Legendary DJ brothers, Norman and Joey Jay have been brewing an alternative roadblock at the Notting Hill Carnival since 1980. Sound controllers for the Good Times sound system, this fantastic compilation of up-tempo dance music demonstrates why the Jays are hugely influential DJs. Every song is an anthem. Deep, smooth and sinuous, Good Times crosses soul, reggae, hip hop, funk, disco and house perfectly evoking the hazy afternoon feel that is "carnival". You could be standing on the street, reggae-skanking to the gentle lilt of John Holt's "Ali Baba" one minute and jumping up crazily to KRS 1's "Sound of Da Police" the next. Good Times is so good because quality is Norman and Joey's chief concern, as they endearingly refuse to bow down to the whims of the latest club craze. The first CD begins appropriately with Chic's simple and festive disco stomper, "Open Up", swiftly following it up with a stack of bump'n'hustle gems including the super soul of Marcia Griffiths' "Feel Like Jumping" and the devotional groove of "Spread Love." CD 2 captures the multi-hued experience of loved-up early house clubs with gleeful vocal cuts from BeBeWinans ("Thank You"), Loose Ends ("Hanging On a String") and Nu Colours ("Greater Love"). Elsewhere, James Brown throws you right into his growling funk classic, "Stone To The Bone" and Marlena Shaw seduces you with the glorious "Californian Soul". Never less than explosive, Good Times has only your best party minded interests at heart. --Maxine Kabuubi