Combining Devendra Banhart's "new weird American" eccentricity, Flaming Lips-influenced electronic bells and whistles, and a Wilco-esque twanginess, These United States create a musical melting pot that blends together a wide array of influences. Born of a collaboration between Jesse Elliott and David Strackany (the man behind Paleo), These United States put together the songs that would become their debut LP in 2007. The resulting album, A Picture of the Three of Us at the Gate to the Garden of Eden, was released by United Interests the following year, with Crimes arriving six months later. - all music guide

Jesse Elliott recently rolled through our NYC stomping grounds, bringing both his marvelous namesake and brilliant band These United States (Colin Kellogg - Bass, Robby Cosenza - Drums, Justin Craig - Guitars, Tom Hnatow - Multi-Instrumentalist) along for the ride. Having followed the trajectory of this DC ensemble for the last two years, the idea of having access to this band not only got us teeming with excitement, but also moved us to take the show to people. After all, wouldn't the unsuspecting public benefit from a rather splendid chance encounter with TUS?

We thought so. Which is why we ventured down the street to Washington Square Park ("one of the greatest monuments to human public interaction ever", per Mr. Elliott) to watch the band try their hand at street performing. Playing two songs from their recently released album Crimes, the band proved that talent of this nature, when presented out in the open, rarely goes unnoticed. Without surprise the band quickly drew a great response from those basking in the glory of the park that day. Now we're hoping this video peaks your interest. Though you can't toss a coin into the band's guitar case, give These United States a little bit of your attention. Your world will be a much brighter place. - David Pitz