Tag: The Critters

Don Ciccone passes away

powerpopaholic

Don Ciccone, a singer-songwriter who was a member of the Four Seasons, the Shondells, and the Critters, died Saturday at 70 years old. Born in New Jersey, Ciccone was a founding member of the Critters, who had minor hits in the 1960s and helped the American front hold its own during the British Invasion years. Their “Mr. Dieingly Sad,” written by Ciccone, and “Younger Girl” both made their way to the Billboard charts. After serving in the Vietnam war, he was tapped by Frankie Valli to join the Four Seasons, where he played guitar and bass. He also contributed lead vocals to songs including “December 1963 (Oh, What a Night)” and “Rhapsody.”

“Mr. Dieingly Sad” is one of my favorite nuggets from the post British Invasion era, full of lush harmonies, soft melodic vocals and I was proud to review The Critters last album. Thanks for the memories Don, you will be missed.

The Critters “Timepieces”

powerpopaholic

Old bands don’t always die, sometimes they come back. Originally similar to The Lovin’ Spoonfuls, they scored a big hit in 1966 with “Mr. Dieingly Sad.” Known for soft vocal harmonies I wondered what the band would sound like 45 years later, lead by surviving original member Don Ciccone. Much like The Four Seasons after its prime, it goes after a contemporary sound and splits up vocals and songwriting between new band members.

Listening to the opening track “Keep America Dancing,” I thought I had the wrong band on… it sounded more like Hank Williams Jr. But I need not worry, an excellent cover of Jackie Deshannon’s “Children and Flowers” and a few of the band’s past hits followed, albiet with a slick Vegas-style gloss. Mr. Ciccone still has solid songwriting skills, evidenced by  the impressive “A Roll Of The Dice,” but its his only new contribution other than the forgettable “Ooh, La Ooh.” The harmonies that gave the band its claim-to-fame are still intact and displayed beautifully on “Pledge of Allegiance.”  Not bad for a bunch of a geezers. Tailor made for the oldies circuit, it will win over my dad easily, but I wished the band stayed closer to its folk rock roots instead of trying to appeal to the Lee Greenwood – Wayne Newton crowd.