60s Psychedelic: Bonus Track "Liar Liar" The Castaways (1965)

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The Castaways were a one hit wonder but that one hit was memorable. There is the distinct falsetto of “Liar Liar” us old-timers remember and the song is still used today so younger generations have heard it even if not knowing the name. The group hailed from the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Written by keyboardist James Bonna and drummer Denny Craswel, “Liar Liar” features the usual psychedelic sound organ intro and guitarist Robert Folschow provided the falsetto vocals. The song has more of a pop feel and the Castaways more mod than psychedelic. “Liar Liar” rose to Billboard #12. Followup single “Goodbye Babe” only had regional success. The Castaways never cut an album and performed “Liar Liar” in the movie “It’s a Bikini World.” The best known cover is by Debbie Harry for the “Married to the Mob” soundtrack with the Pretenders also covering the song. “Liar Liar” can be heard in commercials and soundtracks including “Good Morning Vietnam” and “Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.”