Every year there seems a danger that Carnival – an ever-present on London’s streets since 1965 – might not actually happen. Thankfully, despite “the riots“, miniscule funding and a Mayor who thinks “cultural diversity” is something he saw on the side of a yogurt pot in the Harrods food hall, the Carnival somehow not only survives but thrives.
The floats, the dancers and almost 40 sound systems shaking the ground and perforating eardrums with everything from soca to dub, reggae, jazz, house and calypso.
What will those mighty speaker stacks be blasting out this year? My selections follow but what are your picks for 2012′s best Carnival tunes?
To listen to a Music Like Dirt Carnival playlist visit the new music sharing site Whyd.com (recommended) or for those that like to kid themselves they’re supporting artists via Spotify and its 0.0001p per stream visit here:
MLD Carnival selection – Whyd.com / Spotify (limited selection)
There are loads more carnival sounds below, but first three mixes from some far more esteemed selectors.
Unsurprisingly as a total fanboy my favourite Notting Hill mix this year comes courtesy of Jon More from the mighty Coldcut with a 30 minute classic carnival mix (for Mixmag) that’s very much in Coldcut’s grand genre busting tradition. Ninjatune are hosting their first carnival party on Sunday night.
