A musical starter that introduces most elements of economic environment... in the funkiest way possible!Marvin Gaye's Inner City Blues Video

As soon as students walk in, play the video clip above and give students the printed lyrics along with the following questions

1. What are the causes of Marvin's woe?
2. When do you think the song was written?
3. Are there any similarities with the current economic climate?

This usually brings up all of the following points:
Government spending
Welfare
Recession
Inflation
Taxation
Unemployment
The economic cycle

This introduces almost every key factor relating to economics (and government intervention) and sets the scene for a perfect discussion on the current economic situation.

Hope it helps!