King Crimson is a legendary progressive rock band that has evolved through the decades in innovative, and sometimes surprising ways. This week, Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis explore the constant evolution of the classic band that refuses to rest on its laurels. Plus, Jim and Greg pay tribute to Gang of Four guitarist Andy Gill, dead at the age of 64. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...
Feb 07, 2020•56 min•Ep. 741
Over the years, several notable musicians have tried their hand at acting in movies, whether it’s playing a character or playing themselves. While the results are mixed, there have been a handful of great, pitch perfect performances. With the Oscars looming, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite acting performances by musicians in film. They’ll also talk with Joel Anderson, host of the third season of the podcast Slow Burn, which focuses on the murders of the Notorious B.I.G. a...
Jan 31, 2020•55 min•Ep. 740
Motown Records helped create the soundtrack for a generation. And no group at that famous label was more iconic than The Supremes, both for their sound, and for their groundbreaking glamour. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to Mary Wilson of The Supremes about her days at Motown, and how the group became international ambassadors representing an entire community. Jim and Greg also review new records from the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers and indie singer-songwriter Torres....
Jan 24, 2020•56 min•Ep. 739
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. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a Classic Album Dissection of Pet Sounds. They also review the new album from punk band Beach Slang and bid farewell to Neil Peart of Rush. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for priva...
Jan 17, 2020•56 min•Ep. 738
A new year calls for new tunes. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are back with a new batch of Buried Treasures. They're always on the lookout for great new music beyond the FM dial and this week they share their latest finds. These artists might not be household names, but they're definitely worth adding to your collection. They'll also talk to folk singer-songwriter Joan Shelley about recording her latest album in Iceland and how her Louisville, Kentucky heritage manifests in her music. Support The S...
Jan 10, 2020•57 min•Ep. 737
As of January 1, 2020, Illinois joins several states in legalizing recreational marijuana. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot acknowledge the numerous songs about weed and share some of their favorites. Plus, Jim and Greg are the rock doctors, finding walk up music for a martial artist. They also find out what unique song got singer-songwriter Angie McMahon hooked on sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Pol...
Jan 03, 2020•57 min•Ep. 736
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot close out 2019 and the 2010s by sharing some of their best albums of the decade. Then, Greg will share his annual mixtape and the hosts will discuss musicians the world lost this year, including rapper Juice WRLD and Flamin' Groovies lead singer Roy Loney. 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://a...
Dec 27, 2019•56 min•Ep. 735
It's a holiday tradition on Sound Opinions to welcome weird wax aficionado Andy Cirzan to share his annual mix of tinsel-time tunes with us. He shares his bizarre holiday music finds and the stories behind them with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. 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 20, 2019•57 min•Ep. 734
As 2019 comes to a close, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reflect on the best albums of the year. They also hear from Sound Opinions producers and listeners about their favorites. 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 13, 2019•57 min•Ep. 733
Beat writer William S. Burroughs had a profound impact and interaction with rock and hip-hop music from the 1960s through his death in the late 1990s. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Casey Rae about his book on Burroughs and "the cult of Rock 'n' Roll." They also review new albums from Leonard Cohen and singer and violinist Sudan Archives. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.c...
Dec 06, 2019•57 min•Ep. 732
As we finish eating Thanksgiving leftovers, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot clear out musical discussions still left over from earlier in the year. From chart-topping phenomenons to surprising archival finds, there was just too much music this year to cover it all as it happened. Plus, DJ Shadow explains how he found the sample for his latest single, "Rocket Fuel." Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https:...
Nov 29, 2019•57 min•Ep. 731
For one reason or another, everyone has got a handful of songs that make them cry. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of the songs that bring tears to their eyes. They also review something old and something new: they revisit The Replacements' album Don't Tell a Soul 30 years later and share their thoughts on the new record from FKA twigs. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/...
Nov 22, 2019•57 min•Ep. 730
As we all settle in for the season, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot figure Sound Opinions listeners are ready for a playlist refresh. This week, they dip into the wealth of great new music beyond the FM dial and play you some Buried Treasures. These artists might not be household names, but they're definitely worth adding to your collection. Plus, blues legend Bobby Rush shares the song that got him Hooked on Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/lis...
Nov 15, 2019•56 min•Ep. 729
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot both fondly remember discovering new bands on their FM dials; and though there are many ways find new music, there's still a bit of magic to hearing a new favorite over the airwaves. To honor that legacy, Jim and Greg share some of their favorite radio-inspired tracks by artists like Wall of Voodoo and Donna Summer. Plus Jim and Greg review Kiwanuka, the latest album from English soul-folk artist Michael Kiwanuka. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundop...
Nov 08, 2019•56 min•Ep. 728
Janis Joplin was known for her iconic singing voice, gregarious image and refusal to conform. But behind her chill, blues mama persona was an intellectual, intentional artist. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the life and career of Janis Joplin with author and biographer Holly George-Warren. They talk about the legacy of Joplin's music and identity almost 50 years after her tragic death. Jim and Greg will also review new albums from Kanye West and Neil Young and Crazy Horse. Support The ...
Nov 01, 2019•57 min•Ep. 727
Rock and roll has never been purely about the music. The image a band puts forward can be almost as important as their songs. Some bands take it an extra step and make theatrical costumes an integral part of their act. In honor of Halloween, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite bands in costume. They also review the latest from rock band Battles and bid farewell to music journalist and biographer Nick Tosches. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See o...
Oct 25, 2019•57 min•Ep. 726
Though originally panned by many critics, the Rolling Stones' 1972 album Exile on Main St. is now considered a masterpiece. Hosts 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 ....
Oct 18, 2019•57 min•Ep. 725
Have you ever listened to a song and loved it, only to find out it’s by an artist you can’t stand? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot will explore the concept of great songs by horrible artists and share a few of their favorites. Plus they'll review Ghosteen from Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds and pay tribute to drummer Ginger Baker and The Muffs' Kim Shattuck. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://...
Oct 11, 2019•57 min•Ep. 724
The family that plays together, stays together, right? If you‘ve ever traveled in a van with your mother, father, sister or brother, you know it's not that easy. From Sister Sledge to The Cowsills, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of the great Family Bands that made it work. Plus, Jim and Greg review Ode To Joy, the latest album from alt-rock band Wilco. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at h...
Oct 04, 2019•57 min•Ep. 723
Washington D.C. post-punk band Fugazi reshaped the definition of punk in America. Their 1990 debut album, Repeater, connected with a generation and eventually sold more than a million copies. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with founding member Ian MacKaye about the writing and recording of the album and its impact. Plus we review Sturgill Simpson's new album, Sound and Fury, and learn what song got a member of the band Dehd "Hooked on Sonics." Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/sou...
Sep 27, 2019•57 min•Ep. 722
With an influx of new music, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot decide it's time for a review roundup. They share their opinions on records by Tool, Lana Del Rey, Common and more. They also pay tribute to the late Cars' frontman Ric Ocasek and solo artist Daniel Johnston. 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...
Sep 20, 2019•57 min•Ep. 721
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are always on the lookout for buried treasures - newly released music that is flying underneath the critical and commercial radar. They're back this week with some exciting new songs. Jim and Greg also talk with a member of a somewhat buried treasure act from the past, Peter Lewis of Moby Grape. They discuss ways the 1960s San Francisco group turned convention on its head and some of the bad luck that befell the band. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/sou...
Sep 13, 2019•56 min•Ep. 720
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by legendary funk and R&B bassist James Alexander of the Bar-Kays. They discuss his early days as a pivotal part of the Stax Records house band in Memphis and the enduring legacy of 1971's Shaft Soundtrack, which featured the Bar-Kays as the backing band. Then, Jim and Greg share some of their favorite bass lines (as well as the songs' players). Bass players usually aren't the flashiest members of a band, but they're a pivotal part of it...
Sep 06, 2019•56 min•Ep. 719
While critical and commercially successful “soft rock” music is rare in 2019, the Chicago band Whitney found a way to make it sound fresh and indie. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with the two main members of the band about how they came to their unique sound and their new album Forever Turned Around, released August 30th. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy ...
Aug 30, 2019•55 min•Ep. 718
Sometimes, all it takes for a song to go from good to great is the addition of a guest artist, whether it’s a rapper going in on the verse or a guitarist shredding a solo. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite musical cameos. They also review the latest from R&B singer Raphael Saadiq. 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...
Aug 23, 2019•57 min•Ep. 717
Over the course of 17 albums, The Mountain Goats have gone from a super lo-fi solo project to a polished four piece combo. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by the whole band for an exclusive performance and interview with songwriter John Darnielle and drummer Jon Wurster. They also review the new albums from Sleater-Kinney and The Regrettes. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at htt...
Aug 16, 2019•57 min•Ep. 716
For decades, the myths surrounding Robert Johnson overshadowed his contributions as a singer, songwriter and guitarist. From the legend that he sold his soul to the devil at the crossroads to mystery surrounding his untimely death at age 27, the truths of Johnson’s life have remained untold. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with music historian Bruce Conforth about Johnson’s career, death and working to give the guitarist his identity back. They also share some of their favorite ...
Aug 09, 2019•56 min•Ep. 715
Back in the 1970s, punk was shorthand for a subculture that took pride in breaking the mainstream’s mold. And at the vanguard of punk rock was The Ramones. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the cultural contributions of the band, beyond the myth, with the author of Why The Ramones Matter, Donna Gaines. Plus, they revisit their 2007 conversation with the late Tommy Ramone. They also review the latest from Chicago's Chance the Rapper. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See om...
Aug 02, 2019•57 min•Ep. 714
While Australian singer-songwriter Julia Jacklin’s voice has a soft vibrato and sweet tone, her lyrics are laced with a dry sense of humor and unflinching honesty. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to Julia about her new album, the pressure to appear perfect on social media and how as a performer and woman she sets boundaries to stay sane. She also gives a live performance at the Goose Island Tap Room in Chicago. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/list...
Jul 26, 2019•57 min•Ep. 713
It's time again for hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to share their latest buried treasures: recently released, under-the-radar albums you need to hear! They'll also chat with Chicago singer, songwriter and guitarist Tasha about her music, which champions marginalized people as well as prioritizes topics like self care. 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 Privac...
Jul 19, 2019•57 min•Ep. 712
