Whatever Session – 19 – Hark – Sonic Vibes Mix 10 – Carnival VINYL Special – 20-08-2012 by Hark1karan on Mixcloud

Originally posted here.

Notting Hill Carnival every bank holiday August. A chance for people to come to celebrate all things Caribbean and related. Initially it started as a celebration for the migrants from the Caribbean, and it was a chance for them to enjoy everything they had left behind. Sound systems, dubplates, riddims, dancing, rum, food and community. Since its beginnings it has grown to become Europe’s largest carnival, representing not only the West Indie communities, but also London and various African communities. London’s musical heritage has been heavily influenced by the bass, rhythm and dancehall culture of the Caribbean. From punk (The Clash), to 2tone (The Specials / Madness), 80s pop (10cc), to acid, to hardcore, to jungle, to drum n bass, to 2step, to dancehall, to garage, to grime, to dubstep, to bashment, to uk funky, to afrobeat. It is the celebration of all this culture, and influence that it has on all generations, that brings people together to party. The real London gets a chance to come out for the weekend.

There are dozens of sound systems scattered around Notting Hill, playing the various genres mentioned above. Now days they play on all formats and everyone still has a good time regardless of taste in music. If you want the current flavor of London, Rampage sound system will give you a real insight. This is usually rammed and very energetic. But it has to be said that my favourite two systems are the legendary Channel One and Aba Shanti I (http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/lectures/aba-shanti-i-power-of-the-tower). Aba Shanti I focuses on more the roots and dubby side of reggae. This is essentially a ‘proper’ sound system. It’s old skool. It is all analog! However the sound beats everything at the carnival and most places for that matter. It’s the cleanest sound you’ll hear. It’s loud, but doesn’t hurt your ears. Trust me I have sensitive ears and the sound is clean. You can feel the bass in your chest. People are in the zone. Eyes shut, just taking in the magic of the sound. There is a family vibe. All generations are present. Little kids run about with ear plugs, while you have the old rasta’s controlling the deck. Two jerk chicken stands serve mouth watering food. The walls are covered in red, green and yellow. They have taken over. People smoke their joints, meditate with eyes shut. All types of people are ‘vibing’. The energy is contagious. Just find your spot and absorb the sonic vibrations. Plus everyone is really friendly. The same can be said for Channel One sound system. This has to be the happiest place on the whole sight. The controller is a legend. One of the originals (since 1979). Entertaining the masses all day with his the top selection. Covering a vast array of vintage reggae. You can get up close to the two giant wooden orange stacks. You can see the piles of vinyl. People dancing on the walls, bowling their whistles and cheering for a reload. He won’t hesitate to reload either. Just puts a smile on your face. Hopefully the selection of tunes below can do the same. That is for you to decide.

On that note I just want to summarize. I love going carnival because it has a lot of the things I love. First of all it is a ‘real’ representation of London. The music! All London music is there. Well, bass led music. All types of people are partying together. It’s colourful and vibrant. People cooking and serving food they love. Everyday norms are thrown aside for 2 days. People are dancing. You strangely have more freedom. There is a positive energy. People are happy. People are smiling.

Tracklist

1. Augustus Pablo ft Jacob Miller – Baby I Love You So (Island Records) Ltd Release
2. Toots and Maytals – Funky Kingston (Souljazz)
3. Trinity – Three Piece Suit (Gibbs Records)
4. Sister Nancy – Bam Bam (Techncues)
5. Skatalites – Doctor Kildare (Coxsone Records)
6. Harry J All Stars – Liquidator (B&C Music)
7. Upsetters – Return Of Django (B&C Music)
8. Junior Marvin – Police & Thieves (Island Records)
9. 10CC – Dreadlock Holiday (Polydor)
10. Hopeton Lewis – Sounds and Pressure (Souljazz)
11. Augustus Pablo – Pablo In Red (Echo Records)
12. Sugar Minott – Mr DC (Studio 1)
13. Johnny Clarke – Legalise It (Archive Recordings)
14. Barrington Levy – Under Mi Sensi (Time 1 International)
15. Tenor Saw – Golden Hen (Humming Bird Productions)
16. Brigadier Jerry – Jamaica Jamaica (Jahlovemuzik)
17. Unknown Mash-up (Roof International)
18. Wayne Smith – Under Me Sleng Teng (Greensleeves)
19. Augustus Pablo – King Tubby Meets The Rockers Uptown (Island Records) Ltd Release