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The Psych Ward–The United States of America (self-titled)

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  • Jason LeValley
  • April 26, 2024
  • 7:43 am

The Psych Ward–The United States of America (self-titled)

The sole, self-titled album from The United States of America, released in March of 1968, is a psychedelic, experimental rock oddity that also stands as an early experiment in electronica. Additionally, it stands as an artifact of radical, anti-establishment ideology. Naming the band, which was American, after the country was intended to register as a protest, like hanging the flag upside down. Unfortunately, it was a poor choice for a band name, and it’s hard to imagine that the confusing, dull moniker didn’t hinder the group’s success.

Band leader Joe Byrd was part of a NYC avant-garde artist collective along with Yoko Ono, who hosted the first show of his compositions at her loft in the early 60s. (Coincidentally, the United States of America album came out the same year Yoko became world-famous for her

Naming the band, which was American, after the country was intended to register as a protest, like hanging the flag upside down.

relationship with John Lennon.) Byrd met future bandmate Dorothy Moskowitz in New York in early 1963, and the pair moved to Los Angeles together later that year. They formed The United States of America in 1967 and recorded the eponymous album in December.

The album incorporates elements of old-time (pre-rock n’ roll) American music, for which Byrd had a penchant, into the song structures, giving the album a unique feel. Additionally, the album features electronic elements that provide some of the psychedelic effects, in addition to classical instrumentation and flute. All of this in the context of a rock album makes for an engaging listen.

Album Highlights

The opening track, “The American Metaphysical Circus”, begins and ends with circus sounds. The body of the song features a slowed-down carnivalesque feel while heavy distortion marks Moskowitz’s sweet vocals. The lyrics are trippy with a chorus of “And the price is right. The cost of one admission is your mind”.

“Cloud Song” is another highlight of the album. It’s a slow, gentle-sounding song, classically arranged with strings and no drums. Lyrically, it’s about how nice it is to be a cloud. Very dreamy!

“The Garden of Earthly Delights” is a frantic, ominous rock song with cryptic lyrics referencing blackening mushrooms and ergot, which is chemically similar to LSD. Electronic sounds, highly unusual back then, accent the frenetic feel of the song.

The United States of America, with its implementation of old-time Americana and electronic elements, is a memorable experimental album that is a must-hear for every fan of psychedelic rock.

 

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2 thoughts on “The Psych Ward–The United States of America (self-titled)”

  1. J Muir
    April 26, 2024 at 2:15 pm

    All I can see is Andrew Fish’s “Three men in a tub” when I click on gallery over and over and over again. The painting is awesome, but, I want to see more!!

    Reply
    • Jason LeValley
      April 28, 2024 at 3:09 pm

      You should be able to see his more of his work in the bio section and even more below the Awards section.

      Reply

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