Happy hardcore is a funny one - a byword for the cheesiest dance music known to man, with the tackiest aesthetic. Whistles, white gloves, glowsticks. Saucer-shaped eyes, rictus grins, pumping fists. Hi-vis vests, cycling masks full of Vicks vapo-rub, tracksuits. As hardcore split into jungle and happy hardcore, and jungle went on to become drum n’ bass to critical plaudits, happy hardcore continued on its defiant path, not cool in the slightest and happier for that.

For the final mix in my There & Back series, I've delved into the early days of happy hardcore to deliver a mix of massive tunes. These tracks are so good, so much fun, and they just lift my mood whenever I slap on this mix (which is a lot in the last month since I made this). Instant sunshine. Enjoy!

Read more about this mix: https://sonicrampage.org/blog/2025/02/pearsall-presents-there-back-012-december-early-happy-hardcore-1993-1995/

More mixes in the series: https://soundcloud.com/sonicrampage/sets/there-back-2024-crate-digging

More hardcore mixes: https://soundcloud.com/sonicrampage/sets/hardcore-rave

Recorded in Berlin, December 2024
100% Vinyl
(59:31, 140 MB, 320 KBPS MP3)

Tracklisting:
01. Naughty Naughty - Rich in Paradise [Naughty Naughty]
02. DJ Mixmatt - R.P.T. (Rushin' Piano Track) [Man from UNCLE]
03. 2 Croozin - Life [Remix Records]
04. Heartless - Right Now [Heartless]
05. DJ Ham - And Higher [Kniteforce]
06. Higher Level - I Need You Now [Zodiac]
07. Smith & Brown - Do It Now [Homegrown]
08. DJ Force & The Evolution - Escape the Feeling [Kniteforce]
09. Happy Tunes - Pounding Beats [Happy Tunes]
10. Kriston - Got to Get Up [Just 4 U]
11. DJ Seduction - So In Love (Vibes & Wishdokta Remix) [Impact]
12. SMD - SMD1 (A) [SMD]
13. Naughty Naughty - Never Felt This Way [Naughty Naughty]
14. DJ Red Alert & Mike Slammer - Feel So Real [Slammin Vinyl]
15. Seduction & Dougal - It's Not Over [Impact]
16. Billy 'Daniel' Bunter & JDS - Let It Lift You (Vibes & Wishdokta Remix) [Just Another Label]
17. Jimmy J & Cru-L-T - Take Me Away (Slipmatt Remix) [Remix / Kniteforce]
18. Oaysis - Incredible Bass (Slipmatt Remix) [Formation]
19. Crowd Pleasers - Volume Three (Side B) [Crowd Pleasers]
20. Billy 'Daniel' Bunter & D-Zyne - Ride Like the Wind ft Gem [Universal]

There & Back 012: December, Early Happy Hardcore 1993-1995

American in Berlin! I've been a dj since 1997, playing across a wide range of dance music genres, as you can see from the variety of mixes. I love it all! 

Want recommendations? Drop me a DM and I'll hook you up. 

I sometimes play at Berlin clubs, but mostly I am a hardcore vinyl collector and bedroom mixer. Check out my blog at www.sonicrampage.org/blog

New tracks tagged #just another label