United States of America: Columbia Recordings

Among the finest and most original bands to emerge in the U.S. during the psychedelic era, The United States of America was formed in 1967 by avant-garde musician Joseph Byrd, an associate of Yoko Ono who had studied with composer John Cage. The sessions for their self-titled album produced some of the most extraordinary music of the time, with pieces such as the American Metaphysical Circus combining tape-looped effects, electronic sounds and rock to create a stunning opening to a fine album. The band was finished by the end of 1968, but now their debut is back, newly remastered and bolstered by 10 bonus tracks recorded during the original album sessions! Esoteric.