United States Of America

The United States of America was an American experimental rock band whose works, recorded in late 1967, are an early example of the use of electronic devices in rock music. The short-lived band was founded in Los Angeles by experimental composer Joseph Byrd and singer and lyricist Dorothy Moskowitz, with musicians Gordon Marron, Rand Forbes and Craig Woodson, but split up shortly after the release of their only album in 1968. Their sound blended a range of musical genres, including avant-garde, psychedelic, and art rock, with many of the songs' lyrics reflecting Byrd's leftist political views. Unusually, the band had no guitar player; instead, they used strings, keyboards and electronics, including primitive synthesizers, and various audio processors, including the ring modulator.

Links To Peel
Peel would play material from the group in the late 60's, despite the short life span of the band. A fan of avant-garde and psychedelic, the group were one of the many that contributed to his playlist on his Night Ride programmes on BBC Radio One.

Shows Played
1968
 * 01 May 1968: The Cloud Song (LP: The United States of America) UK Columbia