The Critters were a short-lived but memorable American pop group known for their smooth harmonies and soft-rock charm. Emerging during the mid-1960s, they blended folk-pop elements with gentle vocals, often drawing comparisons to The Lovin’ Spoonful. Their biggest success came with the 1966 ballad “Mr. Dieingly Sad,” a tender and melancholic tune written by lead vocalist Don Ciccone. Although their time in the spotlight was brief, The Critters left a lasting impression with their mellow sound and heartfelt lyrics.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Band Name | The Critters |
| Origin | Plainfield, New Jersey, USA |
| Years Active | 1964–1967, 2007–2013 |
| Genres | Pop, Folk Rock, Soft Rock |
| Best-Known Hit | “Mr. Dieingly Sad” (#17 Billboard Hot 100, 1966) |
| First Charting Single | “Younger Girl” (#42 US, #38 UK) |
| Label | Kama Sutra Records |
| Original Members | Don Ciccone, Jim Ryan, Bob Podstawski, Ken Gorka, Chris Darway, Jack Decker |
| Later Members (2007–2013) | Albert Miller, Lenny Rocco, Milt Koster |
| Legacy | Known for lush vocal harmonies and soft pop sound; “Mr. Dieingly Sad” remains a classic of 1960s pop |
From the Vibratones to The Critters
The band originated in Plainfield, New Jersey, in 1964. Initially known as The Vibratones, the group changed their name to The Critters to follow the trend of animal-themed band names like The Beatles and The Animals.
Founding Members:
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Don Ciccone – vocals, guitar, songwriter
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Jim Ryan – lead guitar
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Bob Podstawski – saxophone
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Ken Gorka – bass
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Chris Darway – keyboards
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Jack Decker – drums
Their music fused gentle pop melodies with harmonized vocals, often likened to The Lovin’ Spoonful. Not coincidentally, The Critters recorded for Kama Sutra Records, the same label that signed The Lovin’ Spoonful.
Kama Sutra Records: A Brief Overview
Kama Sutra Records began in 1964 and partnered with MGM for distribution. Known for its eclectic roster and psychedelic label designs, Kama Sutra became a launching pad for several successful 1960s acts.
Later, its catalog became associated with Buddah Records and was eventually absorbed by Sony Music, with Legacy Recordings now managing its releases. The Critters’ early material remains preserved in that catalog.
Charting with “Younger Girl”
The Critters’ first charting single was “Younger Girl,” a cover of a song written by John Sebastian of The Lovin’ Spoonful. It performed modestly:
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#42 on the Billboard Hot 100
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#38 in the UK Singles Chart
This gentle, folk-pop tune helped establish the band’s identity and earned them their initial fanbase.
Breakout Hit: “Mr. Dieingly Sad”
In 1966, The Critters released “Mr. Dieingly Sad,” written by Don Ciccone. The heartfelt ballad, known for its poetic lyrics and lush vocal delivery, became the group’s biggest hit.
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Peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100
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Featured on their debut album Younger Girl (1966)
The song’s melancholic tone and romantic themes struck a chord with listeners. It became their signature track, capturing the bittersweet essence of 1960s pop balladry.
More Singles and Decline
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Following their success, The Critters released several more singles, including:
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“Don’t Let the Rain Fall Down on Me” – Reached #39, their final Top 40 hit
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Various covers and originals featured on later albums
However, the Vietnam War-era draft took a heavy toll on the group:
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Don Ciccone, Bob Podstawski, and Jack Decker were all drafted
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Chris Darway left to study art
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Only Jim Ryan and Ken Gorka remained
Despite attempts to keep the group going, The Critters couldn’t maintain their earlier momentum.
Later Years and Reformation
Ryan and Gorka continued the band under the Project 3 label, releasing two more albums:
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Touch ‘n Go with The Critters
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The Critters (self-titled)
However, these albums did not chart, and the band disbanded by the end of the 1960s.
In 2007, The Critters were re-formed by Don Ciccone with new members:
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Albert Miller
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Lenny Rocco
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Milt Koster
This version of the band performed a mix of classic Critters songs and other material from Ciccone’s career. They continued to play live until 2013, when the group officially disbanded for the second and final time.
Legacy of “Mr. Dieingly Sad”
Though The Critters never became a household name, “Mr. Dieingly Sad” endures as a beloved soft-pop classic. The song has appeared on numerous 1960s compilations and continues to receive airplay on oldies and soft rock radio stations. Don Ciccone went on to join The Four Seasons and Tommy James and the Shondells, contributing to other pop hits after his time with The Critters.