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.