The Escapades

Best known for their 1966 single "I Tell No Lies," the Escapades formed in Memphis in 1964, evolving into <a href="spotify:artist:5A4wMPAuqfaydQ5fWO41R7">the Jesters</a> after some lineup changes in 1965. Though <a href="spotify:artist:5A4wMPAuqfaydQ5fWO41R7">the Jesters</a> (who included Sam Phillips' son, Jerry Phillips, on guitar) cut a 1966 single for Sun Records, it was without their original singer and primary songwriter, Tommy Minga, who left to form a new version of the Escapades at the end of 1965. "I Tell No Lies" is the best of the four songs they issued on two 1966 singles, which have the kind of pouty attitude and piercing organ common to much garage pop of the era. "I Tell No Lies" is well above the average for the style, however, gaining a place on the fifth volume of Pebbles, the first extensive 1960s garage rock series. The Escapades broke up when several members were drafted at the end of 1966. Three of the four songs from their pair of singles, as well as a previously unissued track, are on the <a href="spotify:artist:5A4wMPAuqfaydQ5fWO41R7">Jesters</a> CD compilation Cadillac Men: The Sun Masters. ~ Richie Unterberger, Rovi