THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(Columbia 9614 © 1968 / Edsel 541 © 1997)

TRACK LISTING
The American Metaphysical Circus (Byrd)
Hard Coming Love (Byrd/Moskowitz)
Cloud Song (Byrd/Moskowitz)
The Garden of Earthly Delights (Byrd/Moskowitz)
I Won't Leave My Wooden Wife for You,... (Byrd/Moskowitz)
 Where Is Yesterday (Bogas/Marron/Moskowitz)
Coming Down (Byrd/Moskowitz)
Love Song for the Dead Che (Byrd)
Stranded in Time (Bogas/Marron)
The American Way of Love (Byrd/Forbes/Marron/Moskowitz/Woodson)

PERSONNEL
Joseph Byrd - organ, piano, electric harpsichord, calliope, electronic music; Rand Forbes - bass; Gordon Marron - electric violin, ring modulator; Dorothy Moskowitz - vocals; Craig Woodson - percussion, drums; Ed Bogas - organ, piano, calliope

REVIEW
Dorothy (Moskowitz) Falarski emailed me and confirmed that Don did indeed perform on this album. I've listened to this album quite a bit since I started this site, and I can't really tell where Don is featured. Nevertheless, if you are into psychadelic rock you will love this album. It's unjustly overlooked compared to its contemporaries. "Love Song for the Dead Che" is hauntingly beautiful in a dreamy, understated way. But if you decide to spark one up and mellow out to this disc, be warned that it isn't all as soothing as that track. Byrd's electronic effects and taped segments get pretty complicated and dizzying…so don't freak out!!!

"Stranded In Time" is my other favorite track…sounds a bit like Brit-pop from the same time period. This release is the The U.S.A.'s only album (originally released by Columbia and reissued by the Edsel label) and it stands as a testament to the band's boundless creativity and musicality. Though some experiments haven't dated well, it's that very charm that makes the album so appealing. Plus I'm sure Don would have approved of the liberal use of the ring modulator.

Thanks for your input and stories, Dorothy!