimpse into the counterculture of the era. The album's socio-political commentary is as relevant today as it was back then. Joseph Byrd's avant-garde approach to music production is evident throughout the album. He skillfully blends traditional rock instruments like guitar and drums with electronic and experimental elements, creating a dynamic and constantly evolving soundscape. The result is an album that feels both timeless and ahead of its time. "The United States Of America" is not an album for everyone. Its unconventional and challenging nature may deter some listeners who prefer more conventional rock music. However, for those willing to venture into uncharted sonic territory, this album is a rewarding and mind-expanding experience. It's a testament to the creative possibilities of music and a reminder that true innovation often comes from pushing the boundaries of the familiar. In conclusion, "The United States Of America" album is a remarkable and daring work of art that continues to captivate and inspire listeners over five decades after its release. It remains a testament to the spirit of experimentation and artistic courage that defined the 1960s, and it deserves a place in the pantheon of groundbreaking albums in the history of music. If you're a fan of psychedelic and experimental music, this album is essential listening and a journey you won't soon forget.

This was entirely unexpected for me. Looking at the band's name and cover art, I expected something like 60s rock, Beatlesque, or The Byrds-influenced band. The name suggests a typical American nationalism that is easy to identify and criticize, which is typical for people from the USA and annoying. Keeping the comparisons, I found a great band in line with the best of the Beatle's last albums and the best of the Beach Boys. The lyrics are the opposite of my first impressions, and it's excellent! It's a shame not to know this band before; sadly, this is the only album.

Amazing, never heard of them. Love their freakiness, the organised chaos, her voice. Reminds me of music around that time that are also my favorites, like Velvets 1st album and the White album of the Beatles. But also of later music like Weekend with Alison Statton and much more. In other words: true find

Så episkt!

Joseph Byrd is an under appreciated genius. This is far ahead of its time. Pushing boundaries and both provocative and innovative in themes as well as production.

i have only listened to the first track off this album but i think i am into the relentless experimentation and i want it to be chaotic i have liked every song after this and am half way through the album now its not as experimental as the first track but they still keep a steady amount of interest throughout i dont know how to rate it though because 5 feels too high for what the album is but i dont know what that means exactly i really like the recall of previous parts of the album but at this point i dont know if there are duplicate songs or something it seems like a repeat but different names perhaps? i think this album was just really really good and not something i thought i would like so that is why im struggling but im pretty confident now that its a 5

Wild, imaginative and unique for not containing guitar in a guitar heavy, late 60’s era. I love it.

What a fucking TRIP man! I had never heard or heard OF this record. Shame, honestly. From start to finish I was completely entranced by the whimsical, trippy, eerie and sometimes incapacitating sounds. Right off the bat, we're treated to a circus theme that bursts into a chilled out, Pink Floyd-esque psychedelic tune. After that it's tempo changes on tempo changes on tempo changes; yet somehow it all feels structured and intentional. It's an even bigger shame that TUSOA never capitalized on this album and mostly faded into oblivion. This is a great example of 60's experimentation done right. You can hear the competencies of each musician, even when they're going off the rails. Huge props to the rhythm section; the drums and bass are phenomenal and incredibly solid. I want to write bass lines like this. The main criticism I can give is that it can get just a bit silly (or "extra") at times. A Gregorian chant to kick off Where Is Yesterday is fine, but sort of took me out of the overall feeling. Just keep it a cool, multi-layered Beach Boys feeling track, and you're good. Don't put this on at a party. Curl up on your couch, light a j, and sit back. Your mind and soul will thank you.

Some 60's psychedelia sounds top cheesy for me, but I like how this band does it. Too bad they only stuck around for 1 album. The experiments were promising. Worth investigating further.

This was such a damn cool album, and I LOVE the singer's voice. Everything I wanted here. Gotta love discovering something amazing you'd never even heard of before!

I've just given 3/5 to some insipid dullness from Goldfrapp and then am immediately confronted by this album. I'm wracked with guilt. I admit when I began listening to this I started off hostile but, six tracks in, I'm totally won over. This is a fantastic album.

I attempt this album for the fourth time, today. I have not disliked it; it seems like innovative, experimental psychedelic rock that really pushes towards the latest (at the time) technology, using electronica in a way that few people could possibly have done before. There's a lot of anarchy and cacophony in here. Some of the vocoder / modulation of the vocals is incredible. Strongly reminiscent in delivery to Dubstar, recorded 30-ish years later. As I sit and properly try to take it in, I'm increasingly impressed with what they were doing with their synths. As I get to "I won't leave my wooden wife for you" and "Where is yesterday" I realise that actually, yes, this is a brilliant album.

This is a really cool album. I don't even really know what to say about, but it's a nice experience. I would definitely recommend this one to anyone that likes quirkier music. I could understand why people might not like it, but I'm sad this has such a low rating on here. Oh well, I guess. My favourite song was Stranded in Time.

Just amazing. Best psych album yet. Better than your Jefferson airplanes, better than artsy Velvet Underground (not "Loaded"). As good as piper at the gates of dawn

Pretty cool

More interesting as a historical artifact than it is musically, which is above average psychedelia. Indeed, reads as a period piece. To some extent, it suffers from the common psychedelic pitfall of too much and all at once – the calliope and marching band stuff just test the nerves, inclining one to think, "no wonder only one record and maybe not entirely the fault of the label's lack of commitment." The "American Way of Love" succeeds in layering and reprising (vaguely reminds one of The La's efforts on their debut (much different time, much different band and album). Singer is good and has moments – the sharp "Garden of Earthly Delights" notably and "Love Song for the Dead Che" – but overall effort never quite transcends. The social satire not exactly piercing, some of it undoubtedly lost in the flood of maximalism. And the record sounds much less avant-garde, and more zany, than it probably wanted to be. A must-hear? Not really. More like vaguely interesting to know and experience. (Note: the supplements on streaming services – notably "Perry Pier" – excel the album proper, with evocations of later bands, even the sort of then-current-not-retro sound that Stereolab would recreate.)

Wasn't for me

sack of shite

Somewhere in between annoying and tolerable. There's an excessive use of experimental sounds and instruments. Sometimes they land, sometimes they miss. At times it is exciting, at times it is boring. Just all over the map for me. Kind of feels like this album was an assignment for a group at an arts college where they were required to use X number of instruments. If this is supposed to be psychedelic rock, I really feel bad for anyone who made the decision to trip while listening to this. Seems like a recipe for a really bad time.

Weird and trippy, very "of the times." Not my cup of tea, but I acknowledge that their contributions were far-reaching.

Shit.

Verrrrry cool

this feels so far ahead of its time. innovative sounds, cool riffs, leftist politics, sign me up

How had I never heard of this band or album before??

I didn't know the band. Pretty solid psychedelic rock. Not a single song I don't like.

I have no issue with stealing this much from The Beatles if you do it this well! Wonderful experimental psychedelic record.

Off to a fucking excellent start with The American Metaphysical Circus. This plays with the same lopsided dourness as Portishead. The vocals keep pushing ahead as if they are being delivered through molasses with effects/distortion bleeding across periodically, while the instrumentals trudge around uncomfortably. Hard Coming Love opens on a tear with a tight-grooved instrumental and fuzzed out noise in the left monitor. The drum work is fantastic. Cloud Song floats at 30,000 feet where it should. The plucked strings make me think of the prettiness of some songs from Four Tet's later albums. When Is Yesterday is fucking great. Was loving it during the eerie opening, but when the drum kicks in it takes on a whole new life. This album is a trip in the best way possible. Perfect balance of experimental and boundary pushing, while retaining solid structures and elements of quality songwriting. I'm floored - 5 / 5

This album made me cry.

Fantastically trippy! Psychedelic but accessible. I loved this!

I have never heard of this audaciously-named band with only one album… so this was a real surprise. A completely crazy ride that I enjoyed from beginning to end! I kind of love it when an album becomes a sort of funhouse filled with surprises. And even better when done so well! Terrific!!!

Weird.

This is awesome! I like that late 60s psychedelia vibe and this is an exceptional example - the electronics make a great addition to it, and certain chunks sound way ahead of their time. The closing minutes of "The American Way of Love" wouldn't seem out of place on a late 90s downtempo / turntablism type record, for example. Fave track - "Where is Yesterday" - I am a sucker for that sort of falling violin sound effect.

I'd never heard of this, but really enjoyed it. It does sound like an insane clown is going to kill you, but there are some real nice songs on here and I'm a big fan of Psychedelia

The USA's only album simultaneously contributes innovations to American psychedelia and has the sweet and romantic qualities of the original Mersey beat.

I can't believe I've never heard of this psychadelic gem!

Expected nothing but was impressed. It's so "60s" but at the same time. it's pretty experimental and ahead of it's time. Something like this could even be released nowadays as indie experimental project. 90/100!

I'm always so disappointed when it says Psychedelic on the label and then it's just bluesy folksy pop-rock, but in bell-bottoms and someone may have had a joint. This here is the good shit. Yes. Bit cartoony at times, some tracks are like skits but I don't mind them in the flow of the album. Good one!

loooved

Foundational - influenced so many bands I love, and still sounds so fresh

Loved just about every track and even a lot of the bonus tracks were good. Very surprised by this one. Rating: 4.8

I really liked this. Far out!

The chaos of this album is mesmerizing. The further I go, the better it gets.

Wonderfully eclectic. Another band I had never heard of til doing this. Another easy five stars.

When dealing with a psychedelic album, the potential to find oneself in the midst of a masterbatory jam fest that is trying just a little to hard to be weird is always high. This album, however, is an example of how fantastic this genre can be. It utilizes both the male and female voice in addition to early electronic music, classically influenced music, and even some polyphony. The result is a textured and beautiful masterpiece that never insists upon itself.

Brilliant orchestral avant psych music that is uncompromising in its vision and still sounds fresh today.

Very surprised to see this on the list. Some pretty deep psychedelia right here. Extremely ambitious for the time. I believe they did not use any electric guitars for this album (besides the bass). Lots of early electronic experimentation. Also a lot of experimentation with stereo separation. My vinyl copy is mono so I'll have to grab a stereo copy soon. I can't begin to image what this must've sounded like to listeners in 1968, cause it still sounds hella weird even today. But it's a good type of weird. Not like "wtf turn this off" weird but more like "what the hell is this, I'm intrigued" weird. Obviously had a huge influence on more modern psych acts such as The Flaming Lips. **Fun Fact** Mac Miller sampled the track "Coming Down" off this LP for the song "Smile Back".

Excellent and totally unpredictable. The array of sounds and inspirations from different musical traditions is insane and I'm here for it. I was just thinking all the time - what else can they to to surprise me?

Another one that I had zero expectations for and ended up loving. Albums like that are why I’m liking 1001 so much.

A real trip. Not really into all the bonus tracks but the original album itself is brilliant

Thiis is The United States Of America's only album. After all these years, it is still receiving praise. It is sad that disagreements between band members, particularly leader Joseph Byrd and others, about the band's future direction led to a break-up shortly after the album's release. It is also said it had limited commercial success at its time. But the album has stood the test of time for its uniqueness, to which I attribute its enduring relevance and elevation to a cult classic status.

So good. Ahead of their time.

Isä: Sinä et kai ole koskaan ajatellut, mitä isänmaa on? (Laskee kätensä poikansa olkapäälle.) Isänmaa on kaikki, mikä ympäröi sinua, kaikki, mikä on kasvattanut ja elättänyt sinua, kaikki, mitä olet rakastanut! Tämä pelto, jonka täällä näet, nämä talot, nämä puut, nämä nuoret pojat ja tytöt, jotka iloisina käyvät tietään, tässä on isänmaasi! Lait, jotka turvaavat sinua; leipä, jonka ansaitset työlläsi; sanat, joita vaihdat toisten kanssa; ilot ja surut, joita saat ihmisiltä, joitten keskuudessa elät ja olet, ovat isänmaatasi! Pieni huone, jossa äitisi ennen asui; muistot, jotka hän on jättänyt jälkeensä; maa, jossa hän lepää, on isänmaatasi! Sinä näet ja huomaat sen kaikkialla! Kuvittele mielessäsi, poikani, oikeutesi ja velvollisuutesi, taipumuksesi ja tarpeesi, muistosi ja kiitollisuutesi, ajattele kaikkea tätä yhdistettynä yhteen nimeen -- tämä nimi on: isänmaa! Poika: Ah, minä ymmärrän, se on suuri perhe, meidän suuri kotimme, se on se osa maailmaa, johon Jumala on kiinnittänyt ruumiimme ja sielumme! Isä: Poika, onko Ameriikan maata kuvaava albumi oikean kuvaava, jos näet ei se sisällään pidä asian toista luonnetta ja laitaa, vaan survoo sisälleen sen puolen joka ain nenäänsä nyrpistäen kapinoi, vaikkakin Kristuksen Jeesuksen valossa pysyy. Näet, nuorehko sukupolvi uusi ja syntynyt on. Pieni malli ihanne. Kaduilla ja teillä mellakassa ei vain näet isommalle poliisille pärjää. Poika: En käsitä. Isä: Where is yesterday echoes huuhtoutunut täältä albumista kuin maamme ensimmäiset kullankaivajat. Che, rakastaja kuin ranskan suuri lahjoitus New Yorkiin. Aikaanjääneet itku tarina... sitä et ymmärrä poika.. Kokonaisuudessaan albumi yhsitelmä electronicaa ja psykedeelistä. Albumi saatttaa kuullostaa leikittelyltä, ja vaikka ihmiskunta katsoo aina eteenpäin, kaipuu lisää, etsii uusia rajoja, vain murtaaksesi ne ymmärryksellä että tämä maailma on yksi, jossa me kaikki jaamme vastuun tietää, että Tänään tekemäsi päätökset vaikuttavat pysyvästi huomisen sukupolviin. Saattaa paine kasvaa liian suurikse, näet ei se aina ole helppoa.

What a crazy ride this record is! Psychedelic and weird at the same time

pretty fuckin sick. crazy they lasted only a year yet put out a groundbreaking album. legendary.

What a wild ride! A psychedelic stew of garage rock, folk, and electronic sounds.

3.75

Give me this over Jefferson Airplane or the Grateful Dead any day. It feels like Fairport Convention acid rock covers. I was pleased.

Crazy album! Very progressive for it's time, unique instrumentation. Liked it a lot.

Kinda weird. Liked it. Not rushing to listen again but imagine there will be parts of it that randomly pop into my head from time to time. The instrumentation, arrangement and production sounds like something that could have been recorded much later than 1968.

Bitvis obegriplig, svårlyssnad och hysterisk. Men sjukt kul.

Surprisingly wonderful!

Trippy!

8/10 In spite of the British invasion of circus music at the start of the album, I found myself quite liking this album. Felt a bit like Jefferson Airplane, but with good variety between the songs

this is very good

Solid psych rock. A lot of interesting and experimental sounds going on.

4.0

Rock psicodélico muy ecléctico. Curioso.

i don't know if i can do this album tonight, let's see. this first song is pretty good once it actually starts. i love the weird noises/interruptions in the second song <3 i liked 'the garden...' within 5 seconds lol. i've been loving the lyrics so far ah. huh who's this man. every song is doing something different, 6 songs in i've no idea what's to come next. 'where is yesterday': lyrics are so good, melodies are so good, the harmonies, the eerie vibe, everything i love. track 10 was a journey lol. 'no love to give' is the only song i don't totally love so far. track 13 is pretty much the same as track 5 but they switch singers, idc about different versions of the same song. well i'm done. the songs that i love make me want to give this record a 5 lol they're that good. it would be a 5 if the album was only tracks 1-11, around 40 minutes long, way tighter.

A bit torn on this one. It does have its fair share of unpleasantly dissonant section and I'm certainly not impressed by the lead vocalist. But after finishing the album, the impressions that remain are of the interesting ideas throughout the album. It was clearly quite ahead of its time, even if the execution was certainly not perfect.

Much better than the actual United States of America

Very interesting album, really enjoyed the listen, but have a hard time identifying individual songs that stuck with me. Well produced and well crafted.

Cool psychedelic rock, I could definitely come back to this. Solid 4 for now

Gah! It's over an hour long, it's fucking weird and sometimes kinda annoying buuuuuut I don't know! Against all expectations I actually enjoyed it! Which certainly suprised me after the opening track which filled me with trepidation. A definite shock high entry given my usual tastes, but so it goes...

Not all of this works but when it goes, it really goes. Must have been pretty special 55 years ago

very fun very creative album. breath of fresh after just listening to judas priest

Damn this is some solid, hard-hitting psychedelic rock! Shades of proto-punk. Super enjoyable listen with herbal enhancement

A contender for the most experimental rock album of the 60s. The production is super lofi for 1968, but the melodies catch on, and the vocals are very appealing to listen to. Her voice reminds me of Nico and Grace Slick. Most of this album sounds like a reaction to Sgt Pepper with the influences of music hall, circus, and vaudeville in several tracks. However, it still holds the 60s badge pride. I would mostly classify this as psychedelic pop, as it mostly follows the formula of groovy 60s pop rock, but there's a lot of acid rock, as well as plays on free jazz, medieval polyphony, medieval folk, vaudeville, space rock (was that even invented yet?), classical, Eastern (Japanese?), ragtime, and whatever you call the genre of beautiful strings that play in 1930s movies, among many other genres. There are signs of early dream pop (Cloud Song) and chamber pop (Stranded in Time) here too. This album could be found abrasive to the average listener, especially with the low production. I found myself loving every song. There are groovy moments to rock to and dreamy moments to relax to. Lots of creative moments to appreciate everything going on. Despite the different styles, it's focused, with nice transitions in styles between and during songs. Wish there was more music like this, but at least we got bonus tracks just as peculiar.

So creative and very 60s big fan

This album made me feel like I was on drugs, and not always on a good trip. But I found it fascinating. As a one off listen with a few tracks I may revisit, it's gonna score fairly high for uniqueness and catching my interest.

This is certainly a weird one. So avant-garde, with the eerie synthesizer noises and the penchant for ending songs with screeching orchestrations. I like the female vocalist. She reminds me of a more pleasant melodic version of Nico. Their record company was brave to release this, knowing it had zero commercial potential. I wanted to give it a 5, based on the first 8 songs (of the original 10-song LP), but my co-judge was far less impressed after I forced her to listen to it twice, to and from from dinner at The Drake last night.

Odd start and interludes, but for it's time, I'm sure this was a groundbreaking album. Enjoyable and quirky.

baita som, psychedelic sessentista

Great psychedelic album with lots of gems like the opener "The American Metaphysical Circus", "Cloud Song" et " Stranded In Time". This album feels like the long lost companion album to Pink Floyd's Pipers at the Gates of Dawn. I can definitely feel this album's influence in modern neo-psychedelic bands like Stereolab and The Flaming Lips. Interesting 7,7/10

I had to give this one a second listen to really gather my thoughts on it. Some of the fully musique concrete stuff that bookended the album was a bit too all over the place for my liking, but otherwise this was a really exciting album that went all in on a lot of genres and pulled it off. Definitely one I'll be coming back to