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It's the music that matters

Our latest web project asks the question: What music is good for the recession? Whatever you're listening to, man, whatever you're listening to.

Some of my colleagues talked to people outside of Amoeba Music in Hollywood (hands down, the best record store ever):

What music is good for a recession? from Marketplace on Vimeo.

My picks for good recession listening:

"Get Rhythm" -- Johnny Cash -- "...when you get the blues." Anything by Johnny makes me feel better, but this song in particular is fitting:

"Welcome to the Jungle" -- Guns N' Roses. Welcome to the Economy. Pure catharsis.

For lyrical symmetry with this recession, it's hard to beat Simply Red's "Money's Too Tight to Mention" from the 80's:

I been laid off, my rent is due
My kids all need brand new shoes
So I went to the bank to see what they could do
They said "son looks like bad luck got a hold on you"

Other songs that reflect recent times: Money for Nothin' by Dire Straits. "Look at them yo yo's, that's the way you do it..."

"You Can't Always Get What You Want" by the Stones.

And "Life's Been Good" by Joe Walsh:

I have a mansion, forget the price
Ain't never been there, they tell me it's nice
I live in hotels, tear out the walls
I have accountants pay for it all

How about you? What are your favorite recession songs?

About the author

Katie 's picture
Katie - Sep 29, 2009

Great post, Scott! My pick: "Nothing to Worry About" Peter Bjorn and John

Catherine's picture
Catherine - Sep 28, 2009

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCkOmcIl79s">"Money Money Money"</a> by ABBA

Juan's picture
Juan - Sep 28, 2009

Two songs come to mind:
Under Pressure - Queen with David Bowie
Allentown - Billy Joel

I'll add more when I think of them...

Jeff Jennings's picture
Jeff Jennings - Sep 28, 2009

Pressure - Billy Joel

Lesa K's picture
Lesa K - Sep 28, 2009

The Avett Brothers - raw, emotional, energetic and heartfelt music that reminds you what's important in the world. Their new album I and Love and You came out today and they'll be on Letterman tonight. Punk rock banjo slappin' goodness from the heart of North Carolina!

Scott Jagow's picture
Scott Jagow - Sep 28, 2009

Thanks for the tip, Lesa. I'll have to check it out. Love those Avett Brothers!

joey's picture
joey - Sep 28, 2009

Notorious B.I.G. - Mo Money Mo Problems