The AITS crew started it on a lark this afternoon, as we were sitting around the newsroom discussing music and generally not getting a lot of work done. It’s a Friday and Norm is out of office, getting things ready for Halloween.

So, with the help of Google and our fading musical memories, here is our compilation of a couple dozen relevant songs for your impoverished, low-dough pleasure. We could have easily populated the list exclusively with blues or country songs, as there is no shortage of gloom and doom to be found in those musical styles. Instead, we selected songs from across many musical genres, listed below in no particular order just to mix it up.  Misery is boundless.

Most of these selections are probably available from iTunes. Or, if you’re really strapped for cash, some P2P file-sharing service. Just don’t get busted. Load up the iPod - if you haven’t pawned it already. Then crack open a cold Old Milwaukee, turn up the volume, let the tears flow and drown your sorrows. And keep telling yourself: it’s the economy, stupid.