The Presidents of the United States of America

The Presidents of the United States of America

The Presidents of the United States of America, often shortened to The Presidents or PUSA, are an American alternative rock band from Seattle, United States. The group forms in 1993 and is associated with alternative rock, indie rock, pop punk, post-grunge, power pop and rock.

Line-up

The band centres on vocalist and “basitarist” Chris Ballew, drummer and vocalist Jason Finn, and “guitbassist” and vocalist Andrew McKeag. Dave Dederer, who plays “guitbassist” and vocals, leaves the band in 2004 after 11 years. The verified line-up also includes Dederer as a member of the group.

Recordings and reception

The group releases five studio albums across its career. Its self-titled debut album appears in March 1995 on PopLlama Records before Columbia Records signs the band. The album reaches number six on the Billboard 200, ships more than three million copies, and is certified triple platinum by the RIAA. Songs including “Peaches”, “Kitty”, “Lump” and “Dune Buggy” receive significant airplay.

The follow-up album, II, appears in 1996 and reaches the Billboard 200 top forty. The single “Mach 5” also receives airplay. After the group loses its major-label backing, later albums such as Freaked Out and Small, Love Everybody and These Are the Good Times People receive positive critical attention from outlets including All Music Guide.

Style

The band is known for whimsical electric live performances that maintain a loyal following. Its recording history runs through labels including PopLlama Records, Columbia Records, PUSA Inc., PUSA Music and PUSACORP.