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.
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Episodes

#591 Remembering Chuck Berry

Chuck Berry, one of the architects of rock 'n' roll, has died at age 90. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reflect on the life, music, and enduring legacy of the legendary guitarist and singer. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Mar 24, 201759 minEp. 591

#590 Desert Island Jukebox & Sunflower Bean

The proverbial Desert Island Jukebox is filled with songs that hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot would want with them if they were marooned on a remote isle. This week, Jim and Greg hand quarters out to guests like Mary J. Blige, Sleater-Kinney, and Rush to select the tracks they can't live without. Plus, an interview and performance from the Brooklyn rock band Sunflower Bean. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy ...

Mar 17, 201759 minEp. 590

#589 One and Done & Opinions on Thundercat

Some artists deliver a fantastic debut album, yet never make another LP again. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot select some of their favorite “one and done” bands and explore what makes these one-album wonders so great. Plus, a review of the new record from multi-genre bassist Thundercat. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Mar 10, 201759 minEp. 589

#588 Gene Chandler & Opinions on The Feelies

From 1962 to 1970, Chicago soul singer Gene Chandler recorded nineteen top forty hits, but he'll forever be known as the "Duke of Earl." As a young artist, he performed across the country, including the Jim Crow South, later transitioning from performer to award-winning producer. Gene Chandler joins hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis for a conversation. Plus, a review of the new album by New Jersey rock band The Feelies. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/li...

Mar 03, 201759 minEp. 588

#587 Buried Treasures & Clyde Stubblefield

Many great albums are released each year, but only a handful get the attention they deserve. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some recent Buried Treasures – the best albums that flew under the radar. Plus, they give the drummer some with a tribute to Clyde Stubblefield, James Brown's legendary sideman. And Jason Narducy joins us for a new segment called Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy...

Feb 24, 201759 minEp. 587

#586 The Gotobeds & Opinions on Lupe Fiasco

The Gotobeds are known for outrageous stage antics and a biting sense of humor. But behind that is a lyrical sophistication and tight musicianship. The Pittsburgh post-punk band joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a raucous performance in the studio. Plus, a review of the new album from Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Priva...

Feb 17, 201759 minEp. 586

#585 First Impressions & Opinions on Priests

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, love is in the air. And what's more romantic than that cute moment of love at first sight? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite tracks about first impressions. Plus, they review the new album from DC punk band Priests and pay tribute to the influential composer David Axelrod. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priv...

Feb 10, 201759 minEp. 585

#584 Shirley Collins & Opinions on Japandroids & Ty Segall

Of all the artists in the English folk revival, Shirley Collins was the most devoted to traditional song. After a nearly 40 year recording hiatus, she's finally released a new album. Shirley Collins joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to discuss her career and her experiences traveling through America to collect field recordings with Alan Lomax. Plus, reviews of the new albums by Japandroids and Ty Segall. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for...

Feb 03, 201759 minEp. 584

#583 Krautrock & Remembering Maggie Roche

In the 1970s, German art-rockers took psychedelia and added hypnotic drumbeats and innovative synthesizer sounds to create a style known as Krautrock. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dissect the Krautrock genre and its influential bands like Kraftwerk, Can, and Faust. Plus, they remember the late Maggie Roche of The Roches. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...

Jan 27, 201759 minEp. 583

#582 The Album Leaf & Opinions on The xx and The Flaming Lips

The Album Leaf combines digital and organic instruments to make a unique sound. Bandleader Jimmy LaValle joins Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to talk about the importance of giving electronic music a live experience and how the Album Leaf grew from a side project into a full time gig. Plus, reviews of the new albums from the Flaming Lips and the xx. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pri...

Jan 20, 201759 minEp. 582

#581 All Apologies & Opinions on Run the Jewels

It's good to start a new year with a clean slate – and that can mean apologizing to those you've wronged. In that contrite spirit, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite songs that say "sorry." Plus, a review of the new album from hip-hop duo Run the Jewels. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sel...

Jan 13, 201759 minEp. 581

#580 Esperanza Spalding & David Bowie, One Year Later

Esperanza Spalding is a singer/songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist, a librettist, a Grammy winner, and much more. She joins Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a candid conversation about exploding genres and creating her theatrical new record. Plus, the music and legacy of David Bowie, one year after his death. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...

Jan 06, 201759 minEp. 580

#579 Mixtapes 2016 & Musical In Memoriam

Sound Opinions closes out 2016 with the year in song. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a mixtape of tracks that tell the story of the the past year. And we remember some of the many musicians who passed away in 2016. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 30, 201659 minEp. 579

#578 The Mekons & Opinions on Dawn Richard

Formed in 1977 in the original British punk wave, The Mekons are still going strong nearly four decades later. The band joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot in the studio to demonstrate its eclectic blend of country, folk, and punk rock. Plus, a review of the new album from R&B singer Dawn Richard. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at http...

Dec 23, 201659 minEp. 578

#577 The Sound Opinions Holiday Spectacular 2016

It's time for the 2016 Sound Opinions Holiday Spectacular! Each year, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by holiday music collector Andy Cirzan who shares a mix of rare Christmas records scavenged from dusty record bins around the world. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 16, 201658 minEp. 577

#576 The Best Albums of 2016

If you're a music fanatic, the end of the year means one thing: best of lists! Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reveal their favorite albums of the year. And Sound Opinions listeners weigh-in with their favorites of 2016. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info ....

Dec 09, 201658 minEp. 576

#575 Hero Worship

Artists are also music fans like the rest of us, often paying tribute to the musicians who inspired them. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite examples of Hero Worship in music – songs that name-check great artists from the history of rock and roll. Plus, the Rolling Stones pay tribute to their own blues heroes on a new album. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...

Dec 02, 201659 minEp. 575

#574 Jon Brion & Opinions on Emeli Sandé

Studio wizard Jon Brion has composed scores for films by P.T. Anderson and Michel Gondry and produced for artists from Fiona Apple to Kanye West. The multi-instrumentalist also has grown a following for his virtuosic live performances. Jon Brion speaks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about the art of songcraft. Plus, a review of the latest from Scottish R&B singer Emeli Sandé. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. S...

Nov 25, 201659 minEp. 574

#573 Turkey Pardons & Remembering Leonard Cohen

Every year, a turkey is saved from its Thanksgiving dinner fate by a presidential pardon. In that gracious spirit, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot give their own Turkey Pardons. They share their picks of lousy artists who still had one redeemable musical moment. Plus, they pay tribute to the great singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califo...

Nov 18, 201659 minEp. 573

#572 World Tour – Canada & Opinions on Alejandro Escovedo.

Many Americans are thinking a lot about Canada these days. So hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take the Sound Opinions World Tour to Canada explore the music of our neighbor to the north. And we play our favorite performances by Canadian artists from the Sound Opinions archives. Plus, a review of the latest from Texan singer-songwriter Alejandro Escovedo. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art...

Nov 11, 201659 minEp. 572

#571 Marvin Gaye's *What's Going On*

In 1971, Marvin Gaye made a career left turn with the album What's Going On, adopting a socially conscious sound that addressed war, racism, and drugs. 45 years later, What's Going On remains as relevant as ever. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a Classic Album Dissection of the iconic record. Then, they review a contemporary protest album from Common. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https:...

Nov 04, 201659 minEp. 571

#570 The Handsome Family & Opinions on Lady Gaga

The Handsome Family gained wider notoriety for providing the theme to HBO's True Detective. But the duo's dark, literate songwriting has been acclaimed by critics for decades. Rennie and Brett Sparks of The Handsome Family join hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and performance. Plus, a review of the new album from pop superstar Lady Gaga. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...

Oct 28, 201659 minEp. 570

#569 Songs That Give You the Creeps & Opinions on Leonard Cohen

The spookiest time of the year is upon us. To celebrate Halloween, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot turn the show over to listeners who share the songs that tingle their spines the most. Plus, they share their thoughts on Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize and review the latest from singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at http...

Oct 21, 201659 minEp. 569

#568 Beach Slang & Opinions on Drive-By Truckers

Beach Slang has wowed critics and audiences alike with its loud, energy filled live performances and unabashedly earnest lyrics. But in front of a live audience at the Goose Island Tap Room, Beach Slang songwriter James Alex strips away the volume, but not the heart, for an intimate acoustic performance and conversation with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. Plus, the new record by Southern rockers Drive-By Truckers, and the story behind a forgotten garage classic. Support The Show: https://www....

Oct 14, 201658 minEp. 568

#567 Bob Mehr on The Replacements & Opinions on Solange

The Replacements never had a hit song, but few bands have inspired such a deep personal connection with their fans. Bob Mehr, author of the new biography Trouble Boys, speaks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about the heartbreaking story and enduring legacy of the Minneapolis band. Plus, a review of the new album from Solange and a look at the sample driving Drake's "Hotline Bling." Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. ...

Oct 07, 201659 minEp. 567

#566 Fall Review Roundup & Buckwheat Zydeco

September is bursting with major new album releases. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot give their take on several of the biggest new records, from Bon Iver to M.I.A. to Against Me!, in this Review Roundup. Plus, they report on Chance the Rapper's music festival and pay tribute to Buckwheat Zydeco. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art1...

Sep 30, 201659 minEp. 566

#565 Herb Alpert & Opinions on Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds

Trumpeter Herb Alpert has had a remarkable, multifaceted career. In addition to scoring his own hits with the Tijuana Brass in the '60s, he cofounded A&M Records, signing a diverse roster of artists ranging from The Carpenters to Janet Jackson. Herb Alpert joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation. Plus, a review of the new album from legendary band Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...

Sep 23, 201659 minEp. 565

#564 Buried Treasures & Alex Ross

Many great albums are released each year, but only a handful get the attention they deserve. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their Buried Treasures of 2016: the best albums that flew under the radar. Plus, they speak with critic Alex Ross about the use of music as a weapon. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/pr...

Sep 16, 201659 minEp. 564

#563 Mudhoney & Opinions on Wilco

Mudhoney was at the forefront of Seattle's exploding music scene in the '80s and '90s, paving the way for grunge with its distorted, chaotic sound. Though the group never received the world-wide attention of its peers Nirvana, Mudhoney has achieved a cult-like longevity. Mudhoney talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot and performs in front of a hometown Seattle audience. Plus, the new album from Chicago band Wilco, and the psychedelic sample driving a key Beyoncé track. Support The Show: ht...

Sep 09, 201659 minEp. 563

#562 End of Summer Songs & Opinions on Angel Olsen

With lyrics about sun, surf, and young love, there are plenty of songs that welcome in the summer. But how do you musically say goodbye to warm weather and prepare for the fall? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot swap their swim trunks for their sweaters and share their favorite End of Summer Songs. Plus, a review of the new album from Asheville-based singer-songwriter Angel Olsen. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Priv...

Sep 02, 201659 minEp. 562
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