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?

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.

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

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.

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

“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.

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.

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.

Proper 1968 psychedelic freakout

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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

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

This shit is weird and I like it.

I like it! It has a Jefferson Airplane vibes. Very cool. 4 stars

I like this a lot. Experimental and Avant Garde but not too weird to alienate the listened. I also like the Electronic instrument melodies which give it a "futuristic" feeling.

This album left me confused and a bit scared honestly.

my spirit cannot endure this

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.

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

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.

Så episkt!

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.

Charles Ives! A delight to find some pointedly obtuse and theory-heavy music here calling back to one of the first dudes to approximate the sound of a city falling down the stairs. To top it off, tunes and a beauty in “Love Song For The Dead Che”, blast it at your next inauguration!

A long, strange trip into oscillators and ideology👽. Clever, chaotic, and way ahead of its time. Uncle Sam never sounded so warped.

you guys are fucking horrified

Straight link from this to Stereolab, surely?

Never heard of this before, obviously very influential from Revolution 9 through Broadcast and The American Analog Set. Interesting but not going into heavy rotation here

I see its rated high - - -it was OK, I feel I may have needed to give it a couple of listens, but just couldn't.

Dangit, I had a whole rather long review written out that didn't save. Sigh. The summary: this was bizarre but I kind of liked it. The end.

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.)

Pretty cool

1.5

This was so weird. I thought it was going to be the PRESIDENTS of the USA so when the music started I was in for a big surprise. Not a good one

There are some interesting moments on this record, mostly the weirder psychedelic moments. Otherwise its a bit boring. I think this music would have been pretty groundbreaking for its time given the use of electronic sounds, but that kind of style has a long way to go from here before its halfway interesting for me.

Some brilliant ideas that don't come together.

This album was quite bizarre. I sort of felt like I was going on a weird trip whilst listening to it. It's very abstract, not something you listen to with other people for sing-along stuff that's for sure. Overall it was interesting to listen to.

Sounds like what would come out if you had an AI create an album based on "60's psychedelic rock, female vocalist, political themes, American Sgt Pepper." I guess the impressive thing is that it sounds like that, but was made long before albums were made that way. Interesting to hear how non-Beatles groups were creating derivatives of that sound, but I didn't have enough acid to get into this one.

Simply could not grab me on this particular day. I saw potential but it never latched

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

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.

I get why this is groundbreaking. Some of it sounds like it could have come out yesterday. I even get how this could have influenced everyone from Bjork to Beck to the Butthole Surfers. But you know how when a kid gets a keyboard that makes rooster and fart and truck horn noises? And they go ham playing those noises over and over again? That's what this was - if sliiiightly better.

sack of shite

Wasn't for me

Many parts of this were actually painful. And by that I mean I literally got a headache listening to it.

I get the 60s psychedelic thing. This was just noise

Almost unlistenable to me. Strange, disjointed and hokey.

Hot Mess.

A few ok moments but mostly garbage, none of which I would ever choose to listen to

This was almost impressively miserable!

Shit.

Monumental trip (in a good way).

These guys can taste the snozzberries. They've caught the dragon. The Pink Elephant goes to these guys for his hookups. You think a simple 1 to 5 number scale would work for an album like this? They're so beyond numbers they CAN even.

The top top top tier of psych. Fuzzy, atmospheric, full of epic hooks and things to fire your imagination from any genre you can imagine and some that you can’t. It doesn’t get any better.

80/1089 - Kinda reminds me of Stereolab. Cool bass-lines, drum breaks, and chords and I thought the canon thing in the middle was quite unique. For sure has a dated sound with the primitive electronic instruments complimenting the 60s recording. I didn't really understand all the found sounds and calliopes but it didn't get too in the way of the psychedelic experiments.

Thought this was some folk-y rock album, forgot how wild and experimental this one is. Pretty ahead of it's time, right around the Velvets and the Doors releasing their first stuff. Heard it once before but it was really clicking this time, will have to go back soon as it definitely takes some listens to absorb it all.

That was super weird and I loved it. Finding out Byrd founded the Yankee Doodle Society has made it even better.

this one caught me off guard in the best possible way. The United States Of America is one of those albums where you sit there thinking, How the hell did this even come out in the '60s? It’s mad experimental, totally off its nut in places, but somehow everything comes together into this weirdly beautiful, psychedelic masterpiece. the creativity on this record is unreal. It’s absolutely loaded with experimental sounds, tape effects, weird synth textures, distorted electronics but it never feels like they’re throwing stuff in just for the sake of it. Every strange bleep and bloop has its place. It’s clever without being pretentious, and I love that. The vocals from Dorothy Moskowitz are lush, delicate but confident, dreamy but sharp. She really pulls you into that psychedelic haze and somehow makes all the weirdness feel approachable. The lyrics are poetic and trippy but not nonsensical, if that makes sense. They paint these surreal pictures that just fit with the soundscape perfectly. The instrumentation is also bang on. There’s no guitar, which is mental for a '60s psychedelic album, but they make up for it with all kinds of keyboards, electronics, and percussion. The bass work is dead clever too. It holds everything together amidst the chaos. The orchestral flourishes and jazz-inspired moments are lush and unexpected, adding so much colour to the whole thing. Production-wise, it’s proper forward-thinking. Everything feels layered and immersive. Even now, it sounds fresh, like something that could’ve dropped this year from some niche indie label. They were so ahead of their time. The only real downside is that some of the tracks get a little too experimental for their own good. There are moments where it teeters on becoming noise for the sake of noise, and if you’re not in the right mood, it can be a bit much. Also, because it’s so experimental, it’s not exactly something you can whack on at any moment, you need to want to listen and immerse yourself in it. But honestly, those are small complaints. I bloody love how ambitious this album is. It’s bold, weird, and wonderfully creative without losing focus. It’s genuinely impressive how they’ve crafted something so strange and made it so listenable. The textures, the experimentation, the lush vocals, the fearless production. it’s all top-notch. This album feels like discovering a secret little treasure chest. Every time I go back to it, I find something new. It’s playful, it’s inventive, and it’s one of those albums that reminds me why I love diving into music in the first place. 4.8/5 stars. Almost flawless, bold as hell, and completely unique. A proper psychedelic gem that still holds up decades later.

9/10 Prettyyyyy insane and lovely hidden gem from the 60s, Experimental Rock wasn’t as common place until the 70s and onwards so it’s pretty easy to miss the weirdo Rock albums from this era that weren’t Zappa, TVU, Beefheart, or some Beatles cuts. This is an essential for anyone looking for some early innovators in the genre, it still sounds fresh today, from the Electronic fusions and Sound Collage methods to the very progressive and outright radical songwriting topics, it’s pretty fucking sick for an album from 1968. It’s really neat to have a random collage of abrasive, psychedelic, experimental, and genuinely lovely songs all be on the same album, like I just fucking adore this record so much and it deserves so much more credit than it gets. Fuck tha brits, USA USA USA

Absolutely loved this - completely bonkers and chaotic, in the best way. This is what I love about this list: getting to hear new-to-me or neglected album. I was aware of this group but had never really listened to any of their work. The mood and style veers all over the place, but tracks like Coming Down and Cloud Song sound so of their time and somehow timeless too. I love Broadcast, and if you love them too, you'll probably know this album already. A masterpiece.

The fact that there are no guitars could be seen as a gimmick, but you just forget about it after like 10 seconds. It's a really fun and inventive psychedelic rock album.

The right type of Psychedelic rock. Honestly LOVED this album.

calling music "dreamlike" feels like even more disappointingly limited than it is in other mediums because it often just means something hazy and fuzzy and chill/pretty but this is a really, really vivid expression of music taking on a convincing Dream Logic...just structured enough to feel like its pulling from waking life, but floating and abstract enough to be slightly uncanny and enchanting and horrible and beautiful. just familiar enough but u subconsciously know not to prod it in a certain way and overstretch the limitations of the illusion, liking knowing what not to do in a janky video game to prevent it from bugging out. extremely extremely good and cool music, easy to remember for its cryptic qualities but i forgot how flowingly melodic it is as well! among adventurous american music from around this time, id say this is even more forward thinking and beyond its time than the likes of the velvet underground, or maybe any non-jazz music period!

This is completely bonkers, totally nuts and I absolutely love it! Sounds like it’s from the 60s but doesn’t if you get what I mean? Shame they only made the one album but what an album!

layers of sound, electronics, Beach Boys style harmonies, great variation and depth - a very entertaining and stimulating listen

Psychedelic, while short lived in terms of mainstream popularity, certainly was a trip when still relevant, and this album shows that to a T. Solid 5 Stars.

What an amazing surprise. I love weirdo music but never gave this a listen (the cover is familiar), and I'm only sad I've waited this long. Odd, but catchy and psychedelic in all the right ways, along with what sounds like krautrock, old times jazz and protopunk at times. Fucking brilliant.

I've heard this before and have to say this is right up my street. Absolutely bizarre, unsettling and a one-off. It's totally groundbreaking and experimental. I guess it had to be unique - nothing this weird would have lasted.

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!!!

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Verrrrry cool

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!

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.

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".

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

loooved

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

I really liked this. Far out!

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