The Days of Lore

These United States: One nation under rock

Thursday, July 9th, 2009 | musiX

I love these United States. Over the past eight years I only sort of like-liked them. But I really like These United States and everything they stand for. Except maybe their hair.

What started out as sort of a loose music collective of revolving-door players has now become a fully functional band (the handsome fellows pictured above) led by Jesse Elliott, a man who’s been accused by some of being a little on the wordy side. On the Washington, D.C. band’s first effort A Picture of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden (see what I mean?) Elliott’s bookish wordplay was teamed with lo-fi electronic folk. The next record Crimes—released only six months after the debut—rocked a little harder.

These United States will release its next record Everything Touches Everything on Sept. 1, making it their third album in 18 months. That might be considered prolific these days, but back in the ’60s, you’ll recall, it was pretty much the norm. The album’s first single “I Want You to Keep Everything” bridges the gap between the first two records. Oh, Elliott is still telling stories, but they’re met with a fun, ramshackle approach that keeps things from getting too serious. The way rock ‘n’ roll ought to be.

“I Want You to Keep Everything” - These United States

Tags: A Picture of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden, Crimes, Everything Touches Everything, I Want You to Keep Everything", Jesse Elliott, These United States

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