Post by Benj52 on Aug 28, 2013 9:06:28 GMT
Well, thought I would give this another go as it may be my last chance for a while to enjoy the NHC.
Went for a few hours on the SUNDAY and did my usual cunning plan of alighting at Westbourne Grove station. By then the train was rammed with punters swigging home-made drinks like fury (mine was TESCO freshly-squeezed Apple & Mango 1.75l + 250 ml vodka) to get in the swing of things.
Got out and trotted down to Channel 1 who had an extraordinary nice-looking quad soundsystem of high quality playing the usual Jah-Rasta tunes. Not enough fun for me but v righteous if you like that sort of thing.
Not too many cops about, but enough to make you feel safe, not threatened. Blind eyes being turned all round to the weed, nitrous and whatnot. The atmosphere is great, throbbing bass, smoke, cooking, people of all sorts wandering around, babes hanging out windows etc etc. A flash Harry tries to sell me a (cold) can of Red Stripe for 4.50 - I laughed out loud. INSIDER TIP: it is possible to get 3 for £5 cold beer deals if you shop around.You can also get your puff there should you need to, keep your eyes peeled.
Skipped Gaz and all that as I have never really enjoyed him. Crossed over to Portobello Rd where the maximum crush is under the Westway, not too bad at 3:45 but wouldn't want to leave it later. Can't remember the name of the sound which plays just up from the Westway on the left as you go North but they are always pretty lively, playing 80's and 90's tunes with a big fat white MC with a good line in patois running things OK.
But my mission was to get up to Gladdy Wax and the Tighten Up crew who were v pleased to see me and likewise. Tim and I had a great chat and lots of photos were taken by Mr Brown and other assorted types. Lovely to see Bilko, just missed MSE unfortunately. Clapper Priest turned up and made a mess. Champian was not in great form, alas, so left most of it to some others including a young female to big up Gladdy and the tunes.
Probably some video, Sean, on the internet should you feel the need to mock from behind your shield of anonymity - please share. It really is wicked when the tunes are great, sun shining and the whole street dancing to vintage reggae. Everyone happy. You should try it.
Gladdy was doing his musical history set, lots of 1966-7, and when 1968 kicks in, oh lordy! Love that early fast reggae...
TU set was OK, esp when they played that 'Wicked Cannot Reign' by Rypton Hilton - just (one of the very) the best soundsystem tune IMHO.
Found it extraordinarily hard to leave but eventually (6.30?) wandered up north. Saw a potentially nasty fight between local youth, scarpered and made to the Bakerloo Line escape route. Stupid inane conversations (my side) with young ladies from Germany and Korea, who seemed remarkably unscathed from the experience.
The Last Train to Ecstasy (My Love) - oh yeah!
See you!
Went for a few hours on the SUNDAY and did my usual cunning plan of alighting at Westbourne Grove station. By then the train was rammed with punters swigging home-made drinks like fury (mine was TESCO freshly-squeezed Apple & Mango 1.75l + 250 ml vodka) to get in the swing of things.
Got out and trotted down to Channel 1 who had an extraordinary nice-looking quad soundsystem of high quality playing the usual Jah-Rasta tunes. Not enough fun for me but v righteous if you like that sort of thing.
Not too many cops about, but enough to make you feel safe, not threatened. Blind eyes being turned all round to the weed, nitrous and whatnot. The atmosphere is great, throbbing bass, smoke, cooking, people of all sorts wandering around, babes hanging out windows etc etc. A flash Harry tries to sell me a (cold) can of Red Stripe for 4.50 - I laughed out loud. INSIDER TIP: it is possible to get 3 for £5 cold beer deals if you shop around.You can also get your puff there should you need to, keep your eyes peeled.
Skipped Gaz and all that as I have never really enjoyed him. Crossed over to Portobello Rd where the maximum crush is under the Westway, not too bad at 3:45 but wouldn't want to leave it later. Can't remember the name of the sound which plays just up from the Westway on the left as you go North but they are always pretty lively, playing 80's and 90's tunes with a big fat white MC with a good line in patois running things OK.
But my mission was to get up to Gladdy Wax and the Tighten Up crew who were v pleased to see me and likewise. Tim and I had a great chat and lots of photos were taken by Mr Brown and other assorted types. Lovely to see Bilko, just missed MSE unfortunately. Clapper Priest turned up and made a mess. Champian was not in great form, alas, so left most of it to some others including a young female to big up Gladdy and the tunes.
Probably some video, Sean, on the internet should you feel the need to mock from behind your shield of anonymity - please share. It really is wicked when the tunes are great, sun shining and the whole street dancing to vintage reggae. Everyone happy. You should try it.
Gladdy was doing his musical history set, lots of 1966-7, and when 1968 kicks in, oh lordy! Love that early fast reggae...
TU set was OK, esp when they played that 'Wicked Cannot Reign' by Rypton Hilton - just (one of the very) the best soundsystem tune IMHO.
Found it extraordinarily hard to leave but eventually (6.30?) wandered up north. Saw a potentially nasty fight between local youth, scarpered and made to the Bakerloo Line escape route. Stupid inane conversations (my side) with young ladies from Germany and Korea, who seemed remarkably unscathed from the experience.
The Last Train to Ecstasy (My Love) - oh yeah!
See you!
