Mixtapes 2008 & Opinions on Common

Jim and Greg round out the year like any good music fan: with a mixtape. Tune in to hear some of their favorite songs, and then find out how they rate the new album from rapper Common.

Best Songs of 2008
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Music News

One of the biggest news stories of 2008 is undoubtedly the economy. But how does that relate to music? According to Professor Terry Pettijohn there are links between musical tastes and economic patterns. In a study published in Psychology of Music, Pettijohn and fellow researcher Donald Sacco, explain that during times of socioeconomic challenges, popular songs are more "meaningful." But, during easier times, the hits are more fun and frivolous. For example, during the economic boom of the late '50s, songs like "At the Hop" were all the rage. And in 1968, during a period of social unrest, people were attracted to "Hey Jude." So, what does this say about our current society?

Universal Mind Control Common

Universal Mind Control

One of the big new releases this month is from rapper Common. Universal Mind Control was initially supposed to be released over the summer, and Jim and Greg wonder if the party atmosphere would have been better suited for the warmer months. But, even the sunshine can't improve this disappointing album. Both Jim and Greg have lauded the Chicago native for years, so it breaks their hearts to see him reduced to what Jim describes as a "horrible, sexist, derogatory empty" album. With 2008 being such a landmark year, particularly for African-Americans, Greg thinks Universal Mind Control was a missed opportunity for the usually thoughtful rapper. Both critics give Common's record a Trash It.

The Best Songs of 2008 - Mixtapes

At the end of the year, many music fans take on the challenging task of making a mixtape. And, Jim and Greg are no exception. They’ve both made compilations of their favorite songs of 2008.

Greg’s 2008 Mix: Who’s Gonna Save My Soul?

  1. Kanye West, "Love Lockdown"
  2. Gnarls Barkley, "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
  3. Santigold, "L.E.S. Artistes"
  4. The Ting Tings, "That’s Not My Name"
  5. The Knux, "The List"
  6. Q-Tip, "ManWomanBoogie"
  7. Lyrics Born, "Don’t Change"
  8. Bajofondo Tango Club, "Pa’ Bailar"
  9. No Age, "Teen Creeps"
  10. Love is All, "Wishing Well"
  11. Torche, "Across the Shields"
  12. TV on the Radio, "Halfway Home"
  13. Parts & Labor, "Satellites"
  14. Goldfrapp, "Caravan Girl"
  15. Vivian Girls, "Where Do You Run To"
  16. Frightened Rabbit, "The Modern Leper"
  17. Rivers Cuomo, "Can’t Stop Partying"

Jim’s 2008 Mix: Songs for Troubled Times

  1. Lou Reed, "Sad Song"
  2. Kanye West, "Welcome to Heartbreak"
  3. Gnarls Barkley, "Who’s Gonna Save My Soul"
  4. Death Cab for Cutie, "I Will Possess Your Heart"
  5. Beyonce, "Broken-Hearted Girl"
  6. Shot Baker, "Death of Illusion"
  7. Spiritualized, "Death Take Your Fiddle"
  8. Sigur Rós, "vid spilum endalaust"
  9. Bob Dylan, "Cocaine Blues"
  10. Rivers Cuomo, "Can’t Stop Partying"
  11. Beck, "Soul of a Man"
  12. Sheryl Crow, "Gasoline"
  13. Rise Against, "Hero of War"
  14. Common, "Changes"
  15. Alejandro Escovedo, "Chip N’ Tony"
  16. Weezer, "Heart Songs"
  17. Lil Wayne, "Lollipop"

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