Listening to some tunes today, it struck me that there are a variety of songs written in the last 20 years that are informative to the troubles the American economy faces today. 
Some examples:

Pedro the Lion: Indian Summer 
"Don't you just love the sun?
Doesn't it make you feel good, all over?
It's my pleasure to announce
In conjunction with the fed
And my recent popularity

Thanks in part to Mother Nature
It will never rain again
It should do wonders for the GNP

If you're just joining us now
You missed a brilliant speech
We go now live to the streets
To find out what the voters think
He's worked a miracle
I just now bought a brand new car
God bless the Indian summer"

At the time that Mr. Bazan wrote these words (sometime around 2001-2002), the fed funds rate was at 1.75% and Alan Greenspan was practically begging consumers to go out and get loans to buy things.  We know how that turned out. 

Desperacedos: Man and Wife, The Former (Financial Planning)
"And if you need money for bills
My lover I could cover you
'Cause I sold some shit I'm saving up
We can get that house next to the park
I'll get more hours at my dads shop
Yeah we'll plan for everything
And we'll enroll in that middle class
Get a compact car full of discount tags
If you're feeling trapped or too attached
Remember we wanted that
And if you need money for bills this month
My love I'd cover you
And if you have to lie to everyone
Well I'd cover up for you
'Cause we're growing older growing up
Just like our parents before us
With your new job at the coffee shop
We are ready for everything
And we'll graduate that middle class
Get a nicer car full of shopping bags
So if you're feeling sad kind of detached
Remember we wanted that"

This was written in 2001, perhaps coinciding the with the brief recession at that time that led to the quick cutting of the fed funds rate.  Mr. Oberst was also insightful if only in an anti-capitalist sort of way. 


Modest Mouse: Novocaine Stain
"Remember the towns
With fear and fascination
On what was here
And whats replacing them now
Interchange causes a mall
And crowded chain restaurants
More housing developments go up
Named after the things they replace
So welcome to minnow brook
And welcome to shady space
And it all seems a little abrupt
No I dont like this change of pace"

Finally, from that great "first" album previously lauded in this space, is this song.  Mr. Brock doesn't like this change of pace in the Seattle metro area, even in 1995 or 96.  He could see the dangers of going too far into the exurban frontier. 

I can't say that New Century Schoolbook lyrics have predicted the crisis, so my apologies to those who were listening to our album and looking for stock tips.  However, I did take several swipes at suburbia in other songs in other bands, notably Pocketcookie's "Quiet Neighborhood" and The Pioneer Express's "They Built a Park." 

So, assuming you've made it this far: what songs would you add to the list of portents about the failing economy?  Please do write.