
Hi!
I'm Chris McKay from The Critical Darlings. Thanks for taking the time to check this out.
I've got to say, things have been going great for the Critical Darlings of late. We've recently released a new album that sold out before the official release date and the shows have been growing and getting crazier and crazier. We're really excited that the word seems to be getting out there about us.
The thing is, we've got some brand spanking new songs that we feel very strongly about and we'd love to get them recorded as soon as possible. Since we put everything we had financially (and emotionally) into our latest album, Satisfactionista, we're finding it a challenge to do it on our own right now.
Our hope is that you will see and hear what we do and then feel motivated to become a part of the project. With every release, we've built on our past and upped the ante. This is the next step.
To start with, we'd love to make an EP of a few of our new songs. That is our initial goal with this project and that would make us very happy. It really would be a dream come true.
If for some reason, we are lucky enough to go beyond the initial goal of $2,000, maybe we will be able to do a full, new CD to be released in 2010. At the very least, we will be able to put together a team to properly promote the new recordings and not only keep on track, but move forward.
For Satisfactionista, we were thrilled to work with GRAMMY nominated producer David Barbe (who's worked with R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers, Bettye Lavette, Cracker, etc.) and we even collaborated with David Bowie's amazing pianist Mike Garson for the song "Something Unseen".
If you'd like to hear the complete Satisfactionista, here it is.
http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/1166834
Stream it to your heart's content. We are very proud of Satisfactionista and think that listening to it will let you know how seriously we take our music and its presentation. Hearing the record should also let you know how much of a challenge we have before us to top it!
One track that we didn't get to finish last time (due to budgetary constraints) was my "co-composition" with The WHO's Pete Townshend that was created through his Lifehouse Method. We would love to be able to complete that track.
And, of course, the new songs that we've written during this golden time for the band are a happy transition from where we've been to where we're headed.
To date, we've done everything completely D.I.Y. and we've done okay with that. At this point, I know that we've reached a stage where we can't do it alone anymore. I also believe in my heart that together, we can make something really special.
We've come up with a seriously massive tier program for those of you inspired to join us on this adventure which we hope will excite you, maybe give a few laughs and let you know just how sincerely and deeply thankful we are that you're on board. If you become a part of this, we intend to go above and beyond to make it worth your while. Just glance over to your right to see all of the different options.
If you have any additional ideas or offers, hey, hit me up. Maybe we can work something out together!
Let's make some great music, have some fun and let's do this!
Thank you very much,
Chris McKay
P.S. You can see TV performances, videos and (warts and all) live performances by checking out this YouTube playlist of 10 videos featuring all kinds of stuff that we've done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch...
Oh, and if you're interested, here's some press about us, too. We want you to give you all the info you might possibly want!
Press quotes on Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings:
"Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings' Satisfactionista is...a smoothie full of delicious guitar-driven melodies and delectable vocal harmonies. The band's latest release is chock full of stadium-sized guitar meltdowns and super-catchy hooks that go on for days. "
- Charley Lee, Flagpole Magazine (Mar 11, 0009)
"I highly recommend you see (the Critical Darlings) live. As hard as you try, you just can't get the same experience from a recorded version. You need Frank, Joe, Chris, and Joshua in your face and wearing their stylish/retro rock clothes. Welcome to the circus ladies and gentlemen."
- Jordan Stepp, Athens Music Junkie (Apr 06, 2009)
"What (the Critical Darlings) want is your attention, and they have no problem getting and keeping that. (Satisfactionista) is a record full of battle-tested lyrics on top of charismatic riff-rock with a mound of confidence and absolutely zero pretensions."
- Alec Wooden, Athens Blur Magazine (Mar 20, 2009)
"Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings absolutely blew me away (at Atlantis). They were by far the best band and got the best audience reaction, too. Where all of the other too-cool-to-care hipsters were just contrived or had no stage presence, these guys had a presence, with just enough spectacle."
- Molly Segers, Rock 'N' Roll Geek Network
"I heard several bands play (at Legion Field), but the very last act of the night, Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings, blew me away. They brought a whole new energy to the stage that I loved. Truly, their stage presence was spectacular, and their talent was undeniable. "
- Kristen Danch-Powell, Echoreyn's Live Journal (Mar 20, 2009)
"(The first pressing of) The Critical Darlings' newest album sold out so fast that it was gone before it was officially released. Yup, no hard copies left in sight... (Satisfactionista is) simple and refined, subversive and tricky..."
- Jordan Stepp, Athens Music Junkie (Apr 06, 2009)
"Chris McKay has a voice that is a record executive's wet dream. It's very accessible and has tons of hooks."
- Jesse White, The Corner News (Apr 01, 2009)
"Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings' new album, Satisfactionista, is a full-on onslaught of rock and roll like you used to hear. It seems people are scared of rocking like the Rolling Stones once did, but the Darlings in full flight is something to see."
- Jordan Stepp, Flagpole Magazine (Mar 23, 0009)
"Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings are a great little buzz-worthy band from Athens."
- Lee Valentine Smith, Creative Loafing
"It’s always nice to see acts hone, refine and grow in Athens’ fertile musical soil. Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings have done just that. They're sharp, bright and a hell of a lot of fun."
- Michael Wehunt, Flagpole Magazine
"(The Critical Darlings know) that rock and roll is more than just being loud, it's about knowing what can get your message across."
- Jordan Stepp, Athens Music Junkie (Apr 06, 2009)
"Very cool and original sounding power pop band who certainly embrace their classic rock roots of the 70s on C`mon, Accept Your Joy. They have our attention because of this ambition to strike out and locate songs in their band structure that are more than just `more good songs`.
- Not Lame Records
"C’mon, Accept Your Joy could have been recorded in 1969 or 2030. It samples many sub-genres but it always remains Rock first and foremost. McKay has the skill to give you something unique and, at the same time, give you something you swear you’ve heard before."
- Benjamin Sadler, Music Live Wire
"Satisfactionista is a slick, tight record with multiple layers and extreme danceability."
- Jesse White, The Corner News (Apr 01, 2009)
"Satisfactionista, the second full-length album from Athens' power popsters, Chris McKay and the Critical Darlings, is a refreshing and upbeat blend of feel good power-pop and seriously '70s classic rock."
- Charley Lee, Flagpole Magazine (Mar 11, 2009)
"(When a band has) a singer that looks like Mick Jagger who bounces around like he's Freddie Mercury, (people) pay attention. The Critical Darlings impressed me with their professionalism and their sense of humor."
- Jordan Stepp, Athens Music Junkie (Apr 06, 2009)
"Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings have taken the Athens pop scene by storm over the past year. Armed with tight harmonies and airtight songwriting, the band has... gathered a growing legion of fans."
- Nuci's Space
"The Critical Darlings have...developed quite a following, going from relative obscurity... to rave reviews."
- Jesse White, The Corner News (Apr 01, 2009)
"(Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings) are gaining serious popularity...in Poland, Germany and all across the United States."
- Carmen Allgood, The Indie Music Wave
"For an hour the Critical Darlings played to a crowd that “braved” the hurricane to show up in the college’s cafeteria. The band is a throwback to the way rock should be played – with enthusiasm and showmanship, as well as crisp and inventive writing."
- Wm. Alexander, Enigma Magazine
"(Satisfactionista) is how rock used to sound and where it's headed. "
- Jordan Stepp, Athens Music Junkie (Apr 06, 2009)
"You've never seen a high energy rock show until you've seen Chris McKay & the Critical Darlings in action! Trust me, you won't want to miss them. They are a sight to see and delectable treat to hear!"
- Kristin Danch-Powell, Kristen's Concert Picks (Apr 01, 2009)
"The Critical Darlings have a high energy live show and...there is a large market for bands such as this."
- Jesse White, The Corner News (Apr 01, 2009)
"The Critical Darlings have a talent for big, clever, Beatles-informed power pop, like if Jeff Lynne produced Cheap Trick...There are enough gems on this album, like "Towel Cape Song," "Phony" and "Colors In Black & White," that I'm thankful that this dandy little combo exists."
- Jeff Clark, Stomp And Stammer Magazine
"The Critical Darlings wowed the crowd with their catchy guitar hooks and thoughtful lyrics."
- Alec Wooden, The M.U.S.I.C. Project
"McKay pulls out all the stops ... incendiary guitar solo(s) and impassioned singing."
- Michael Wehunt, Flagpole Magazine
"Patented, grab you by the neck guitar hooks that most bands don’t have a clue how to write."
- Flagpole Magazine
"Chris is one of the great talents culled from the Athens music machine...Chris McKay is the f***kin’ bomb!"
- Ira Miller, Forsyth News
"(Satisfactionista) is best for those days when the sky is bright and sunny, you've got your All-Stars on, a soft drink in one hand and a skateboard in the other."
- Jordan Stepp, Athens Music Junkie (Apr 06, 2009)
"Pure pop genius!"
- John Thomas Griffith, Cowboy Mouth
Project location: Athens, GA
Get all updates on this project as we go.
Get a download of the single that we record + All updates on this project as we go.
Get an extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get a download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get a download of Chris’ new, unreleased solo single (with his covers of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel” and Prince’s “17 Days”) + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get a limited edition physical CD of our 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get an mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get an autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get an autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get a custom-burned DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get an mp3 of the Satisfactionista song of your choice with lyrics re-recorded to your special order. Want to dedicate “Happy Here And Now” to specific friends or family? I can do it for you. Any song on Satisfactionista is fair game and virtually any topic or idea is cool. I will record your requests in a new vocal to the instrumental tracks. You could really freak someone out (in a good way) with this! + A DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get a phone call from Chris to talk about whatever you want + Any original picture from the Critical Darlings site blown up to 8 X 10 and autographed to your specification + An mp3 of the Satisfactionista song of your choice with lyrics re-recorded to your special order! (Want to dedicate “Happy Here And Now” to specific friends or family? I can do it for you. Any song on Satisfactionista is fair game and virtually any topic or idea is cool. I will record your requests in a new vocal to the instrumental tracks. You could really freak someone out (in a good way) with this! + A DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Chris will record 5 acoustic songs of your choosing on his home system for only you. These can be his songs or any cover you can imagine. + A phone call from Chris to talk about whatever you want + Any original picture from the Critical Darlings site blown up to 8 X 10 and autographed to your specification + An mp3 of the Satisfactionista song of your choice with lyrics re-recorded to your special order! (Want to dedicate “Happy Here And Now” to specific friends or family? I can do it for you. Any song on Satisfactionista is fair game and virtually any topic or idea is cool. I will record your requests in a new vocal to the instrumental tracks. You could really freak someone out (in a good way) with this! + A DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Chris will compose an original song for you about whatever sublime or ridiculous topic you would like. He will record it on his home studio and send it to you. You don’t like the music that’s out there? He’ll write something just for you! + Burned copies of Chris’ entire discography of full-length unreleased or out of print records (including the ones he’d rather have been kept secret). These include Center Of The Universe, The Towel Cape Album, Star Zero’s Burning Down Yesterday, Between The Lines, Psychodelicate, Nowhere Society and Thinkyard) + Chris will record 5 acoustic songs of your choosing on his home system for only you. These can be his songs or any cover you can imagine. + A phone call from Chris to talk about whatever you want + Any original picture from the Critical Darlings site blown up to 8 X 10 and autographed to your specifications + An mp3 of the Satisfactionista song of your choice with lyrics re-recorded to your special order! (Want to dedicate “Happy Here And Now” to specific friends or family? I can do it for you. Any song on Satisfactionista is fair game and virtually any topic or idea is cool. I will record your requests in a new vocal to the instrumental tracks. You could really freak someone out (in a good way) with this! + A DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
If you can get yourself to Athens, Georgia, we will take you out for dinner and drinks at TransMetropolitan where the band was founded (or Piccadilly if you prefer to visit the “pre-show ritual” place). You will be chauffeured in a red Saturn Astra with the sun roof open (weather permitting). We will also let you be on our rock trivia team (Jonathan permitting). Think you can out-answer Chris? Out-drink Frank or out-stare Josh? We’ll see! Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of Frank’s Toolshed Of Doom And Wonder. Or maybe even Stonehenge. Maybe, just maybe, you will see the mysterious “upstairs” at Chris’ that even most of the band hasn’t seen. There’s even a chance for dancing and a drum circle with Josh. What I’m trying to say is we’ll show you around. Want to discuss the merits of WKRP In Cincinnati or The Twilight Zone? We’ll make it happen. Feel free to relieve yourself and relax in the “rock and roll bathroom”. If you’d prefer to come to Camden, South Carolina, Chris will show you the school from which Chris and Frank are “banned from life”. He will also show you around the beautiful historic town. Maybe an evening drive out to Lizard’s Thicket will be appropriate for supper. + Chris will compose an original song for you about whatever sublime or ridiculous topic you would like. He will record it on his home studio and send it to you. You don’t like the music that’s out there? He’ll write something just for you! + Burned copies of Chris’ entire discography of full-length unreleased or out of print records (including the ones he’d rather have been kept secret). These include Center Of The Universe, The Towel Cape Album, Star Zero’s Burning Down Yesterday, Between The Lines, Psychodelicate, Nowhere Society and Thinkyard) + Chris will record 5 acoustic songs of your choosing on his home system for only you. These can be his songs or any cover you can imagine. + A phone call from Chris to talk about whatever you want + Any original picture from the Critical Darlings site blown up to 8 X 10 and autographed to your specifications + An mp3 of the Satisfactionista song of your choice with lyrics re-recorded to your special order! (Want to dedicate “Happy Here And Now” to specific friends or family? I can do it for you. Any song on Satisfactionista is fair game and virtually any topic or idea is cool. I will record your requests in a new vocal to the instrumental tracks. You could really freak someone out (in a good way) with this! + A DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Get a life-time pass to all Critical Darlings shows (where we have the say, which is most.) + An acoustic show just for you (If you can get to us or you’re within a couple of hundred miles of Athens, GA). Feel free to grab an instrument and join in. We’ll play what you want!) If you can get yourself to Athens, Georgia, we will take you out for dinner and drinks at TransMetropolitan where the band was founded (or Piccadilly if you prefer to visit the “pre-show ritual” place). You will be chauffeured in a red Saturn Astra with the sun roof open (weather permitting). We will also let you be on our rock trivia team (Jonathan permitting). Think you can out-answer Chris? Out-drink Frank or out-stare Josh? We’ll see! Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of Frank’s Toolshed Of Doom And Wonder. Or maybe even Stonehenge. Maybe, just maybe, you will see the mysterious “upstairs” at Chris’ that even most of the band hasn’t seen. There’s even a chance for dancing and a drum circle with Josh. What I’m trying to say is we’ll show you around. Want to discuss the merits of WKRP In Cincinnati or The Twilight Zone? We’ll make it happen. Feel free to relieve yourself and relax in the “rock and roll bathroom”. If you’d prefer to come to Camden, South Carolina, Chris will show you the school from which Chris and Frank are “banned from life”. He will also show you around the beautiful historic town. Maybe an evening drive out to Lizard’s Thicket will be appropriate for supper. + Chris will compose an original song for you about whatever sublime or ridiculous topic you would like. He will record it on his home studio and send it to you. You don’t like the music that’s out there? He’ll write something just for you! + Burned copies of Chris’ entire discography of full-length unreleased or out of print records (including the ones he’d rather have been kept secret). These include Center Of The Universe, The Towel Cape Album, Star Zero’s Burning Down Yesterday, Between The Lines, Psychodelicate, Nowhere Society and Thinkyard) + Chris will record 5 acoustic songs of your choosing on his home system for only you. These can be his songs or any cover you can imagine. + A phone call from Chris to talk about whatever you want + Any original picture from the Critical Darlings site blown up to 8 X 10 and autographed to your specifications + An mp3 of the Satisfactionista song of your choice with lyrics re-recorded to your special order! (Want to dedicate “Happy Here And Now” to specific friends or family? I can do it for you. Any song on Satisfactionista is fair game and virtually any topic or idea is cool. I will record your requests in a new vocal to the instrumental tracks. You could really freak someone out (in a good way) with this! + A DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
For this top amount, Frank DeFreese will design and build a custom guitar or bass just for you. Have you seen his instruments? That’s all he plays with the Darlings. They’re amazing. Seriously, this is crazy and it will be unique to you. + An executive producer credit on the next release + A lifetime pass to all Critical Darlings shows (where we have the say, which is most.) + An acoustic show just for you (If you can get to us or you’re within a couple of hundred miles of Athens, GA). Feel free to grab an instrument and join in. We’ll play what you want!) If you can get yourself to Athens, Georgia, we will take you out for dinner and drinks at TransMetropolitan where the band was founded (or Piccadilly if you prefer to visit the “pre-show ritual” place). You will be chauffeured in a red Saturn Astra with the sun roof open (weather permitting). We will also let you be on our rock trivia team (Jonathan permitting). Think you can out-answer Chris? Out-drink Frank or out-stare Josh? We’ll see! Perhaps you will catch a glimpse of Frank’s Toolshed Of Doom And Wonder. Or maybe even Stonehenge. Maybe, just maybe, you will see the mysterious “upstairs” at Chris’ that even most of the band hasn’t seen. There’s even a chance for dancing and a drum circle with Josh. What I’m trying to say is we’ll show you around. Want to discuss the merits of WKRP In Cincinnati or The Twilight Zone? We’ll make it happen. Feel free to relieve yourself and relax in the “rock and roll bathroom”. If you’d prefer to come to Camden, South Carolina, Chris will show you the school from which Chris and Frank are “banned from life”. He will also show you around the beautiful historic town. Maybe an evening drive out to Lizard’s Thicket will be appropriate for supper. + Chris will compose an original song for you about whatever sublime or ridiculous topic you would like. He will record it on his home studio and send it to you. You don’t like the music that’s out there? He’ll write something just for you! Burned copies of Chris’ entire discography of full-length unreleased or out of print records (including the ones he’d rather have been kept secret). These include Center Of The Universe, The Towel Cape Album, Star Zero’s Burning Down Yesterday, Between The Lines, Psychodelicate, Nowhere Society and Thinkyard) + + Chris will record 5 acoustic songs of your choosing on his home system for only you. These can be his songs or any cover you can imagine. + A phone call from Chris to talk about whatever you want + Any original picture from the Critical Darlings site blown up to 8 X 10 and autographed to your specifications + An mp3 of the Satisfactionista song of your choice with lyrics re-recorded to your special order! (Want to dedicate “Happy Here And Now” to specific friends or family? I can do it for you. Any song on Satisfactionista is fair game and virtually any topic or idea is cool. I will record your requests in a new vocal to the instrumental tracks. You could really freak someone out (in a good way) with this! + A DVD of all of our official (and unofficial) videos, TV appearances, interviews, live clips and anything else we can fit on a disc + A download of Chris’ unreleased acoustic album from prior to the Darlings + A personal “Thank you letter of responsibility” + A listing in the liner notes of the next release + your choice of a T-shirt + A very rare physical copy of the CD Q-Sign’s Earth Loops And Goodness (This was Chris’ pre-Darlings band. Earth Loops features several songs that eventually became Darlings songs and many more) + An autographed copy of the brand new Satisfactionista CD + An autographed physical copy of the first pressing of our first album C’mon, Accept Your Joy (This is while supplies last as there are only 15 remaining!) + An mp3 of my unfinished demo of “I Won’t Stand Still” co-composed with Pete Townshend of The WHO (I can’t believe I’m offering an unfinished song!) + Limited edition 3-song “An Uncertain Flight” EP with alternate mixes (There are only 10 left in existence and then no more so this is “while they last”). + Download our latest 15 track CD Satisfactionista from the band’s “secret site” + An extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go + A partridge in a pear tree (Okay, not really the partridge in a pear tree.).
Athens, GA
Chris McKay & The Critical Darlings
Hailing from South Carolina and choosing Athens as his home, nationally known photographer Chris McKay earned a couple of handfuls of ASCAP Music Awards for his solo work but had wanted to be back in a group since his days with Q-Sign, which was named "one of the best unsigned bands in America" by Musician Magazine.
In 2004, McKay and his bass-playing high school friend Frank DeFreese formed The Critical Darlings. When word started to spread, the offers for shows came. "For the first year, we never booked gigs. We only accepted invitations," McKay said. "I thought that was a great sign."
Eventually, the Darlings went into the studio to record C'mon, Accept Your Joy! Before the CD was finished, leaked tracks had garnered airplay in 3 states. Since the official release of Joy, the songs have been picked up by over 150 stations around the world (from Poland to New Zealand to London and back to the States).
In 2007, the Critical Darlings expanded to a quartet (with the addition of guitarist / vocalist Joe Orr and drummer Joshua Harrison) and started work on their second album, titled Satisfactionista, with GRAMMY nominated producer David Barbe (R.E.M., Drive-By Truckers, Cracker, Betty Lavette) behind the board. Of special interest is the collaboration with David Bowie's inimitable pianist Mike Garson (Aladdin Sane, Diamond Dogs, Young Americans) who appears on the track "Something Unseen" (which also finds Drive-By Truckers' Brad Morgan on drums).
After working on the album for nearly a year, Satisfactionista is now complete and available through iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Target and many other digital outlets. The first pressing of the physical album sold out 2 days in advance of the official release date in February of 2009.
If all that's not enough, The Darlings are one of the first bands chosen to employ Pete Townshend's Lifehouse Method in co-composing several tracks with The WHO's songwriter / guitarist via software that produces a unique song based on data input.
In perhaps their strangest appearance, the Darlings have also shown up on The Daily Show With Jon Stewart with Stewart’s face pasted over McKay’s!
It's no wonder that Lee Valentine Smith of Creative Loafing has named the Critical Darlings "a great little buzz-worthy band" and dubbed McKay "power pop potentate."