Sound Opinions - podcast cover

Sound Opinions

WBEZ Chicagoart19.com
Take two nationally respected rock critics, the latest music news, personal commentary, and exclusive interviews and performances, add a huge pile of records old and new, and the result is Sound Opinions, where people who love music can come together.

Episodes

A Key Band of the '80s Indie Rock Scene

Greg shares a track from the band Scrawl, inspired by a conversation with Jenny Toomey and Kristen Thompson from the band Tsunami. He discusses Scrawl's history, their struggles with Rough Trade Records, and their impactful EP 'Bloodsucker' on Simple Machines. Jim and Greg then discuss curating a compilation album of underrated songs from the late 80s to early 90s.

Apr 02, 20257 min

Women in Ska & Opinions on Throwing Muses

Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review Throwing Muses' new album, Moonlight Concessions, highlighting Kristen Hirsch's unique songwriting and vocal style, then interview Heather Augustyn about her book Rude Girls, discussing the underappreciated women of the Two-Tone ska movement, including Pauline Black, Rhoda Dakar, and the all-female band, The Body Snatchers, while also exploring the cultural impact of ska and its political roots in the UK.

Mar 28, 202551 minEp. 1009

RIP Brian James of the Damned

Jim pays tribute to Brian James, the guitarist for The Damned, discussing his influence and career. He highlights James's early work with The Damned, his impact on punk rock, and his later projects like Lords of the New Church. The episode features the song "New Rose" as a testament to James's talent and pioneering spirit.

Mar 26, 20258 min

Music & Nostalgia Plus Opinions on Bartees Strange & Sasami

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot speak with author David Rowell about his new book, The Endless Refrain: Memory, Nostalgia, and the Threat to New Music. The hosts also review the new albums by Bartees Strange and Sasami. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah &n...

Mar 21, 202551 minEp. 1008

RIP Roberta Flack

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to the great American singer Roberta Flack who died on February 24, 2025 at the age of 88. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile:  sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...

Mar 19, 20257 min

RIP David Johansen of New York Dolls - Deep Dive & Interview with David

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late, great David Johansen of the New York Dolls and solo career fame, covering as much of his remarkable body of work as they could fit into one episode. They also revisit their interview with David Johansen from 2001. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/...

Mar 14, 202550 minEp. 1007

RIP Angie Stone

Jim DeRogatis pays tribute to Angie Stone, highlighting her pioneering role in hip-hop and neo-soul. The conversation explores her early career with The Sequence, her solo success, and her unique blending of sensuality and empowerment in her music, focusing on her album Mahogany Soul. They discuss her versatility and impact, lamenting her underappreciation and premature passing.

Mar 12, 20257 min

Sly and the Family Stone & Opinions on Horsegirl

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review Sly Stone's documentary and memoir and revisit an interview with Family Stone members Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson. They also review the new album from Chicago indie rockers Horsegirl. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/...

Mar 07, 202547 minEp. 1006

RIP Brenton Wood

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to little-known soul singer Brenton Wood who died on January 3, 2025 at the age of 83. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile:  sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a...

Mar 05, 20258 min

Buried Treasures (New Music!) & RIP Jerry Butler

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share new music they're digging that flies under the mainstream radar, buried treasures! They also pay tribute to singer-songwriter Jerry Butler. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile:  sayhi.chat/soundop...

Feb 28, 202551 minEp. 1005

RIP Marianne Faithfull

In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to English singer Marianne Faithfull who died on January 30, 2025 at the age of 78. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile:  sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C...

Feb 26, 202514 min

Drinking Songs & Opinions on Sharon Van Etten

Throughout music history and across genres, artists have made drinking songs. From buoyant and rowdy to reflective and moody, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorites. They also review the new album from Sharon Van Etten. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:&...

Feb 21, 202551 minEp. 1004

More Songs From Fruit Bats

In this bonus episode, Eric Johnson performs "Humbug Mountain Song" and "The Rock Doc" live at the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub. He also shares his Desert Island Jukebox pick with Jim and Greg. Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile:  sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group:  https://...

Feb 19, 202516 min

Fruit Bats Live & Opinions on Lambrini Girls

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome Eric Johnson of long-running indie folk band Fruit Bats for an interview and performance. The hosts also review the debut album from punk shock activists, Lambrini Girls. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  &nbsp...

Feb 14, 202551 minEp. 1003

Onstage Magic, Offstage Tension

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Sam Moore of the iconic soul duo Sam & Dave. Moore died on January 10, 2025 at age 89. Become a Patreon member to hear the full episode: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva...

Feb 12, 20255 min

Robyn Hitchcock Returns & Opinions on SZA

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome Robyn Hitchcock back to Sound Opinions to discuss the singer-songwriter's book, 1967: How I Got There and Why I Never Left, and the accompanying album, 1967: Vacations in the Past. Plus, the hosts review the new album from SZA. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send u...

Feb 07, 202551 minEp. 1002

Waves of a One-Hit Wonder

In this bonus episode, Jim shares a track that was once so popular that it made a fictional location into a reality. Become a Patreon member to hear the full episode: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https...

Feb 05, 20257 min

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President and RIP Stanley Booth, The Rolling Stones Chronicler

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late president Jimmy Carter by revisiting a discussion on his character and love for music with the director of the documentary, Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President. Plus, they will bid farewell to music journalist Stanley Booth, the most profound chronicler of the Rolling Stones. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3e...

Jan 31, 202551 minEp. 1001

Producers Look Back on 1000 Episodes

As a bonus to our 1000th episode, senior producers Alex Claiborne and Andrew Gill chime in with some of their favorite guests and most memorable moments from Sound Opinions. Become a Patreon member to hear the full episode: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T See Privacy Policy at https:/...

Jan 29, 202517 min

Sound Opinions' 1000th Episode!

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look back on the occasion of Sound Opinions reaching the 1000 episodes milestone. Both hosts share highlights and a couple lowlights, plus listeners share their favorite memories. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  &nbs...

Jan 24, 202551 minEp. 1000

One of the Great Songs of the 21st Century

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox and shares the story of how this brilliant song almost didn't get made! Become a Patreon member to hear the full episode: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi...

Jan 22, 20257 min

Buried Treasures!

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share new music they're digging that flies under the mainstream radar, buried treasures! They also hear selections from the production staff. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile:  sayhi.chat/soundops &n...

Jan 17, 202550 minEp. 999

RIP Marc Campbell of The Nails

In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to Marc Campbell of The Nails who died late in 2024. Become a Patreon member to hear the full episode: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...

Jan 15, 20258 min

Everything Else: Say Nothing

In the second installment of our new Patreon-only bonus podcast, Jim, Greg and Andrew share their thoughts on the FX adaptation of Patrick Raden Keefe's book, Say Nothing. Become a Patreon member to hear the full episode: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T See Privacy Policy at https://a...

Jan 13, 20256 min

X's Under the Big Black Sun with John Doe

In 1982, the Los Angeles punk rock band X put out its album Under the Big Black Sun. Over 40 years later, it's still great! Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with X vocalist and bassist John Doe all about the album and the band's impact. They'll also chat with him about his recent solo album and his work in television and film. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRn...

Jan 10, 202548 minEp. 998

A Track that could Fill a Playlist

Greg shares the history of a 60's gospel track that has been continually covered and reinvented. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jan 08, 20259 min

Everything Else with Sound Opinions

In the first installment of our new Patreon-only bonus podcast, Jim and Greg compare notes on a couple of thrilling new Netflix shows. Become a Patreon member to hear the full episode. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Jan 06, 20254 min

2024 Obits, Singles & Greg's Annual Mixtape

Every year, host Greg Kot makes a mixtape of new songs to express his feelings about the past year. Greg shares a selection of that mix and the rest of the show staff look at other top singles of 2024. Plus, the hosts remember a few other musicians we lost in 2024. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a...

Jan 03, 202551 minEp. 997

A Song Revived by a Streaming Series

In this bonus episode, Jim shares an 80's dance club hit that was featured in a new streaming show. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jan 01, 20257 min

Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Bob Dylan's Blood on the Tracks. They'll hear from a musician who played on the record and talk with two music writers about what makes it so iconic. Join our Facebook Group:  https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:  https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:  https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal:  https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop:  bit.ly/2RyD5A...

Dec 27, 202451 minEp. 996