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Funding Unsuccessful
This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on September 2, 2009.
Pledge $1 or more
Get all updates on this project as we go.
Pledge $5 or more
Get a download of the single that we record + All updates on this project as we go.
Pledge $10 or more
Get an extra download of an unreleased track + Free download of the single + All updates on this project as we go.
Pledge $20 or more
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.
Pledge $25 or more
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.
Pledge $30 or more
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.
Pledge $40 or more
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.
Pledge $50 or more
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.
Pledge $75 or more
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.
Pledge $100 or more
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.
Pledge $200 or more
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.
Pledge $250 or more
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.
Pledge $350 or more
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.
Pledge $500 or more
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.
Pledge $1,000 or more
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.
Pledge $2,500 or more
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.
Pledge $5,000 or more
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.).
Project By
Connected as Chris McKay
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."