Well it’s Mardi Gras time and no season is complete without some great Mardi Gras music. Here are my top 10 must have songs for any Mardi Gras celebration.
10. Mardi Gras Mambo by The Hawketts
This song always gets me into the Mardi Gras spirit. It has the classic New Orleans sound and a nice groovin’ tempo that is sure to set the tone for the Mardi Gras season. If you’ve never been to Mardi Gras, this song surely serves as an invitation to come down to the “Mambo, down in New Orleans!
9. Big Chief by Professor Longhair
This song is a tribute to the Indian influence of Mardi Gras. Much of the Indian culture has been lost and this is a song that represents the roots of the Mardi Gras Indians in the music of New Orleans.
8. Take it to the Streets- Rebirth Brass Band
Not enough room in your house and too many people for a dance hall. There’s only one place we can have Mardi Gras and that’s the streets of New Orleans. This is a great upbeat song by the Rebirth Brass Band that is sure to get the party started correctly.
7. Ain’t My Fault- Olympia Brass Band
“O’ it ain’t my fault!” The tuba carries the tune in this classic by the Olympia Brass Band. I always play this song as a reminder to everyone that no matter what happens, It Ain’t My Fault.
6. Hey Pocky nay – Meters
I chose this song because I’ve always found it catchy. Even though I could never understand what they were saying, I would still sing along as if I did. A must have for any Mardi Gras celebration.
5. They All Ask for you- Meters
This song just makes you feel welcomed to be in the city of New Orleans. It shows the hospitality New Orleans has for anyone who visits. Even the animals in the zoo ask for you!
4. Iko Iko by the Dixie Cups
This is a classic song that has also been the influence for many songs in New Orleans today. Rich in culture, this song tells of the epic battle between two Indian tribe flag boys. Victory results in one flag boy setting the other Indian tribe’s flag on fire. There is also an interesting mix of African and Indian language throughout the song.
3. Second Line
There is NO Mardi Gras without a second line. Grab your umbrella, a napkin, handkerchief or whatever you can find and join in on this conga line style dance.
2. Rebirth by Dee-1
Rebirth is a post Katrina song that really shows the revival of the city of New Orleans and has quickly become the unofficial anthem of the city. It is a great blend of traditional brass band music and hip-hop.
1. Do What Cha Wanna – Rebirth Brass Band
The title of this song speaks for itself. It’s my choice as the official theme song for Mardi Gras.
Sources:
http://www.mardigrasdigest.com/Media/Digest
