to recoup the financial losses of the "U" show, record producer Joe Boyd booked the band, along with session musicians Janet Shankman, Peter Grant, and Maistre, into a San Francisco studio to record the nearly two hours of material that is featured on the double album. U was recorded in just 48 hours; Williamson recalled "We just went day and night for two days and two nights, in shifts, and finished. I can't remember what the reasons were, but we had to be done in a hurry. In a way, it seemed to fit". Regardless of the time constraints, the album still contained characteristically complex instrumentals and overdubbing. The music on the album was taken from the songs the band performed on the U tour, showcasing a staggering diversity of psychedelia, folk rock, and traditional folk arrangements long associated with the group, as well as new, highly progressive elements. Release U was released in October 1970 on the Elektra label (catalogue item 7E-2002 in the US, catalogue item 2665 001 in the UK). In the US, the album peaked at number 183 on the Billboard 200, remaining on the charts for three weeks, and on the UK Albums Charts it managed to reach number 34 during a two-week stay. Also, in Melody Maker magazine the album charted in the top 20, before dropping off in a few weeks. The album's cover by Shankman was literal interpretation of the show as it featured a mult-colored "U". Inside the gatefold sleeve were photographs depicting the band and the Stone Monkeys in the midst of a performance of the "U" show. Track listing Personnel "El Wool Suite": Mike Heron - sitar; Robin Williamson - gimbri, flute, clay drums; Rose Simpson - tabla, guitar "The Juggler's Song": Robin Williamson - vocal, guitar, bass, mandolin; Licorice McKechnie - vocal "Time": Robin Williamson - vocal, 12-string guitar, mandolin "Bad Sadie Lee": Janet Shankman - vocal; Mike Heron - piano, vocal; Robin Williamson - fiddle, Jew's harp, washboard, vocal; Licorice McKechnie - vocal; Rose Simpson - vocal; Peter Grant - banjo "Queen of Love": Robin Williamson - vocal, guitar, bass; Janet Shankman - harpsichord; Tom Constanten - arranger "Partial Belated Overture": Mike Heron - piano, guitar; Robin Williamson - shanai, fiddle; Rose Simpson - bass "Light in Time of Darkness / Glad to See You": Mike Heron - vocal, piano; Rose Simpson - bass "Walking Along with