Good Times Vol.4: Norman Jay & Joey Jay Present...

After the success of 'Good Times 3' Norman Jay (MBE) and the team return to present another collection of records drawn loosely around the theme of his work at Notting Hill, as clearly referenced by the 'Good Times' bus featured on the cover. If you are a regular at the Notting Hill Carnival and a fan of the 'Good Times' sound system then you will know what to expect, and that will surely be recommendation enough. If not, grab a cold drink, sit back (at least for the time it takes to read this review) and welcome to 'Good Times 4'!

The collection opens with Ten City's 'Superficial People', here presented in it's (uncredited!!) Steve 'Silk' Hurley remix (and an edited version at that). From the opening looping drum pattern, the circling keyboard, the questing bassline and finally the soaring vocals this is surely one of the best vocal house tracks of the early 1990s. The quality continues with the inclusion of 'I Should've Known Better', one of the finest moments produced in UK soul, featuring the talents of Omar (uncredited!!). Another standout track from 1990, and highly sought after, particularly in vinyl form. A nod to the more recent is provided by Estelle's '1980' (2004), which features a narrative that will surely resonate with a great many people, which manages to remain rooted in the UK black experience without resorting to American style affectation. Reggae, an inherently important part of the Notting Hill experience, is nicely represented through the inclusion of Aswad's 'Warrior Charge' (1980), which might well be unfamiliar to those who know the group through their 1988 hit 'Don't Turn Around'. Disc two continues with music drawn predominantly from the 1970s, and includes the evergreen James Brown classic 'Don't Tell It' (1976). If you are a fan of Hip Hop you WILL be familiar with this record, and UK Hip Hop fans will smile in remembrance of a certain Derek B.....

There is a certain self-indulgence in Jay's inclusion of his mix of The Shapeshifter's 'Lola's Theme', but this is forgiveable given the fact this compilation includes the record which provided the melodic basis and sample for that tune - Damaris Carbaugh's 'What About My Love?'. An example, perhaps, of Jay attempting to give 'back' to those who continue to provide the inspiration and foundation. The disc ends with the James Mason classic 'Sweet Power Your Embrace', an absolute must have record which should already feature in your collection. If it doesn't you now (fortunately) have the ability to buy the highly esteemed and sought after 'Rhythm of Life' album, from which this track is taken, courtesy of an official Soul Brother Records reissue. The original vinyl album still sells for serious money, and one listen to this track will indicate why.

So. Do you buy?

There are only two points I would raise regarding this issue, and both are, thankfully, minor. Thr first concerns the information provided in the tracklisting, which often fails to indicate whether a track is presented in a full length, original, remixed or edited form. For some seasoned collectors this information can well determine the fact of purchasing the issue. Secondly, this issue is notable for a distinct lack of Hip Hop, which is particularly strange given the context with which this release is associated. In the accompanying liner notes this appears to be acknowledged by Jay, but no comment is made regarding remedying this fact in future releases.

Overall this compilation builds well upon the quality provided by the first 3 volumes, with Jay and the Resist team managing to issue quality driven collections which should make you dance, smile and (hopefully) seek out further material from the artists featured. The mastering is good, and it was issued as a double cd or triple vinyl set (both formats unmixed).

Another fine release from Norman Jay and the 'Good Times' team, and a notable early success for the new Resist imprint.

Recommended.