I have loved this song from the day it came out, I can just sit here and I am driving a 409 Chevy punching second gear and the radio is wide open with all the hard top windows down its a beautiful night and I am driving in down town Pottstown Pa going from Gino's to the tropical treat drive in and I am young and I am just glad to be alive.This is such an awesome song, wore a 45 of it out just playing it over and over. Cheers to the Band!
@@Robin6876 Wow such a small world I used to Drive back and forth Gino's to the tropical treat such wonderful Days they were. Many years I drove in in Chevy's and also in a 1967 Buick Gs 400 Banging Gears, those were the days My Friend. Good Old Pottstown Pa. Do you still Live in Pottstown? There is a sight on Face book called the Good old days of Pottstown if you are interested.
@@donaldperrotta8514 and I would be behind the wheel of my ‘69 Road Runner 383 Magnum that my old man drove off the showroom floor. I didn’t realize until then that floor to ceiling showroom windows actually opened up to drive in and eventually back out. Twas Camp Bowie Blvd for me thought, a Ft Worth, Tx boy I was/am
I was born when this song came out, so pretty. I love the music and vocals. I did not know Mr. Ciccone passed away. What did he die from, and how old was he.
Truly a song in amber. The Vietnam war was raging and summer was when graduating high school and college kids were being drafted to fight. The Critters emerged during the "British Invasion" in popular music and provided a wistful, heart throb of a song to add to that soundtrack. I saw them twice when they played local gigs in North Jersey where we all lived. They embodied the DNA of their place and time like no other band.
College kids had a student deferment, it was the non-college kids who graduated high school and were 18-20, who were the draftees! Most of the draftees were poor, black, and other non-college attending who were the ones killed or grievously wounded in Vietnam, or who came back drug-addicted to escape their horrid memories of what atrocities they did in Vietnam!
Great song! One of my all time favorites. I'm 56 and grew up in central Jersey (Bound Brook. This song brings back so many images and memories of that summer of 1966. I've always felt that Mr Dieingly Sad has somewhat of a samba beat to it and would be a hit today if a current artist recorded it. Jim Ryan, if you read this, I was wondering if the Critters ever played the Stanton Grange or the Hullabaloo Club in Manville. Thanks again for the music and the memories.
In May of 1966 I entered the Air Force and after Basic Training I was sent to Chanute AFB for Tech School. We lined up the first morning to march to classes and the Instructor said we had someone that was going to call cadence for us. Every day as we marched this guy had some new cadence song we marched to. When the Critters album hit the BX we bought every one they had. . .and Don autographed each one. Yep, our cadence guru was Don Ciccone. Still have the Album today, 42 years later.
On this day in 1966 {August 18th} the Critters performed "Mr. Dieingly Sad" on the Dick Clark produced ABC-TV weekday-afternoon program 'Where The Action Is'... At the time the song was at #65 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, seven weeks later it would peak at #17 {for 1 week} and it spent 11 weeks on the Top 100... And on the same 'Action' show they also performed their covered version of the Lovin' Spoonful's "Younger Girl", it had peaked at #42 earlier in 1966 on July 3rd... The Jersey quintet had two other Top 100 records, "Bad Misunderstanding" {#55 in 1966} and "Don't Let the Rain Fall Down On Me" {#39 in 1967}...
Brings fond memories of growing up with Jack, Chris, Jimmy,Don and good buddy Kenny. Buy then Don was in the Air Force and I was in the Navy. Good to see Jimmy still entertaining with The Hit Men and Don with The Critters in the Port Saint Lucie- Ft Pierce Florida area. If the Hit Men play in your area, go to see them. They rock with oldies. Also you can search on You Tube for The Hit Men. The guy with no hair is Jimmy Ryan.
A coworker of mine knew Mr. Ciccone from their time in the Air Force. I was playing this song at work in 2003-2004 and hearing it struck a note with my coworker. I wish I could remember every word my friend had said but I only have the thumbnail sketch in memory of that conversation. It would be difficult to find my coworker now after over fifteen years and I hope he is doing well.
Growing up in NJ (a kid in the 60's),this band has a special place in my heart. Mr. Dieingly Sad is just a perfect song. Obviously The Critters should've been more than just a one-hit-wonder band(they did have a few other lower-charting covers) but Uncle Sam called one or more of the guys, if I recall, (during the Nam era)and so they receded into pop oblivion...but not b4 they left behind this timeless gem
Hi Kevin, I love this song too, it has special meaning to me since I also grew up in the 60's and lived in The Critter's favorite hometown of Westfield. I knew Kenny Gorka pretty well & one of my best friend's dated him and she might have been the " younger girl" they sang about. It was a great time to be alive, despite the war and all the upheaval in our society. We had the richness of our music. It was a time of unlimited creativity.
hey jim! i was only 8 yrs old when this song came out, but i have to tell you, it has always been one of my favorites. it's just such a beautiful song. thanks for sharing it with us.
foxyjd -- you must be very proud of your father. I saw The Critters perform at Villanova University in 1967. Still have my original album that has this song and "The Younger Girl," where your dad plays a neat lead guitar. The album says he was from Plainfield, NJ and that he was "studious and enjoys electronics." What a great band the Critters were -- they are truly one of my High School soundtrack groups. Thank you for posting on here. Your dad contributed to making a lot of people happy.
Someone gave me the Critters first album as a demo. I am 47 yrs old and i still have it, and have recently converted it so i can play it on the ipod. Great stuff and still engaging after all these years.
Filmed at the Eden Roc hotel in Miami Beach in August 1966. Sadly shortly after the band broke up as this hit continued near the top of the charts throughout the rest of the year.
Yes, in fact the singer (on the recording, Don Ciccone), left the band shortly before this video was made because he had been drafted. In his absence, bassist Ken Gorka is lip-synching the lead vocal. The other Critter who was drafted was Jack Decker, in this video the blond guy with the drumsticks.
What a shame with the turn of events. The songwriter (Don Ciccone) had true talent to craft such a great song and before it hit's the charts he is no longer around to propel the band to the status they deserve.
@@davidirwin1549 The draft was the end of several 60s bands. Archie Bell (of Archie Bell & the Drells) was in the Army when his song "Tighten Up" became a hit, in fact going to #1. It slowed or even killed his creative momentum.
David, I was living only 5 miles from the Eden Roc in Miami Beach, 1965-67. I had no idea Dick Clark and The Critters were there! One of my personal favorite videos, as they also performed their first, earlier hit that year, "Younger Girl" also played in Aug. 1966, there: ua-cam.com/video/mManMdcxQek/v-deo.html
This song is a grossly underrated 'classic'. The disintegration of the group shortly after their two Top 40 hits certainly added to it's 'lack' of acclaim over the years. Don Ciccone penned quite a tune, eh? This one went to No. 17, but gets little airplay on the oldie stations. It's a shame.
@bellsys1 It's my favorite song of all time. I was on a street corner with friends. There was an older girl a few yards away. She was at least twice my age. A dark haired beauty in blue jeans. I was watching her laugh and move backward, tossing her hair back with her hand, the way they do. I was struck dumb and motionless. It was overcast, the leaves were turning and there was a cold breeze in the air. This song was playing on someone's radio. I'll never forget it.
This has been one of my all-time favorite "dreamy" songs since my teen years in the Sixties. It still gives me chills. The Critters had a wonderful sound, but there was such a huge amount of competition back then. We were so lucky as listeners, but the bands had a tough time I'll bet. I'm sharing this video with someone seeking great songs with a "haunting" melody. I hope she'll like it.
I feel my tears, they fall like rain Weeping forth the sad refrain Blue, dark, and dim it may seem You mark a grin, a moonbeam Brightens your smile, pray tell me How all the while you can be So mystifyingly glad I'm Mr. Dieingly Sad You say, take my hand and walk with me Wake this land and stop the sea Show me love, unlock All doors I'm yours
You are A Very Smart Young Man! I lived those days, The songs were great the cars were fast and Life was Good. I wish you could have been there! Your taste for Music is great!!
Thank you, Mr. Ciccone, for a well written piece of music--had this record in my collection until recently--the "samba" style arrangement and sunny/moody vibe combined made this, I believe, a somewhat "lost" classic, even though it was a Top 40/50 record.
I have that same feeling. The '60s had its good (this exquisiite music, arts, entertainment on only 3 networks, and a growing economy!), but the foreign war and race riots, assassinations, was the flip, negative side! That horrible, illegal, destructive, and divisive war should never have been fought! It tore the country apart for over a decade causing nothing but strife, hatred on the people instead of both sides hating the government's war killing 58,300 young men, and over a million Vietnamese! The fact there was no Declaration of War makes it not only illegal, but also immoral as there was no threat to the U.S. in that far-away, decrepit (then) Third World country. Years later, Vietnam trades goods peacefully with the U.S., despite their political difference!
"Blue, dark, and dim it may seem. You mark a grin, a moonbeam Brightens your smile; pray tell me How, all the while, you can be So mystifyingly glad? I'm Mr. Dieingly Sad"
Oh yeah, a great song for sure. I think there are several of us here in this Critters cult who feel the same way. Although "Mr. Dieingly Sad" is my favorite of them all, and I think one of the greatest ballads of the rock era.
Brother? I was only on ship one time! Morehead City NC to Norway for NATO. Up in north Atlantic, ship starting seriously rocking one night! Guys were sliding across the mess deck laughing their asses off! Tables and chairs all strapped to the wall! Hellacious clattering and clanging as we rocked! We pulled out of Morehead City pretty slowly. Coast was visible for a long time. When it finally disappeared and you saw only water in every direction ..... well, it was kinda scary!
I always loved this song!!! It's great actually seeing a live performance of this song available. "Younger Girl" is another one of my favorites!! Thanxxx!!!
i love this song i've heard this song frm a band way back in our province...and only know that i have seen who sang this song! love it eventhough im 24 of age i will still love 60's music! mabuhay!
The band members shown here are, from left to right: Jack Decker (drums), Chris Darway (piano), Ken Gorka (bass) and Jim Ryan (guitar). It's actually Don Ciccone (guitar, vocals, and the composer of this song) singing on the recording of this song but he had been drafted and couldn't be there, so Ken lip-synched for him in this video.
Now this is music!Sorry to hear about Jimmy Ryan,i didn't know that he passed.I worked with Don Ciccone a few times in the 60's.This was a great band.Nothing like the shit today.
I thought this was Johnny Mathis when it first came out! My transistor radio didn't have the best fidelity... I see I posted here seven years ago, and yes, I still listen to this piece of musical perfection any time I find myself a little wound up from the activities of the day. If I had to choose only one song to listen to on a continuous loop forever, it just might be this one.
Left to right, the Critters are Jack Decker (drums), Chris Darway (piano), Ken Gorka (bass) and Jim Ryan (guitar). Ken lip sychs the vocal for Don Ciccone (guitar) who had been drafted.
I just close my eyes, and listen to this beautiful song, almost tearing up. Lots of wonderful memories from those days. Such innocents, and fun loving teens. Sigh
yeah this song more than a lot of others, don't know why it every time takes me right back to 14 years old in 1966, crushes on girls and maybe some smiles was about it....plus the band actually looks the way we did in jr. high, maybe it's the paisley shirt
Don Ciccone is alive and well and living in South Florida. The Critters are playing local gigs on weekends. A concert with Tommy James and the Shondells has been scheduled for South Florida in the Fall. More news later. tjpresto
You watched American Bandstand every week, like I did? Did you get my other message? Look at a response here from "jrslam". He's one of the critters, Jim Ryan, the guy playing guitar in this video. He says Don Ciccone was the singer of "dieingly sad" and tells why Ken Gorka lip-synched the song for TV.
I grew up in a neighboring town when this was on the radio, and all the girls had "Critter" sightings (my term), where they would all report to each other in high school the next day. Funny thinking back on it, but it a nationally-known band being from a local town doesn't happen all the time.
It is Don Ciccone singing lead however that's not Don in the video. Don was in the USAF when the song was a hit. If you want to see Don Ciccone on UA-cam, start here: "The Critters with Don Ciccone" You can also find clips of Don in the Four Seasons Look for "Oh What a Night"
For me it ranks with 1963-5, and 1967 as the last, best years in music and in the U.S., before the stinkin' war, riots, and the division among the people and government became the worst in that era in '68.
Another great jersey band thanks for some time to remember my first sad breakup played this over and over 50years ago down the shore in Seaside it got me through it
@tunesmith09 Mr. Dieingly Sad and Younger Girl may be the most remembered hits of the group but chart wise "Dieingly" went to #17 and "Younger Girl" #42. "Don't Let The Rain" charted at #39.
Hey, I saw you guys open for The Rascals at St. John's University back in the day. I remember to this day how you TORE THE HOUSE DOWN with your own rendition of "Good Vibrations!" Impeccable vocals!
These guys went into the studio and recorded this song first, but apparently the folks at Kapp Records didn't think it would click. So they recorded Sebastian's "Younger Girl" (not yet a hit for the Spoonful) and that was released. Only when draft notices were served on two of the members of the group (yes, Don was one!) did the label scramble for a follow-up single and put this one out. It scored big, but there was no real group to follow it up This video was recorded just days before the band splintered.
Don got back just fine and eventually joined Frankie Valli in a revamped Four Seasons (he was on such later hits as "December 1963" and "Grease.") Don now tours with a bunch of friends (some are former Four Seasons) and performs a variety of songs from throughout his career. I must say that his voice has changed considerably from his younger days. Not so easily recognizable.
I'm pretty sure that the other band member who was unfortunately drafted was Jack Decker, the drummer (seen here on the left, with drumsticks, of course). The lead vocal on this recording was done by Don Ciccone, but by the time this video was made, he had left for the Air Force, so bassist Ken Gorka acted as the (lip synch) vocalist.
Truly an underplayed song. The other posts' mentions of Brian Wilson, the nice melody, progressions, chords and harmony are dead on, It's like the Beach Boys meet the softer side of psychedalia. When I listen closely, I also swear there is the slightest seasoning of Bet Kaempfert and Martin Denny in there, too.
Thanks Jim I'm 59 about to turn 60 and this song takes me back to some really great times. Downloaded this song and its on my MP3 now One of my all time favorites. Thanks so very much again Jerry
Beatiful music masterpiece cannot be equalized by contemporary singers, we are so fortunate in enyoing our music, 50 years ago... That's why the people who voted thumb down doesn't know about romanticism really Is...
@TheCrittersBand Don, is that really you? It's great that you come forward & talk about the Critters. Jim Ryan also jumped in (~ 2 yrs ago) and treated us to some Critter history. For example, I asked him, Who were they girls & guys singing the ooohs & ahhhs in the background? and he said, That's me & Don! And a few years ago in NYC, I went to the Bitter End & met Ken Gorka. He talked a few minutes about the Critter days; said he & Hendrix raced each other across the GW bridge in their 'vettes!
Boy, I used to rush home to catch "Where The Action Is" just like my sister used to do for Bandstand.....but at least the crowd on Action didn't look like a small town cast from West Side Story" like Bandstand's did
@ShockDoc BTW, the Critters in this video, from left to right, are: Jack Decker (drums), Chris Darway, (percussion and keyboards), Ken Gorka (bass), and Jim Ryan (guitar). Missing, of course, is Don Ciccone (guitar).
One of my favorites............I am from the same town in NJ as some of the Critters, they were a few yrs ahead of me in High School but we were proud of them
It's not simply that tastes have changed but such a well-crafted and well-performed tune as this is completely beyond the tiny imaginations of today's tattooed, t-shirted duds.
Jim, I visited Don's website, which includes a few old photos of the critters. After seeing the videos, it's very interesting to see photos which have everyone present and read about the critters' origins.
You're right, the original is usually best, but there are rare exceptions. "Dedicated To The One I Love" was much better as an acoustic type ballad (Mamas & Papas) than a girl-group song (The Shirelles). Speaking of the Shirelles, their "Baby It's You" was better than the Beatles remake. The Beatles usually improved on whatever they covered, but not in that case.
You're right, but I think it's just the quality of the video, which makes everything look slightly ghostly, along with the fact that it's from another era.
I don’t recall hearing this at all in the uk at the time. Was it ever released here? It strikes me as the most mellifluous of the late 60’s pop outings, even more so than The Association, Union Gap, or Spanky etc. The lead singer has an exquisite tone.
I make recordings for a living and Bandstand was the first thing I ever taped (1958). An earlier poster says this is from 'Where the Action Is' but that show was just produced by DC and hosted by Steve Alaimo, so we're both right. Some months back I looked up info on MDS while transferring vinyl to digital and read the story where I got the idea it was another singer. I can't reconstruct it now. That's the internet for ya. The poster looking for lyrics: just google it. Tabs too!
Damn..I wish I could go back and do it all over again.The music and the girls.They had so much class then.And they were not so easy.Took me at least a month..lol...
Looks like the 20s - but sounds like (and is) the 60s. It's all good to me, I was there in both periods and I love them both. (probably 20s a bit more...teeheeeheeeee) Great transcribe, and presto illuminate on this one. In other words, thanks for the good vibrations.
I was in high school when this record came out, and I got a 45 rpm copy of it, and my mother said she thought it was nice. I did not get that kind of comment about most of the stuff I listened to.
The Critters were a great soft-rock band in the same musical vein as The Association. "Younger Girl" ( a remake of a Lovin' Spoonful album track) is well remembered, but it only peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 national pop singles chart (it did much better in places like New York City, where it went to #2 on WMCA). "Mr. Dyingly Sad" did better nationally, getting to #17, & #6 on WMCA/New York. "Don't Let The Rain Fall Down On Me" is a true lost hit, peaking at 39 nationally & #5 on WMCA.
@rs431 Well said. I would say Don Ciccone's composition here rivaled anything The Beatles or Beach Boys did. It's awesome. I never get tired of hearing it.
Dear Maltese: Can you name the performers in this video? (i.e., left to right, guy with drumsticks, guy clapping, guy singing, and guy playing guitar? You say the singer is Don Ciccone but another comment says he is Kenny Gorka. On the "Younger Girl" video, the guy clapping is ID'd as Chris Darway. Also, does anyone know all the words to "Mr Dieingly Sad"?
I have loved this song from the day it came out, I can just sit here and I am driving a 409 Chevy punching second gear and the radio is wide open with all the hard top windows down its a beautiful night and I am driving in down town Pottstown Pa going from Gino's to the tropical treat drive in and I am young and I am just glad to be alive.This is such an awesome song, wore a 45 of it out just playing it over and over. Cheers to the Band!
Kinseydsp wow ..... I used to cruise High Street too. And this was one of my favorites
@@Robin6876 Wow such a small world I used to Drive back and forth Gino's to the tropical treat such wonderful Days they were. Many years I drove in in Chevy's and also in a 1967 Buick Gs 400 Banging Gears, those were the days My Friend. Good Old Pottstown Pa. Do you still Live in Pottstown? There is a sight on Face book called the Good old days of Pottstown if you are interested.
@Kinseydsp thanks for sharing your memories, and bringing old Pottstown alive for those of us who never got to experience it.
Perfect ….. but I’d be driving a 440 , 6-pack Road runner
@@donaldperrotta8514 and I would be behind the wheel of my ‘69 Road Runner 383 Magnum that my old man drove off the showroom floor. I didn’t realize until then that floor to ceiling showroom windows actually opened up to drive in and eventually back out. Twas Camp Bowie Blvd for me thought, a Ft Worth, Tx boy I was/am
RIP Don Ciccone, you left us with great memories and one of the best tunes ever.
I was born when this song came out, so pretty. I love the music and vocals. I did not know Mr. Ciccone passed away. What did he die from, and how old was he.
Truly a song in amber. The Vietnam war was raging and summer was when graduating high school and college kids were being drafted to fight. The Critters emerged during the "British Invasion" in popular music and provided a wistful, heart throb of a song to add to that soundtrack. I saw them twice when they played local gigs in North Jersey where we all lived. They embodied the DNA of their place and time like no other band.
Agree 100%.
Trudy 1966 Year what a grate song and year too..love was in the air.🎶🎶🎸🎸❤️
The Summer of 1966: The calm before the storm.
College kids had a student deferment, it was the non-college kids who graduated high school and were 18-20, who were the draftees! Most of the draftees were poor, black, and other non-college attending who were the ones killed or grievously wounded in Vietnam, or who came back drug-addicted to escape their horrid memories of what atrocities they did in Vietnam!
Great song. The key change makes this song sound like two songs in one. One of the great love songs of the 60's.
One of the most beautiful tunes from the mid 60's.
Great song! One of my all time favorites. I'm 56 and grew up in central Jersey (Bound Brook. This song brings back so many images and memories of that summer of 1966. I've always felt that Mr Dieingly Sad has somewhat of a samba beat to it and would be a hit today if a current artist recorded it. Jim Ryan, if you read this, I was wondering if the Critters ever played the Stanton Grange or the Hullabaloo Club in Manville. Thanks again for the music and the memories.
I love all of the Critters music. But "Don't Let the Rain Fall Down on Me" just gives me damn goosebumps every time. Anybody else??
In May of 1966 I entered the Air Force and after Basic Training I was sent to Chanute AFB for Tech School. We lined up the first morning to march to classes and the Instructor said we had someone that was going to call cadence for us. Every day as we marched this guy had some new cadence song we marched to. When the Critters album hit the BX we bought every one they had. . .and Don autographed each one. Yep, our cadence guru was Don Ciccone. Still have the Album today, 42 years later.
On this day in 1966 {August 18th} the Critters performed "Mr. Dieingly Sad" on the Dick Clark produced ABC-TV weekday-afternoon program 'Where The Action Is'...
At the time the song was at #65 on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, seven weeks later it would peak at #17 {for 1 week} and it spent 11 weeks on the Top 100...
And on the same 'Action' show they also performed their covered version of the Lovin' Spoonful's "Younger Girl", it had peaked at #42 earlier in 1966 on July 3rd...
The Jersey quintet had two other Top 100 records, "Bad Misunderstanding" {#55 in 1966} and "Don't Let the Rain Fall Down On Me" {#39 in 1967}...
Three records hit top ten in New York, WMCA and WABC. Someone pointed this out also in an earlier post. "Younger Girl" hit #2, behind Frank Sinatra
I just love and always have loved this beautiful Song! memories of Driving my 1967 Buick GS 400 up and down through town!
Brings fond memories of growing up with Jack, Chris, Jimmy,Don and good buddy Kenny. Buy then Don was in the Air Force and I was in the Navy. Good to see Jimmy still entertaining with The Hit Men and Don with The Critters in the Port Saint Lucie- Ft Pierce Florida area. If the Hit Men play in your area, go to see them. They rock with oldies. Also you can search on You Tube for The Hit Men. The guy with no hair is Jimmy Ryan.
A coworker of mine knew Mr. Ciccone from their time in the Air Force. I was playing this song at work in 2003-2004 and hearing it struck a note with my coworker. I wish I could remember every word my friend had said but I only have the thumbnail sketch in memory of that conversation. It would be difficult to find my coworker now after over fifteen years and I hope he is doing well.
Growing up in NJ (a kid in the 60's),this band has a special place in my heart. Mr. Dieingly Sad is just a perfect song. Obviously The Critters should've been more than just a one-hit-wonder band(they did have a few other lower-charting covers) but Uncle Sam called one or more of the guys, if I recall, (during the Nam era)and so they receded into pop oblivion...but not b4 they left behind this timeless gem
Hi Kevin, I love this song too, it has special meaning to me since I also grew up in the 60's and lived in The Critter's favorite hometown of Westfield. I knew Kenny Gorka pretty well & one of my best friend's dated him and she might have been the " younger girl" they sang about. It was a great time to be alive, despite the war and all the upheaval in our society. We had the richness of our music. It was a time of unlimited creativity.
hey jim! i was only 8 yrs old when this song came out, but i have to tell you, it has always been one of my favorites. it's just such a beautiful song. thanks for sharing it with us.
foxyjd -- you must be very proud of your father. I saw The Critters perform at Villanova University in 1967. Still have my original album that has this song and "The Younger Girl," where your dad plays a neat lead guitar. The album says he was from Plainfield, NJ and that he was "studious and enjoys electronics." What a great band the Critters were -- they are truly one of my High School soundtrack groups. Thank you for posting on here. Your dad contributed to making a lot of people happy.
Someone gave me the Critters first album as a demo. I am 47 yrs old and i still have it, and have recently converted it so i can play it on the ipod. Great stuff and still engaging after all these years.
Filmed at the Eden Roc hotel in Miami Beach in August 1966. Sadly shortly after the band broke up as this hit continued near the top of the charts throughout the rest of the year.
Yes, in fact the singer (on the recording, Don Ciccone), left the band shortly before this video was made because he had been drafted. In his absence, bassist Ken Gorka is lip-synching the lead vocal. The other Critter who was drafted was Jack Decker, in this video the blond guy with the drumsticks.
What a shame with the turn of events. The songwriter (Don Ciccone) had true talent to craft such a great song and before it hit's the charts he is no longer around to propel the band to the status they deserve.
@@davidirwin1549 The draft was the end of several 60s bands. Archie Bell (of Archie Bell & the Drells) was in the Army when his song "Tighten Up" became a hit, in fact going to #1. It slowed or even killed his creative momentum.
That's a shame - all that talent wasted.
David, I was living only 5 miles from the Eden Roc in Miami Beach, 1965-67. I had no idea Dick Clark and The Critters were there! One of my personal favorite videos, as they also performed their first, earlier hit that year, "Younger Girl" also played in Aug. 1966, there: ua-cam.com/video/mManMdcxQek/v-deo.html
This song is a grossly underrated 'classic'. The disintegration of the group shortly after their two Top 40 hits certainly added to it's 'lack' of acclaim over the years. Don Ciccone penned quite a tune, eh? This one went to No. 17, but gets little airplay on the oldie stations. It's a shame.
@bellsys1 It's my favorite song of all time. I was on a street corner with friends. There was an older girl a few yards away. She was at least twice my age. A dark haired beauty in blue jeans. I was watching her laugh and move backward, tossing her hair back with her hand, the way they do. I was struck dumb and motionless. It was overcast, the leaves were turning and there was a cold breeze in the air. This song was playing on someone's radio. I'll never forget it.
This has been one of my all-time favorite "dreamy" songs since my teen years in the Sixties. It still gives me chills. The Critters had a wonderful sound, but there was such a huge amount of competition back then. We were so lucky as listeners, but the bands had a tough time I'll bet. I'm sharing this video with someone seeking great songs with a "haunting" melody. I hope she'll like it.
I have always loved this song . Great memories of this song 💖❤️❤️❤️❤️
I feel my tears, they fall like rain
Weeping forth the sad refrain
Blue, dark, and dim it may seem
You mark a grin, a moonbeam
Brightens your smile, pray tell me
How all the while you can be
So mystifyingly glad
I'm Mr. Dieingly Sad
You say, take my hand and walk with me
Wake this land and stop the sea
Show me love, unlock
All doors
I'm yours
Absolutely my favorite song from the 60's....and there were quite a few to choose from. Excellent harmonies.
You are A Very Smart Young Man! I lived those days, The songs were great the cars were fast and Life was Good. I wish you could have been there! Your taste for Music is great!!
Thank you, Mr. Ciccone, for a well written piece of music--had this record in my collection until recently--the "samba" style arrangement and sunny/moody vibe combined made this, I believe, a somewhat "lost" classic, even though it was a Top 40/50 record.
Great song; i just came across this song the other day on a cassette tape that I recorded off the radio over 20 years ago.
Right now I'm just crying my heart out. Remembering these times. My generation, my peaple, my time growing up with all this love. God bless the 60'S.
I have that same feeling. The '60s had its good (this exquisiite music, arts, entertainment on only 3 networks, and a growing economy!), but the foreign war and race riots, assassinations, was the flip, negative side! That horrible, illegal, destructive, and divisive war should never have been fought! It tore the country apart for over a decade causing nothing but strife, hatred on the people instead of both sides hating the government's war killing 58,300 young men, and over a million Vietnamese! The fact there was no Declaration of War makes it not only illegal, but also immoral as there was no threat to the U.S. in that far-away, decrepit (then) Third World country. Years later, Vietnam trades goods peacefully with the U.S., despite their political difference!
"Blue, dark, and dim it may seem.
You mark a grin, a moonbeam
Brightens your smile; pray tell me
How, all the while, you can be
So mystifyingly glad?
I'm Mr. Dieingly Sad"
Oh yeah, a great song for sure. I think there are several of us here in this Critters cult who feel the same way. Although "Mr. Dieingly Sad" is my favorite of them all, and I think one of the greatest ballads of the rock era.
Brother? I was only on ship one time! Morehead City NC to Norway for NATO. Up in north Atlantic, ship starting seriously rocking one night! Guys were sliding across the mess deck laughing their asses off! Tables and chairs all strapped to the wall! Hellacious clattering and clanging as we rocked! We pulled out of Morehead City pretty slowly. Coast was visible for a long time. When it finally disappeared and you saw only water in every direction ..... well, it was kinda scary!
I always loved this song!!! It's great actually seeing a live performance of this song available. "Younger Girl" is another one of my favorites!! Thanxxx!!!
i love this song i've heard this song frm a band way back in our province...and only know that i have seen who sang this song! love it eventhough im 24 of age i will still love 60's music! mabuhay!
The band members shown here are, from left to right: Jack Decker (drums), Chris Darway (piano), Ken Gorka (bass) and Jim Ryan (guitar). It's actually Don Ciccone (guitar, vocals, and the composer of this song) singing on the recording of this song but he had been drafted and couldn't be there, so Ken lip-synched for him in this video.
Now this is music!Sorry to hear about Jimmy Ryan,i didn't know that he passed.I worked with Don Ciccone a few times in the 60's.This was a great band.Nothing like the shit today.
a very nice melody intertwined with romantic progressions of beautiful chords and harmony. It brings back memories
Wow what a song. It sure brings back memories of much more simplier times that are long behind me now. Why did life had to get get so complicated
I thought this was Johnny Mathis when it first came out! My
transistor radio didn't have the best fidelity...
I see I posted here seven years ago, and yes, I still listen to this piece of musical perfection any time I find myself a little wound up from the activities of the day. If I had to choose only one song to listen to on a continuous loop forever, it just might be this one.
This was a great song. So glad to find this video.
Left to right, the Critters are Jack Decker (drums), Chris Darway (piano), Ken Gorka (bass) and Jim Ryan (guitar). Ken lip sychs the vocal for Don Ciccone (guitar) who had been drafted.
Songwriting like this is indeed inspired. The performance also very tasteful. An enduring classic.
This is a wonderful rarity! (That's Westfield NJ's own Jim Ryan with the guitar, btw.)
I just close my eyes, and listen to this beautiful song, almost tearing up. Lots of wonderful memories from those days.
Such innocents, and fun loving teens. Sigh
yeah this song more than a lot of others, don't know why it every time takes me right back to 14 years old in 1966, crushes on girls and maybe some smiles was about it....plus the band actually looks the way we did in jr. high, maybe it's the paisley shirt
@@rockobill7637 your sweet.
Don Ciccone is alive and well and living in South Florida. The Critters are playing local gigs on weekends. A concert with Tommy James and the Shondells has been scheduled for South Florida in the Fall. More news later. tjpresto
absolutely romantic,lush and beautiful
That's so cool and notalgic about the "class of '65 . I wonder what that woman's like now? This is a great tune and I'm glad I finnaly found it!
You watched American Bandstand every week, like I did? Did you get my other message? Look at a response here from "jrslam". He's one of the critters, Jim Ryan, the guy playing guitar in this video. He says Don Ciccone was the singer of "dieingly sad" and tells why Ken Gorka lip-synched the song for TV.
I grew up in a neighboring town when this was on the radio, and all the girls had "Critter" sightings (my term), where they would all report to each other in high school the next day. Funny thinking back on it, but it a nationally-known band being from a local town doesn't happen all the time.
Great song, I remember it well! Nice channel. 👍👍
Excellent! What a great recording and definitely worth the price of the download.
It is Don Ciccone singing lead however that's not Don in the video. Don was in the USAF when the song was a hit. If you want to see Don Ciccone on UA-cam, start here: "The Critters with Don Ciccone"
You can also find clips of Don in the Four Seasons Look for "Oh What a Night"
From the greatest year for music 1966.from the greatest decade for music the 60$. My favorite song
For me it ranks with 1963-5, and 1967 as the last, best years in music and in the U.S., before the stinkin' war, riots, and the division among the people and government became the worst in that era in '68.
Great Tune ! Sounds like Tommy on slide..... this kicks butt ! JINX !
Another great jersey band thanks for some time to remember my first sad breakup played this over and over 50years ago down the shore in Seaside it got me through it
@tunesmith09 Mr. Dieingly Sad and Younger Girl may be the most remembered hits of the group but chart wise "Dieingly" went to #17 and "Younger Girl" #42. "Don't Let The Rain" charted at #39.
SeaOvJapan: I was so glad to find this video still posted. Don't ever take it down!
this now this is dieingly beauuuuuuutiful I love this gem of a tune just too beautiful just listening to it peace everybody.
One of my favorites from the 60's...I was coming of age then, still a child...15years old~
Me too...
such a great love song...
My goodness the women were so beautiful back then.
+Rickky Bobby yes, especially the first dancing girl with the dark hair, hair band and shorts...I wonder whatever happened to her?
+Ricky Bobby Miami Beach (where this was filmed at the Eden Roc hotel) was swimming (pun) with gorgeous women.
+Ricky Bobby because they were not 50/50's full of energy drinks covered with tat's and more often than not had parents that took care of them.
+Ricky Bobby oh yes,and "back then" was really better than today.
+oldies geek ....she's in a Nursing Home now unfortanetly
Hey, I saw you guys open for The Rascals at St. John's University back in the day. I remember to this day how you TORE THE HOUSE DOWN with your own rendition of "Good Vibrations!" Impeccable vocals!
Psychedelicate? Dam, that's a good word!
Mellow music of the past i really love it
These guys went into the studio and recorded this song first, but apparently the folks at Kapp Records didn't think it would click. So they recorded Sebastian's "Younger Girl" (not yet a hit for the Spoonful) and that was released. Only when draft notices were served on two of the members of the group (yes, Don was one!) did the label scramble for a follow-up single and put this one out. It scored big, but there was no real group to follow it up This video was recorded just days before the band splintered.
+Chris Dolmetsch thanks for the interesting story behind this song. i'm assuming Don made it back safe and sound?
Don got back just fine and eventually joined Frankie Valli in a revamped Four Seasons (he was on such later hits as "December 1963" and "Grease.") Don now tours with a bunch of friends (some are former Four Seasons) and performs a variety of songs from throughout his career. I must say that his voice has changed considerably from his younger days. Not so easily recognizable.
+Chris Dolmetsch ....and we should be glad that they got broke up....sheesh, what a terrible song by dipstick assholes!
Damn shame. One great song. I remember when I found this on my cell thru fb. I played it... a lot..
I'm pretty sure that the other band member who was unfortunately drafted was Jack Decker, the drummer (seen here on the left, with drumsticks, of course). The lead vocal on this recording was done by Don Ciccone, but by the time this video was made, he had left for the Air Force, so bassist Ken Gorka acted as the (lip synch) vocalist.
Nice to hear a differen't kind of music, enjoyed this alot :)
It's either the guitar player or the guy clapping who's Ernie. Good good song!
Truly an underplayed song. The other posts' mentions of Brian Wilson, the nice melody, progressions, chords and harmony are dead on, It's like the Beach Boys meet the softer side of psychedalia. When I listen closely, I also swear there is the slightest seasoning of Bet Kaempfert and Martin Denny in there, too.
I'm 55 years old, but when I,m listening to this music feel like a 17 years old guy.
nani
phcv10 reading this 12 years later we are the same age. Hope you are well
Thanks Jim I'm 59 about to turn 60 and this song takes me back to some really great times. Downloaded this song and its on my MP3 now One of my all time favorites. Thanks so very much again Jerry
I'm really glad that you're alive and came forward to straighten that out! Can you tell us all the words to "Mr Dieingly Sad"?
It is still beautiful.
Beatiful music masterpiece cannot be equalized by contemporary singers, we are so fortunate in enyoing our music, 50 years ago... That's why the people who voted thumb down doesn't know about romanticism really Is...
God, I loved "Where The Action Is". It was like the West Coast answer to all the greasers on Bandstand
@TheCrittersBand Don, is that really you? It's great that you come forward & talk about the Critters. Jim Ryan also jumped in (~ 2 yrs ago) and treated us to some Critter history. For example, I asked him, Who were they girls & guys singing the ooohs & ahhhs in the background? and he said, That's me & Don! And a few years ago in NYC, I went to the Bitter End & met Ken Gorka. He talked a few minutes about the Critter days; said he & Hendrix raced each other across the GW bridge in their 'vettes!
Boy, I used to rush home to catch "Where The Action Is" just like my sister used to do for Bandstand.....but at least the crowd on Action didn't look like a small town cast from West Side Story" like Bandstand's did
@ShockDoc BTW, the Critters in this video, from left to right, are: Jack Decker (drums), Chris Darway, (percussion and keyboards), Ken Gorka (bass), and Jim Ryan (guitar). Missing, of course, is Don Ciccone (guitar).
Muriendo de tristeza. Radio Universal Stereo.
One of my favorites............I am from the same town in NJ as some of the Critters, they were a few yrs ahead of me in High School but we were proud of them
My favorite song of all time. I don't know why.
I think the sad faces, especially the singer's, are just playing along with the mood of the song.
Jim: Thanks for all the info on The Critters. It's nice to know that they survived the ups and downs of the music biz, and also a war.
It's not simply that tastes have changed but such a well-crafted and well-performed tune as this is completely beyond the tiny imaginations of today's tattooed, t-shirted duds.
+Ronald Beaumont ....Ronald you old fu-cker!! I resent that accusation!!!
Ronald Beaumont I love this song.
@@lenspaulding Nobody cares millennial piss-ant
@@donandannie4u2 LOL, c'mon man, response inappropriate :)
I much, much prefer oldies but there’s plenty of sophisticated and beautiful music made today it’s just that you’re too old and angry to appreciate it
whatcha talkin' about? it's a GREAT video!
20. THE CRITTERS-MR. DIEINGLY SAD (KAPP/MGM/VIACOMCBS/WB) 7 WEEKS AND IT'S THEIR OWN DEBUT ON THE HOT 40 CHART.
Jim, I visited Don's website, which includes a few old photos of the critters. After seeing the videos, it's very interesting to see photos which have everyone present and read about the critters' origins.
REST IN PEACE KENNY GORKA !!
You're right, the original is usually best, but there are rare exceptions. "Dedicated To The One I Love" was much better as an acoustic type ballad (Mamas & Papas) than a girl-group song (The Shirelles). Speaking of the Shirelles, their "Baby It's You" was better than the Beatles remake. The Beatles usually improved on whatever they covered, but not in that case.
You're right, but I think it's just the quality of the video, which makes everything look slightly ghostly, along with the fact that it's from another era.
I don’t recall hearing this at all in the uk at the time. Was it ever released here?
It strikes me as the most mellifluous of the late 60’s pop outings, even more so than The Association, Union Gap, or Spanky etc. The lead singer has an exquisite tone.
I make recordings for a living and Bandstand was the first thing I ever taped (1958). An earlier poster says this is from 'Where the Action Is' but that show was just produced by DC and hosted by Steve Alaimo, so we're both right.
Some months back I looked up info on MDS while transferring vinyl to digital and read the story where I got the idea it was another singer. I can't reconstruct it now. That's the internet for ya.
The poster looking for lyrics: just google it. Tabs too!
Damn..I wish I could go back and do it all over again.The music and the girls.They had so much class then.And they were not so easy.Took me at least a month..lol...
Looks like the 20s - but sounds like (and is) the 60s. It's all good to me, I was there in both periods and I love them both. (probably 20s a bit more...teeheeeheeeee)
Great transcribe, and presto illuminate on this one.
In other words, thanks for the good vibrations.
Probably "Where The Action Is" hosted by Dick Clark.
I didn't know this even existed, that's me, the dork with the glasses and the guitar, that was a long, long, time ago, aah, the good old days
Boy, does this bring back memories! I was 16 & thought I had the world in the palm of my hand. Thankyou for this.
50 years later and I still love this song. Makes me think of somebody special back then.
+Roseland Pete I still have the 33lp.
+vet68 , Nice.
+Roseland Pete Yes, this song is still stunning, 50 years later ....
vet68 MP mom gun 513
SENTIDA y ENTRAÑABLE CANCION 1966 UFFFFF!
I was in high school when this record came out, and I got a 45 rpm copy of it, and my mother said she thought it was nice. I did not get that kind of comment about most of the stuff I listened to.
@Ky1958 There are many old songs that get little airplay on today's oldies stations which is a shame.
The Critters were a great soft-rock band in the same musical vein as The Association. "Younger Girl" ( a remake of a Lovin' Spoonful album track) is well remembered, but it only peaked at #42 on the Billboard Hot 100 national pop singles chart (it did much better in places like New York City, where it went to #2 on WMCA). "Mr. Dyingly Sad" did better nationally, getting to #17, & #6 on WMCA/New York. "Don't Let The Rain Fall Down On Me" is a true lost hit, peaking at 39 nationally & #5 on WMCA.
@rs431
Well said. I would say Don Ciccone's composition here rivaled anything The Beatles or Beach Boys did. It's awesome. I never get tired of hearing it.
Dear Maltese: Can you name the performers in this video? (i.e., left to right, guy with drumsticks, guy clapping, guy singing, and guy playing guitar? You say the singer is Don Ciccone but another comment says he is Kenny Gorka. On the "Younger Girl" video, the guy clapping is ID'd as Chris Darway. Also, does anyone know all the words to "Mr Dieingly Sad"?
Magic.