250 Up

The United States of America celebrates its 250th birthday tomorrow. I don't work weekends so we're marking the occasion today.

This post is dedicated to all of our highly prized American readers - from California (the state from which we have had most visitors according to my flag counter) all the way to Alaska (no visitors for six years) and all points in between.

I imagine many of you will be celebrating in traditional style by hosting a wrestling contest on your front lawn and then vandalising your local swimming baths. But whatever you are doing, have fun.

The first track in today's selection was recorded when the US was only 151 years old and a veritable spring chicken. The second was released to coincide with its bicentenary. The rest are all dangerously modern.

"Fourth of July at the Country Fair" - Bill Chitwood & His Georgia Mountaineers

"4th Of July" - Sweet

"4th Of July" - S.C.A.B.

"July 4th" - The Dogs

"Chain Gang Fourth Of July" - Chris Pierce