While the 'darkside' revolution was washing trough the scene in '93, there was also a secondary production backlash against this harder edged style that went on to become known as 'happy hardcore'. Utilising the same crashing breaks (and later the same Amen tear ups as jungle), happy hardcore
1. DJs Unkown - Vol 1
Blending darkside and hands in the air euphoria perfectly, this proto happy hardcore (happy jungle) slab from DJ's Unknown helps really set the scene for this small run down of the emerging happy hardcore sound. Using the main hook from the italo classic 'Take It' by Alex Lee (see 1991 Italo House) this is a shining example of where this amazing genre was already heading.
2. SMD - SMD
Full on four to floor 4/4 was a staple sound of the happy movement in '93. The lush combination of this with layered breaks was more than enough to keep those dancefloors jumping all night long. Splat a rush inducing hardcore synth stab right across the top of the two and hey presto. You got vibes! Slipmatt causing mass mayhem here on the all time classic SMD 1 from the highly influential SMD series. Bangin.
3. Ramos , Supreme and the Sunset Regine - Got To Believe
Ramos, Supreme and The Sunset Regime caused serious damage during their tenure on the happy circuit, and this monster shows why. With a unique approach and an absolutely awesome piano hook and vocal overlay, 'Gotta Believe' just had to be in this list. Officially released in '94 but on test press the year earlier, we think it belongs here. Proper uplifting!
4. DJ Red Alert & Mike Slammer - In Effect
When that piano riff drops and the amens kick back in, you're getting the full flavour of exactly what happy hardcore was all about in '93/'94. Full of drive and with that piano rush taking you through, this is an absolute monster. OOFF!!
5. DJ Vibes - Obsession
A true jungle/hardcore crossover if ever there was one, this thing is just relentless. With just enough of a vocal to keep things sweet and happy, and everything else spiralling into madness, this is a proto happy hardcore masterpiece. Excellent.
6. Ravers Choice - Volume 1
Shamelessly pillaging from the heady days of 1991 and Manix - Feel Real Good, this absolute belter from Vibes & Wishdota (AKA Ravers Choice) fully encapsulates the happy sound. Tastefully created and absolutely relentless, this beauty still sounds mint now. ENERGY!!!
7. Wishdokta & Eternal Bass - Eternal Expression
An immense blend of '92 'ardkore, '93 proto happy hardcore and proto jungle, this firecracker from Grant Nelson (AKA Wishdokta) was a proper melting pot of emotions. I can almost smell the amyl nitrate in the air. Superb.
8. Naughty Naughty - Volume 2
Again borrowing directly from the heady days of italo house circa 1991, this rip fest got floors self combusting during this fledgling year for the happy scene. WIKKED!
8. Jimmy J - Into The Music
Jimmy J's first foray onto vinyl we believe, he later went on to become a household name in the hardcore scene, but this little gem released on the Labrynth label (if you know, you know) is a great example of the emerging sound of the happy and happee. Turn it up!
9. DJ Kev - Happy Trax Volume 2
Closing this short journey through the emerging but very, very important '93 phase of the continuing hardcore movement, this stomper from DJ Kev sets the tone nicely for things to come. Next up, the 'SPLIT'.
10. Nookie - Shining In The Darkness
Of all the producers active during this all important era, Nookie was completely unique. He was one of, if not the only producer to stand with one foot in the the jungle camp and one foot in the happy/intelligent camp make music that reflected his stance.
Melodic yet tough, uplifting yet dark and full of genius strokes at every turn, his music was and still is of exceptional quality and more than that, refuses to be pigeon holed.
One of the most important producers in drum and bass history.
