Happy Birthday Half Baked: The best tunes

Ah Half Baked, there's just nothing we can say that fully sums up our love for you. The London party that regularly trots around the world has one of the most up-for-it crowds around.

For six years the institution has devoted its time and efforts into putting the fun back into partying. There's no prejudice, no moustache-twiddlers stood at the side and no angst. It's just straight smiles and good vibes and as cliché as that sounds, it's true. There's a food stand set up outside, bathtubs full of glitter and sequins to sit and recollect in, workshops throughout the day and a whole lot of fucking good music.

Studio 338 has become a home away from home for the party and last year's birthday was going to take some beating (we stayed for 15 hours). With a musical policy that covers all colours of the house spectrum, the party took place from 2pm 'til 7am the following morning. The braver dancers within the pack then ventured onto the afterparty, which took place on a boat travelling up the Thames: mega.

The line-up was once again stellar but for us the three main attractions were Mike Shannon, Omar S and Mike Huckaby. The two Mikes are part of the Half Baked furniture for good reason: they slam it out every time and they never withhold the chunk. Omar had a lot to prove and we were intrigued to see how he'd tackle the night.

It's true testament to a club night's legacy if the same ravers are attending every event and the birthday couldn't have gone down better. Here are a selection of the tunes that banged it. Big ups Half Baked, please never change.

Let's get one thing straight, Mike Shannon set the pace for the final stretch of the party. Two hours of slamming house that never let up. His music exerts energy and groove and he gave the Void system at 338 a real work out. When 'Power Seat' rattled around the room, things got serious.

The first time we heard 'Just A Glimpse' was at the Half Baked 5th birthday. A year on and this track feels like an anthem for us. Beautiful piano chords, chugging bass and a groove that sums up Shannon perfectly. This is the second time we've heard it on a system and the second time we felt shivers up our spine.

We wish we got more tunes from Shannon but there were so many undiscovered gems so lets let them remain that way. At 3am however, it was game-time, time for Detroit's finest to step up. After a 2 minute wait while Omar's equipment got set-up, he exploded into action with this classic from the vaults. Madness ensued.

Thick, chunky with vocals as smooth as can be, Omar was getting things warmed up nicely. His cards were close to his chest for the first 45 minutes and that's because the hype was only round the corner.

A questionable selection from the Detroit master. To start with a few eyebrows were raised. Was this the rolling and slamming Half Baked or a school disco? Luckily after about 35 seconds of this kicking in, everyone was smiling and phones were raised across the dancefloor. You can't deny it, this old dog still has life in yet.

Classic Omar. Say no more. Beaut.

This was the tune of the night for us. It went down in serious ways. Coming in straight after 'The Shit Baby', those fierce and furious kicks cut straight through the smooth pianos like a samurai sword to butter. The quad kicks before the drops and the space-age synths garnered huge cheers from everyone in attendance.

Another absolute gem. Omar opted for the classics and who can blame him? It was a very special birthday party and 'All I Do' another sure-fire crowd-pleaser. In fact, hearing it on the big voids at 338 made us remember just how good the percussion is. Great sing-a-long track.

Omar's final tune, another feel-good track to close off what was a decidedly light set from the pro. We were expecting something a bit spankier from the veteran but who can complain about a two-hour session that felt like pure euphoria.

Enter Mike Huckaby and not one to be outdone by Omar's classics, he drew for 'Groove La Chord' as his opening gambit. A tech-house masterpiece and a much-needed injection of energy. Cheers from left to right swept when this one dropped.

We absolutely love this track and naturally we couldn't believe it when Huckaby drew for it towards the end of his set. The Beste Modus crew have a special place in our hearts beacause they only deal in underground house bangers and their DJing is exquisite. Big ups to Mike Huckaby for shining a light on the smaller artists because it worked, 'Precious' is pretty colossal.