What goes into writing a hit song? Sound Opinions takes a look at the craft of songwriting, from the Righteous Brothers to Beyoncé. Jim and Greg talk with legendary Brill Building songwriters Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil about their decades long career. Then they talk with Ryan Tedder about penning songs for Adele and Taylor Swift. Plus, a review of the long-awaited new album from Frank Ocean. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informat...
Aug 26, 2016•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 561
With all eyes turned toward the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, the Sound Opinions World Tour makes its next stop in Brazil, a country with an unmatched musical influence on the globe. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the rich musical history of Brazil, including the bossa nova, MPB, and Tropicália phenomena of the 1950s and '60s. Plus, a review of the new album from Chicago fingerpicking virtuoso Ryley Walker. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listen...
Aug 19, 2016•59 min•Ep. 560
Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett’s 2015 album Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit was a critical success and Sound Opinions favorite. Her conversational songwriting manages to be simultaneously clever and poignant, and her guitar technique combining lead and rhythm parts is nothing short of impressive. All of her skills are on display as Courtney Barnett joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for an interview and intimate solo performance in front of an audience. Plus...
Aug 12, 2016•58 min•Ep. 559
In the late 1950s, Jamaican musicians blended home-grown rhythms with R&B to create ska. The genre's influence quickly spread across the globe, paving the way for the reggae phenomenon. Jim and Greg explore the history of ska from its island origins to its British revival to its most recent punk incarnation. Plus, a review of the debut album from poet and soul singer Jamila Woods. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See...
Aug 05, 2016•59 min•Ep. 558
With an eclectic all-instrumental blend of rock, jazz, dub, electronics, and the avant-garde, Tortoise emerged as the leading band of Chicago’s so-called “post-rock” scene in the 1990s. On its seventh album The Catastrophist, the group has introduced a radical new element: vocals. Tortoise joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and performance. Jim and Greg also explore the history and legacy of the post-rock movement. Plus, a tribute to Alan Vega of Suicide and a review of th...
Jul 29, 2016•59 min•Ep. 557
Moby became the face of techno with the blockbuster success of his 1999 album Play. In his new memoir Porcelain, he explores his origins in the underground rave scene of ‘80s New York up until his mainstream success. Moby joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation. Plus, a review of the new album from post-Riot Grrrl band The Julie Ruin. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19....
Jul 22, 2016•59 min•Ep. 556
It’s not a political rally without a crowd-pumping and uplifting playlist. But political campaign teams are not always great music tastemakers. NPR’s National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about hearing the same songs over and over on the campaign trail. Then Jim and Greg play campaign managers and make a list of better campaign theme songs. Plus, a review of the long-awaited second album from Australian electronic group The Avalanches. Support Th...
Jul 15, 2016•59 min•Ep. 555
The London-based quartet Savages made a stunning debut with Silence Yourself in 2013 and established a reputation as a formidable live act. On the 2016 followup Adore Life, the brooding post-punk band tackles something new: love songs. Savages joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and live performance. Plus, reviews of the new albums from Maxwell and DJ Shadow. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Pri...
Jul 08, 2016•59 min•Ep. 554
We’re barely halfway through the year and already there’s an overwhelming amount of great new music to enjoy. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their lists of the Best Albums of 2016...So Far. Plus, they discuss the “Stairway to Heaven” plagiarism verdict and pay tribute to Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Californi...
Jul 01, 2016•59 min•Ep. 553
After his pioneering work in Hüsker Dü and his alternative era success with Sugar, Bob Mould shows no signs of slowing down. The legendary songwriter and guitarist joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a live performance and a conversation. Plus, a review of the new collaboration between Neko Case, k.d. lang, and Laura Veirs. 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...
Jun 24, 2016•59 min•Ep. 552
Nervy guitars and pounding drums can perfectly convey the restless sensation of being on the verge of breaking down. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite Anxious Anthems. Then, they review the new album from venerable songwriter Paul Simon. 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 17, 2016•59 min•Ep. 551
After making her mark in the indie duo The Fiery Furnaces, singer-songwriter Eleanor Friedberger launched a solo career blending her former band’s experimentalism with classic '70s sounds. She joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and live performance. Plus, a review of the new mixtape from Chicago artist Chance the Rapper. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/priva...
Jun 10, 2016•58 min•Ep. 550
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot conclude their two-part celebration of American icon Bob Dylan as he turns 75. This week, they explore the recording of Blonde on Blonde through his late career renaissance. 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 03, 2016•59 min•Ep. 549
Bob Dylan, one of the most iconic American artists of the 20th century, just turned 75 this May. Jim and Greg examine the extraordinary career of the music legend in the first of a two-part series. This week, they explore Dylan's folk days to the moment he went electric. 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-...
May 27, 2016•59 min•Ep. 548
While the Seattle grunge bands had the commercial success, the Pacific Northwest’s Riot Grrrl scene has an equally important legacy. Jim and Greg look back at feminist punk movement 25 years on. Then they review the new albums from Drake and Radiohead. 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 ....
May 20, 2016•59 min•Ep. 547
Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys elevated pop music to new artistic heights with the band’s 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds. With its ingenious orchestrations and earnest lyrics, the album remains an enormous influence to this day. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a Classic Album Dissection of Pet Sounds. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy...
May 13, 2016•59 min•Ep. 546
Swedish neo-soul singer Seinabo Sey is emerging as a major voice in pop music, blending R&B and African rhythms. She joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and performance. Then they review the new album from pioneering ambient producer Brian Eno. 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-m...
May 06, 2016•59 min•Ep. 545
Music icon Prince died on April 21 at the age of 57. As a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, he dominated the pop charts and had an enormous impact on funk, R&B, and rock. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look back on the life, career, and music of the Minnesota monarch, Prince. Then they review the surprise new album from R&B superstar Beyoncé. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at htt...
Apr 29, 2016•59 min•Ep. 544
Like all human activity, even rock music has an ecological impact. On this Earth Day, environmentalist Bill McKibben and musician/activist Adam Gardner join Jim and Greg for a discussion about the complicated relationship between music and the environment. Jim and Greg also talk to music supervisor Randall Poster about bringing tunes to the big and small screens. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at htt...
Apr 22, 2016•59 min•Ep. 543
Producer, songwriter, and record executive L.A. Reid has crafted hits for more than four decades. He joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a candid conversation about the major label system and working with Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Kanye West, and more. 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 15, 2016•59 min•Ep. 542
More like H&R Rock: Nothing improves the irritation of filing taxes like a good soundtrack. As we prepare to give back to Uncle Sam, Jim and Greg carry out an audit of the best songs for Tax Day. Then, they review the new album from veteran British rocker PJ Harvey. 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-m...
Apr 08, 2016•58 min•Ep. 541
While never achieving the commercial success of its alt-rock peers like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, Eleventh Dream Day has outlasted these bands and remain critical darlings. They join Jim and Greg Kot for a conversation and live performance. Plus, a review of the new album from French electronic band M83. 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...
Apr 01, 2016•59 min•Ep. 540
Jim and Greg are back from their annual music-finding mission to the SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, TX. Tune in to find out what bands will make the most noise in 2016. Later, they review a new album from Hüsker Dü leader Bob Mould. 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 25, 2016•59 min•Ep. 539
1991 was the year punk broke again! Twenty five years later, Jim and Greg explore what made 1991 so special: Nirvana, N.W.A., Lollapalooza and more. Plus a review of the new collaboration between punk veteran Iggy Pop and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age. 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 18, 2016•58 min•Ep. 538
Rock Around the Clock: Time to wind up those pocket watches and chronometers. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take you on a fourth dimensional voyage as they explore their favorite “Songs About Time.” Then they review the surprise album from California rapper Kendrick Lamar. 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-...
Mar 11, 2016•59 min•Ep. 537
As we move slowly toward spring, the music release schedule starts heating up as well. Jim and Greg review a bevy of new albums, including records by TEEN, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt and more. Plus, they examine the current state of the recording studio industry. 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 04, 2016•58 min•Ep. 536
Famous for its instrumental virtuosity and heady, sci-fi influenced lyrics, the Canadian prog-rock trio Rush has amassed an obsessive cult following. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush join Jim and Greg to discuss the band’s remarkable 40-year career. Then they review the latest album from polarizing rapper Kanye West. 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...
Feb 26, 2016•59 min•Ep. 535
Music played an essential role in uplifting, motivating, and uniting people during the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and '60s. In honor of Black History Month, hosts Jim and Greg explore the powerful music of the Civil Rights Movement, from Mahalia Jackson to Curtis Mayfield and beyond. 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...
Feb 19, 2016•59 min•Ep. 534
Los Lobos has enjoyed a remarkable career for more than forty years, even retaining the same core lineup from its start as an East Los Angeles wedding band in 1973. Los Lobos joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a special interview and performance in front of a live audience. 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#d...
Feb 12, 2016•59 min•Ep. 533
Despite the gooey romantic marketing, more breakups happen around Valentine’s Day than any other part of the year. For those who get the feeling every February that “Love Stinks,” hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite Anti-Love Songs. Later, they review the new album from Americana songwriter Lucinda Williams. 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 ...
Feb 05, 2016•59 min•Ep. 532
