Goody Two Shoes - Come Together

Tracks

Side 1

		Track Name	Length
	1	Come Together	04:10
	2	Dream	02:46
	3	High Falootin' (Jay Telfer)	02:40
	4	Without You (Fergus Hambleton)	02:08
	5	I'm Losing Tonight (Jay Telfer)	04:48

Side 2

		Track Name	Length
	1	Slow Down	03:38
	2	Sounds Silly (Jay Telfer)	02:26
	3	One	03:14
	4	Up On Cripple Creek	04:40
	5	Ten Pound Note (Jay Telfer)	02:39

Photos

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Information/Write-up

The 1969 album Come Together by Goody Two Shoes is a fascinating relic of Canadian music history, blending elements of rock, funk, psych, and country into a cohesive, laid-back listening experience. Released on Paragon Records, the album is often overlooked but boasts an impressive pedigree and some stellar moments that deserve rediscovery.

The Band Behind the Name
Goody Two Shoes wasn’t a traditional band but rather a studio project helmed by two talented Torontonians: Jay Telfer and Fergus Hambleton. Both musicians brought their unique backgrounds to the table. Telfer, formerly of the garage-psych group A Passing Fancy, had already made waves with the punk-tinged classic I’m Losin’ Tonight. Hambleton, who later became the lead singer of the reggae outfit The Sattalites, brought a smoother, melodic sensibility.

Adding to the mix was Kevan Staples, a former roadie for A Passing Fancy and future co-founder of the boundary-pushing band Rough Trade. Staples contributed guitar work on two tracks, adding a layer of grit to the album’s otherwise relaxed vibe.

Musical Highlights
At its core, Come Together feels like an album born out of the late ’60s zeitgeist, with its fusion of original songs and well-chosen covers that span genres. Here are some of the standout moments:

"Up on Cripple Creek": A faithful rendition of The Band’s classic, the track captures the spirit of rural rock with its earthy charm and laid-back groove.
"Without You": The band’s homage to Harry Nilsson is a standout, perfectly replicating his playful scat singing while retaining the emotional depth of the original.
"One": Another Nilsson cover, this version stands apart with its mournful oboe and minimal instrumentation, leaning heavily into the song’s inherent melancholy.
"Slow Down": This track injects some funk into the album, featuring thrashing drums and a growling saxophone that create an irresistible energy.
"I’m Losin’ Tonight": A nod to Jay Telfer’s A Passing Fancy days, this fuzz-drenched, acid-psych gem serves as a reminder of the raw energy he brought to Toronto’s garage rock scene.
Even their cover of The Beatles’ Come Together, which lends its name to the album, is handled with surprising restraint. While it doesn’t veer far from the original, its straightforward approach feels comfortable and familiar, like an old pair of sneakers—an apt metaphor given the album’s quirky cover art.

Production and Legacy
Recorded in November 1969, Come Together reflects the no-frills approach of Paragon Records. Known for releasing genre-diverse albums with minimal promotion, the label allowed artists like Goody Two Shoes to quietly slip into obscurity. However, the album’s scarcity and the enduring reputations of its contributors have turned it into a sought-after piece among collectors.

While it lacks the garage fuzz of A Passing Fancy’s earlier work, Come Together offers something equally compelling: a snapshot of two musicians exploring new sonic territories in the twilight of the ’60s. The album’s mix of West Coast-inspired psych, soulful funk, and Canadian rural rock places it in the same lineage as groups like The Band while retaining its own identity.

A Rare Canadian Gem
Though Come Together may not have achieved commercial success, it holds a special place in Canada’s musical tapestry. The contributions of Jay Telfer, Fergus Hambleton, and Kevan Staples, combined with the thoughtful selection of covers and originals, make this album more than just a curiosity. It’s a time capsule of late-’60s Toronto, where musical experimentation flourished in the shadow of larger movements.

Whether you’re a fan of A Passing Fancy, Rough Trade, or The Band, Come Together by Goody Two Shoes is a rewarding listen—and a testament to the diverse talents of its creators. For those looking to explore Canada’s hidden musical treasures, this is one album that deserves its spot on the shelf.

Fergus Hambleton: guitar, vocals
Jay Telfer: guitar, vocals
Kevan Staples: guitar (tracks A1, A5)

Produced and engineered by Jay Telfer
Recorded at Sound Canada Recording Centre, Toronto, Ontario, November, 1969
Executive Producer: Art Snider

Cover Photography by Paul Mockler
Liner Photography by Rick Bisaillon

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