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

#621 Julie Klausner, Beck, Courtney Barnett & Kurt Vile

As creator, writer, and star of the critically acclaimed TV comedy Difficult People, Julie Klausner not only crafts the show's jokes but also guides its soundtrack. This week, she joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a hilarious discussion of the show's music and her own musical tastes, and she even attempts to win them over to musical theatre. Plus, Jim and Greg review a new album from Beck and a collaboration between Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.c...

Oct 20, 201759 minEp. 621

#620 Jamila Woods, St. Vincent & Judy Collins

On her debut album HEAVN, Jamila Woods contrasts weighty issues like police violence and the invisibility of black women with a breezy musical touch. The Chicago-based poet, singer, and songwriter joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for an interview and performance. Plus, a review of the new album from St. Vincent, and folk legend Judy Collins tells us about the song that got her Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...

Oct 13, 201759 minEp. 620

#619 Remembering Tom Petty

Tom Petty was a master of the perfect three-chord pop song and an icon of American music. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late Florida rocker. They discuss Petty's tremendous songwriting gifts and revisit their 2003 interview with him on Sound Opinions. 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...

Oct 06, 201759 minEp. 619

#618 Mavis Staples, Pt. 2, Protomartyr & Charles Bradley

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with gospel and soul legend Mavis Staples. She speaks about her role on the front line of the Civil Rights Movement as part of the Staple Singers and recounts a harrowing story of touring through the Jim Crow South. Plus, a review of the latest from Protomartyr, and a tribute to the late soul singer Charles Bradley. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at ht...

Sep 29, 201759 minEp. 618

#617 Live on Sound Opinions & Grant Hart of Hüsker Dü

So many talented musicians perform on Sound Opinions, but we don't always have time to air every song. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite never-before-heard live performances from guests like Courtney Barnett, Drive-By Truckers, and more. Plus, a tribute to Grant Hart of Hüsker Dü. 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 ...

Sep 22, 201759 minEp. 617

#616 Late Bloomers, Filthy Friends & Little Dragon

Some say that making music is a young person's game, but several artists beg to differ. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite "late blooming" musicians - artists that didn't achieve success or even start music until later in life. Plus, the debut album from rock supergroup Filthy Friends, and the song that got Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Pr...

Sep 15, 201759 minEp. 616

#615 The Artist vs. the Art, The National, Queens of the Stone Age & Walter Becker

Should we hold up a musician's output to a moral standard? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk about whether art can be evaluated separately from the artist's ethics. Plus, reviews of new releases by The National and Queens of the Stone Age, and tributes to Walter Becker of Steely Dan, and Holger Czukay of the influential "Krautrock" group Can. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...

Sep 08, 201759 minEp. 615

#614 Back-to-School Songs & Opinions on LCD Soundystem and Van Hunt

The beginning of September means students return to the classroom. Whether you're excited to be back to school or the very thought inspires dread and anxiety, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have put together a playlist to ease back to the grind. Plus, they review albums by LCD Soundsystem and Van Hunt. 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...

Sep 01, 201759 minEp. 614

#613 Melvins & Billy Bragg on Skiffle

The Melvins were an inspiration to the '90s alternative explosion, but the band's unclassifiable sound and uncommercial stance set them apart. In a frank discussion with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, the Melvins reflect on their career and bust myths about the grunge scene. Plus, singer-songwriter Billy Bragg makes the case for the 1950s skiffle craze as the origin of guitar rock and punk sensibilities in the UK. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/list...

Aug 25, 201759 minEp. 613

#612 One-Person Bands & Opinions on Randy Newman & Downtown Boys

Certain artists are perfectionists at heart, and if you want something done right, do it yourself. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite One-Person Bands – artists who have recorded albums playing all the instruments themselves. Plus, reviews of the latest from legendary songwriter Randy Newman and Rhode Island punk band Downtown Boys. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy...

Aug 18, 201759 minEp. 612

#611 Steve Earle, Glen Campbell & Opinions on Vic Mensa

Over his decades long career, Steve Earle has been many things - songwriter, novelist, actor, activist. But for his latest record, So You Wannabe An Outlaw, he went back to the foundation he started from: outlaw country. Steve joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to talk about about those early influences and how he sees his duty as a songwriter. Plus, he performs a special solo set in front of a live audience at the Goose Island Tap Room in Chicago. Plus, a review of the debut album from Chic...

Aug 11, 201759 minEp. 611

#610 Buried Treasures & the Wah-Wah Pedal

If you're looking for something new to round out your summer playlist, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have you covered. They'll dig out some buried treasures - albums not yet in the mainstream but deserve some more attention. Plus, an in-depth look at the history of the wah-wah pedal. 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/priv...

Aug 04, 201759 minEp. 610

#609 Penelope Spheeris & Opinions on Arcade Fire

Penelope Spheeris has directed some of the most influential movies about music of all time, from Wayne's World to all three installments of The Decline of Western Civilization films. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Penelope about the 25th anniversary of Wayne's World, her fascinating path as a director, and the legacy of her films. Plus, a review of the new album from Arcade Fire. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...

Jul 28, 201759 minEp. 609

#608 Fantasy Songs, Slowdive & Opinions on Public Enemy

The fantasy powerhouse Game of Thrones is returning for its penultimate season. With dragons, knights, and magic on their minds, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot play their favorite songs about fantasy worlds. Plus, a review of the latest from hip-hop stalwarts Public Enemy, and Neil Halstead of Slowdive shares the song that got him Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.co...

Jul 21, 201759 minEp. 608

#607 1977 – The Year Punk Broke (Pt. 2) & She-Devils

In part two of our series 1977: The Year Punk Broke, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look at the punk movement stateside with music writer Ira Robbins. They discuss how The Ramones, Talking Heads, and the rest of the CBGB scene inspired generations of artists. Plus, an interview and live performance from Montreal electronic duo She-Devils. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy ...

Jul 14, 201759 minEp. 607

#606 1977 – The Year Punk Broke (Pt. 1), Opinions on Fleet Foxes, and Jody Stephens

In part one of our two-part series on the historic year 1977, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the punk explosion in the UK with music writer Jon Savage. They discuss important British bands like The Buzzcocks, The Sex Pistols and The Clash and what made them so influential. Plus, they'll review the new record from indie folk band Fleet Foxes, and Big Star's Jody Stephens shares the song that got him Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio...

Jul 07, 201759 minEp. 606

#605 World Tour – New Zealand & Opinions on Lorde

The Sound Opinions World Tour rolls along, making its next stop in beautiful New Zealand. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take a virtual trip to the other side of the world to explore the best of kiwi music, focusing on the influential jangly pop movement known as the Dunedin Sound. Plus, they review the sophomore album from New Zealand's biggest pop star, Lorde. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at ht...

Jun 30, 201759 minEp. 605

#604 Best Albums of 2017...So Far

There are still six months of 2017 left, but there are already lots of contenders for album of the year. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorites of the year...so far. Plus, we hear picks from Sound Opinions listeners. 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 ....

Jun 23, 201759 minEp. 604

#603 Musical Road Trip & Opinions on Chuck Berry

Summer is upon us so that means one thing: road trip! Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take a virtual cross-country drive playing their favorite songs about American cities, states, and regions from coast-to-coast. Plus, they review the posthumous album from rock and roll legend Chuck Berry. 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...

Jun 16, 201759 minEp. 603

#602 Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker's Benmont Tench, Sgt. Pepper's 50th Anniversary & Opinions on Benjamin Booker

Keyboard player Benmont Tench was instrumental in the formation of Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers in 1976. He's also had a fruitful career as a consummate sideman and session musician, working with artists like Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, U2, Johnny Cash, and more. Tench joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for some lively conversation about his successful career in music. Plus, a reappraisal of The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band as it turns 50, and a review of the new album fr...

Jun 09, 201759 minEp. 602

#601 Jack White & The History of the Rickenbacker 12-String

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their conversation with the hardest working man in rock, Jack White, recorded at Third Man Records in Nashville. Plus, an exploration into the history of the Rickenbacker 12-string guitar in rock. 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 ....

Jun 02, 201759 minEp. 601

#600 Jenny Hval & Opinions on Harry Styles and Sir the Baptist

Norwegian singer-songwriter and performance artist Jenny Hval has released six albums of ethereal and challenging music. On her latest record, she explores the links between vampirism and the female body. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot speak with Jenny Hval about her career and process. Plus, reviews of the new albums from Harry Styles and Sir the Baptist. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://...

May 26, 201759 minEp. 600

#599 Damon Krukowski & "The New Analog", Opinions on Low Cut Connie, and Lydia Loveless

In a world becoming increasingly digital, Galaxie 500 co-founder and author Damon Krukowski says we need to hang on to aspects of analog media. Damon joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to talk about the value of noise, liner notes, and his book The New Analog. Plus, a review of the latest from barroom rockers Low Cut Connie, and Lydia Loveless shares the song that got her Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informa...

May 19, 201759 minEp. 599

#598 Fictional Bands, "Convoy" & Opinions on Gorillaz

Some bands are are born, and some are just made up. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite fictional bands from movies, TV, and more. Plus, a review of the new album from cartoon creation Gorillaz, and the strange story of C.W. McCall's trucker hit "Convoy." 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...

May 12, 201759 minEp. 598

#597 The Velvet Underground & Nico

The 1967 debut from The Velvet Underground didn't sell many records, but arguably no album in the past half century has had a greater influence on rock music. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot offer a Classic Album Dissection of The Velvet Underground & Nico in celebration of the art-rock classic's fiftieth anniversary. 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 Pri...

May 05, 201759 minEp. 597

#596 Guitar Riffs & Opinions on The Obsessed

Perhaps the most essential element of rock ‘n’ roll is a great guitar riff. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite guitar licks of all time. Plus, they review the latest from long-running metal band The Obsessed and pay tribute to the late director Jonathan Demme. 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/priv...

Apr 28, 201759 minEp. 596

#595 Drive-By Truckers & Opinions on Kendrick Lamar & Resistance Radio

Drive-By Truckers have tackled politics and social issues in their music for decades, but never more strongly than on their latest album, American Band. Members Mike Cooley and Patterson Hood join Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to talk about the record and perform acoustically in front of an audience. Plus, reviews of the new record from rapper Kendrick Lamar and the Danger Mouse-produced album inspired by The Man in the High Castle. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnyst...

Apr 21, 201759 minEp. 595

#594 Spring Record Review Round-Up & Honeyblood

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot give their take on several of the biggest new records, from Spoon to Mastodon, in this Review Roundup. Plus, a conversation with Scottish duo Honeyblood. 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 ....

Apr 14, 201759 minEp. 594

#593 Mavis Staples

As a member of her family group The Staple Singers and as a solo artist, Mavis Staples has used her huge voice to power the Civil Rights Movement and inspire generations. The gospel and soul legend joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for an intimate discussion of her life and career. 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/priv...

Apr 07, 201759 minEp. 593

#592 SXSW 2017

Every spring, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot head to Austin, Texas for the sprawling SXSW Music Conference. This week, they report back on their favorite musical discoveries of the festival. Plus, they chat with Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic. 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 31, 201759 minEp. 592
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