We're (not) in the Money — Songs from the Great Depression
I had been thinking of doing a Music of the Depression post, and this morning, Gawker beat me to it. Kind of. Their news is that old timey-sounding ensemble Max Raabe and his orchestra are touring. You can hear samples of their work on their website (which is in German, but music is a universal language). Most of what they play is period stuff, but they do indulge in a few covers, including Britney Spears' "Oops, I did it Again" and Tom Jones' "Sex Bomb," below, which is a little less authentic sounding, but still fun.
For more faux-Depression fun, the L.I.C.-based Two Man Gentlemen Band can't be beat. Listen to their oeuvre on their MySpace.
More after the jump.
If you're looking for actual music that was played during the Depression, the easy way out is to pick up the "O Brother" soundtrack. Yeah, yeah, bluegrass was super trendy after that movie came out, but that doesn't make the music any less good.
Chris Thomas King, "Hard Time Killing Floor Blues" (For good measure, check out Bob Dylan's version of "Man of Constant Sorrow".)
Alan Lomax's field recordings are also a great source for Depression Era Americana.
And, of course, Woody Guthrie:
—eh
PS For a better, more researched treatise on the subject, check this out.
