Article published in Song Hits, March 1967
The Critters Generate Excitement | By 7:00, the hall was already sardine-packed with excited fans all hoping to get the best view. At 8:00 the houselights dimmed, the curtains opened, and a Critter voice screamed, “Are YOU ready!?!” The following sounds came across like -well – like they had been meant to do this sort of thing since electricity was invented. Actually, this wasn’t the easiest thing to come by . . .
. . . Way back in 1964, the Critter egg was first hatched. Equipped with guitars, drums, organs, amps and music sheets, “The Critters” went from cellar to cellar, practice to practice, looking for something new and different. Many broken ‘E’ strings later, they came on like Columbus to discover the sound that got them where they are today.
Out of the cellar and into the recording studios at Kapp, they shook the record world with “Younger Girl” and “Mr. Dieingly Sad”. But don’t let the soft strains of these bits of wax fool you – they’re wild, really wild!
Their sound can belt across the airways like the final battle of the last mastodons on earth.
The Critters Generate Excitement
June’s child, Chris Darway was born on the 20th back in 1947. In between classes at the Philadelphia College of Art and touring with “The Critters”, Chris finds his home in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. He believes that he has been put on this earth to eat (mostly pizza and iced tea) and paint. This talented fifth of the group plays maracas, bongos, tambourine, auto harp – and organ, to boot.
Kenny Gorka, Edison, New Jersey’s contribution to the group, was born on May 14, 1946. The electric bassist is the flirtatious Romeo of the group. “Thou art self-centred, loving thyself and every girl that catches thine eye.” They say there’s one in every group . . . so . . . watch out, girls!
Drum-pounding Jeff Pelosi was born on January 23, 1948. The good-looking, dark-haired member of the group, Jeff’s loves range from rum-raisin ice cream with wet walnuts to suede to mini-skirts and girls.
The Critters Generate Excitement
Born on November 17, 1946, Jim Ryan calls his home Westfield, New Jersey. Besides playing lead guitar and doing most of the singing, Jim also composes a majority of the songs “The Critters” play and record. One look at Jim with his glasses might lead you to believe that he’s the shy-studious-silent type. Believe what you like, but just watch it when he takes his glasses off!
Brooklyn, New York has held claim on Bob Spinelli since June 4, 1946. A really fantastic organ player, Bob has been musically inclined since childhood. If you’re a girl with long, straight hair and a passion for mod clothes, then you’re a girl after his own heart!
“The Critters” swing in the groove of the lively set. Their beat is hypnotic. Their sound starts with an ache in your throat, an exploding in your ears, and continues . . .
. . . Flashes from fans’ cameras light the stage. Bright screams, louder than the music sweep through the hall, as “The Critters” still play . . . and play . . . and play . . .
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