The band was started in 2000 by members John Wood and Michael Tyler, splitting the songwriting duties, vocals, and guitar parts, with many important contributors joining them along the way.
The first lineup (2000–2002) featured Bryan Smith on bass, and Sam Chintha of the band Alcian Blue drumming.
David Fricke of Rolling Stone called the record "particularly impressive" was comparing A Cricket in Times Square to Ride, Sonic Youth, and The Church.
In 2004, the band relocated to Seattle, Washington enlisting two new members, Dominic Senibaldi and Dino DeJesus.
A Cricket in Times Square's song "5.5-Minute Hallway" is featured in the film Alone with Her starring Colin Hanks.