For the last 50 years, John Prine has garnered a multi-generational fan base through his nuanced storytelling as a songwriter and performer. The balance of humor, plain language and reality in his music is what makes him stand out in the genres of folk, country and beyond. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to Prine about starting his own independent label, working with Phil Spector and his writing process. Plus, the hosts review the latest album from Courtney Barnett and pay tribute to the l...
May 18, 2018•57 min•Ep. 651
Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dive into their piles and piles of new music to bring you their latest favorites. Plus, some of our favorite musicians tell us about the songs they'd want with them if they were stranded on a desert island. Support Sound Opinions: soundopinions.org/support 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#...
May 11, 2018•57 min•Ep. 650
With Slayer's farewell tour approaching, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their interview with two members of the iconic thrash metal band - drummer Dave Lombardo and guitarist Kerry King. They discuss their signature breakneck song pace, favorite moments in the group and working with hip hop producer Rick Rubin. They'll also review the new album from Janelle Monáe and review Liz Phair's Exile in Guyville for its 25th anniversary. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions S...
May 04, 2018•56 min•Ep. 649
And they're off! In honor of the Kentucky Derby, it seemed like the perfect time to explore a relatively common theme in music - horses. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss why these majestic animals cross genres from soul to rock and roll. They’ll also share some of their favorite tracks about stallions, mares, ponies and more. Plus, they'll review the sophomore album from indie singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus and artist Torres shares what song got her Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: http...
Apr 27, 2018•56 min•Ep. 648
For country singer/songwriter Jason Isbell's latest record, "The Nashville Sound," he wrote about his role as a father and an artist in today's America. It ended up being his most political album yet, addressing issues like white privilege and working class frustrations. Jason joins Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to talk about songwriting, ethics, sobriety, and performs a special acoustic set. Plus, the hosts review the debut studio album from rap sensation Cardi B. Support The Show: https://www.pat...
Apr 20, 2018•56 min•Ep. 647
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the legend of Captain Beefheart, a musician with a larger-than-life personality who blurred the lines of music, art and noise. Also, they talk with longtime Captain Beefheart collaborator Gary Lucas and share their thoughts on why Beefheart's music, however difficult, is of value. Plus, the hosts review new albums from country artists Kacey Musgraves and Sarah Shook. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for p...
Apr 13, 2018•56 min•Ep. 646
The Regrettes are a young band that blends 1960s girl group sensibilities with the edge of Bikini Kill. Their debut album, Feel Your Feelings, Fool! was a Best of 2017 pick for both Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. The Regrettes joined Greg for a performance and conversation. Also, Jim and Greg share more of their buried treasures- bands flying under the radar that you need to hear! Plus, Frank Turner on the song that got him Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions S...
Apr 06, 2018•57 min•Ep. 645
Though originally panned by many critics, the Rolling Stones' 1972 album Exile on Main St. is now considered a masterpiece. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot serve up a classic album dissection for the deeply influential recording. 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 30, 2018•56 min•Ep. 644
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot make their annual pilgrimage to the South By Southwest music conference in Austin, Texas. They'll report on some of their new favorite bands that music lovers need to hear. 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 23, 2018•56 min•Ep. 643
What happens when artists take a look inward at the music business? Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot play the best Songs About the Music Industry. Then, they sit down with the dynamic Antibalas! 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 16, 2018•56 min•Ep. 642
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig up some buried treasures - albums that aren't yet in the mainstream but that deserve some more attention. Plus, cult rock outfit A Giant Dog join them for an interview and performance. 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 09, 2018•56 min•Ep. 641
A film's soundtrack can be as memorable as its visuals. So as this awards season winds down, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pick some of their favorite film soundtracks. Plus, they'll review the soundtrack to the movie Black Panther, and we hear about what got latin electronic artist Helado Negro into music. 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...
Mar 02, 2018•56 min•Ep. 640
Don Was is a bassist in the band Was (Not Was), a successful music producer for artists like The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan, and the president of legendary jazz label Blue Note Records. This week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pick the brain of the multi-talented Don Was about his influences, what he looks for in an artist and what he loves about music. Plus, Jim and Greg review new albums from indie rock band Superchunk and rapper Dessa. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Se...
Feb 23, 2018•56 min•Ep. 639
In many ways, Chicago artist and producer Sir the Baptist is a chaplain in the R&B scene. He creates hip hop infused music that bridges the gap between his gospel roots and the world around him. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to Sir about making music with a message, plus he performs in studio with a 10-piece band. Jim and Greg will also review the new album from MGMT. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Po...
Feb 16, 2018•56 min•Ep. 638
When candy, flowers, and love notes fail to woo your sweetie back, there's only one thing left to do: stake out under a window, hold up that boom box and blast an “I Want You Back” song. This Valentine’s Day, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present their favorite pleading songs. Plus, they'll review the new album from Justin Timberlake. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Calif...
Feb 09, 2018•57 min•Ep. 637
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to author Ray Padgett about his book Cover Me: The Stories Behind the Greatest Cover Songs of All Time. They discuss the roots of the term "cover" and dig into the surprising stories behind some of rock's most notable examples, from Elvis's rendition of "Hound Dog" to the Feelies doing the Rolling Stones. Plus, Jim and Greg share a few of their favorite cover songs. Plus, a review of Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit and a remembrance of Mark E. Smith of The Fa...
Feb 02, 2018•56 min•Ep. 636
On his debut record, The Autobiography, Vic Mensa raps about his life growing up on the South Side of Chicago. With a confessional tone, he explores topics like community, violence, drugs, and racism. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Mensa about his influences, his struggles and the experience of growing up “five blocks from the projects and five blocks from Obama’s house." Plus, they review the latest album from tUnE-yArDs and Jim pays tribute to the late Dolores O'Riordan of The Cran...
Jan 26, 2018•57 min•Ep. 635
Jim and Greg talk to Lori Majewski about her book "Mad World: An Oral History of New Wave Artists and the Songs That Defined the 1980s", co-written with Jonathan Bernstein. In it, the authors reveal why New Wave caught on so strongly with pop fans and the media, especially post-punk in the U.K. Plus, an interview with Alison Moyet, an English singer-songwriter that came up in the New Wave scene, and is still making waves musically. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omny...
Jan 19, 2018•59 min•Ep. 634
Sam Beam has been releasing his signature indie folk records under the moniker Iron & Wine for over 15 years. His 2017 effort, Beast Epic, returns to his stripped down, acoustic roots. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview Sam Beam at the Goose Island Barrelhouse and they talk about his sound, collaborations and fatherhood. He also delivers a performance in front of a live audience. Plus, a review of the new album by punk rocker Jeff Rosenstock. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com...
Jan 12, 2018•56 min•Ep. 633
Few filmmakers have embodied the punk aesthetic like Alex Cox. He joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to discuss the classic LA punk soundtrack to Repo Man, the making of the Sex Pistols biopic Sid and Nancy, and his fruitful collaborations with Joe Strummer. Plus, a review of the new album from Pharrell Williams's side project N.E.R.D. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy a...
Jan 05, 2018•59 min•Ep. 632
As 2017 comes to a close, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present DJ sets full of some of their favorite songs of the year. They'll also pay tribute to some of the musicians who died in 2017. 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 29, 2017•59 min•Ep. 631
Bob Ezrin, the "producer's producer," has been behind the boards for many blockbuster epic albums over the years. He shares stories with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about working on classic albums by Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss, and Peter Gabriel. Plus, up-and-coming R&B singer Amber Mark shares the song that got her Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/pr...
Dec 22, 2017•59 min•Ep. 630
It's time again for the annual 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 15, 2017•59 min•Ep. 629
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot indulge this week in a deep look at their own profession: rock criticism. They're joined by novelist Jonathan Lethem, co-editor of a new anthology of rock criticism, who makes the case for music journalism as great American writing. Plus, they look at the life and career of legendary critic Lester Bangs and review new albums from Chicago gospel legend Mavis Staples and Icelandic multimedia artist Björk. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See ...
Dec 08, 2017•59 min•Ep. 628
2017 has been full of highly anticipated releases and unexpected gems from relatively unknown artists. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reveal their lists of the Best Albums of 2017. 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 01, 2017•59 min•Ep. 627
Thanksgiving is a time to gather around the dinner table with family and friends to reflect on the past year and give thanks. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite songs that say "thank you." Plus, the story of the twangy guitar-bass hybrid instrument known as the Bass VI, and Rise Against frontman Tim McIlrath shares the song that got him Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informati...
Nov 24, 2017•59 min•Ep. 626
Al Green sang some of the most acclaimed soul records of the 1970s. So when he decided to leave it all behind for the church, many questioned why. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss Al Green's life and his pivotal transitional record, The Belle Album, with biographer Jimmy McDonough. Plus, a review of new music from Taylor Swift. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and C...
Nov 17, 2017•59 min•Ep. 625
After a seven year gap, veteran rocker Ted Leo has expanded his sonic palette with his latest solo record, The Hanged Man. Written in the wake of emotional and financial turmoil, the album is perhaps his most personal work to date. Ted Leo joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot in front of an audience at the Goose Island Tap Room for an interview and intimate solo performance. Plus, a review of the new album from eclectic Las Vegas singer-songwriter Shamir. Support The Show: https://www.patreon....
Nov 10, 2017•59 min•Ep. 624
Each season, there's a few highly anticipated albums with a ton of buzz behind them. Then there are other deserving records that won't get that kind of attention. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their latest batch of Buried Treasures: hidden musical gems that everyone ought to hear. Plus, a conversation and live performance from Philadelphia indie rocker Ron Gallo. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Poli...
Nov 03, 2017•59 min•Ep. 623
Halloween is all about being someone else for a night – and musicians like to put on costumes, too. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite examples of artists temporarily donning a musical costume and performing in a different style under a fake name. Plus, they pay tribute to rock 'n' roll founder Fats Domino. And Toronto Star critic Ben Rayner remembers Gord Downie of the Tragically Hip. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for priv...
Oct 27, 2017•59 min•Ep. 622
