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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Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome singer-songwriter Valerie June to the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub for a live interview and performance. The hosts also review the new album from hip hop veterans, Clipse. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs...
In this bonus episode, Greg shares a song he recently heard from the performer of a one-man show paying tribute to a long-gone soul singer. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at http...
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their deep dive into OutKast's classic album Stankonia for its 25th anniversary. The hosts also review new music from Wet Leg and Pulp. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: OutKast, "B.O.B.," St...
In this bonus episode, Jim pops a quarter into the desert island jukebox and plays a track that blends yé-yé pop with Motown groove. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art...
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview a band that put out one of their favorite albums of the year so far, Horsegirl. They talk with the rock trio about meeting as kids in the Chicago music scene, college and their vast music knowledge. Jim and Greg also pay tribute to the late “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation vi...
In this bonus episode, Greg shares a song by an artist he hadn’t seen live in years, until a recent show at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at h...
In this bonus episode, Sound Opinions hosts Jim and Greg pay tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, discussing his profound impact on heavy metal through Black Sabbath and his solo career. They share essential tracks, analyzing the band's musical evolution, lyrical depth, and surprising connections, including Ozzy's unexpected link to Christian rock music and his charity efforts.
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview Swamp Dogg, the psychedelic soul artist born Jerry Williams. He has a documentary about his life out now called "Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted." The hosts also review the new album from Lorde. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi....
In this bonus episode, Greg salutes the father of zydeco, an artist whose influence reaches far beyond the bayou. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-n...
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share new music they're digging that flies under the mainstream radar, buried treasures! They also hear buried treasure picks from the production staff. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: Minot, "Russian Girl," ...
In this bonus episode, Jim adds an obscure avant-garde composition to the Desert Island Jukebox that features a brass band, a children’s choir and helium. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy...
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots about his memoir. The hosts also review the new album from Turnstile. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: Danger Mouse and Black Thought, "Sometimes...
In this bonus episode, Greg shares a pair of songs by guitarist Mick Ralphs who helped define two legendary bands, Bad Company and Mott the Hoople. Ralphs died on June 23, 2025, at age 81, and his playing remains the standard in serving the song—whether through raw power or subtle restraint. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send u...
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Local H founder Scott Lucas about the band and their new documentary, Lifers. Plus, the hosts review new albums from Stereolab and Mclusky. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: Local H, "Bound for the Fl...
In this bonus episode, Jim shares a song that confronts a historic tragedy and pays tribute, by name, to the 29 men who died. Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/...
The year is almost halfway over, and there have already been so many incredible new releases. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their best albums of 2025 so far. Plus, they'll hear picks from the production staff. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featur...
In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the third annual Sound Opinions Songwriting Prize. These Columbia College Chicago students receive scholarship funds thanks to the Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation. Sarai Cheek - Static Line Maddy Mastrine - Give Me the Flask Alicia Maka - This Too Shall Pass -- Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice...
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late musical genius Brian Wilson, who died at age 82. They’ll discuss Wilson’s transcendent music, including doing a deep dive on his masterpiece, Pet Sounds. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs...
In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the second annual Sound Opinions Photo Prize. These Columbia College Chicago students receive scholarship funds thanks to the Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation. Nyla Lawson's Portfolio -- Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join our Facebook...
Hosts Jim and Greg honor the late Sly Stone by exploring his groundbreaking career, innovative music, and the impact of his mixed-race, mixed-gender band. They review Questlove's documentary and Sly's memoir, and revisit a fascinating interview with band members Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson, offering insights into the group's dynamics and challenges.
In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the fourth annual Sound Opinions Writing Prize. These Columbia College Chicago students receive scholarship funds thanks to the Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation. Amy Fisher Rosalie Gengras Zink -- Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Join ou...
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with writer Kyle Ryan about his Substack, Band Name Bureau. They explore the overlap between good music and poorly named bands. A selection of examples are discussed and played. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured ...
In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox—one that came back to him after watching the Brazilian film "I'm Still Here". Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc oin our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice a...
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late singer-songwriter Jill Sobule. They revisit their 2009 conversation with Jill where they discuss her music and being a pioneer for crowdfunding art. They also review the new music from Shamir, Pelican and tUnE-yArDs. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Des...
Following our tributes to David Thomas and Peter Laughner of Pere Ubu, Jims rounds out the trilogy with a song by another of the band's members. Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc oin our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at ...
In this episode of One By Willie, music critic Amanda Petrusich discusses Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard's duet "Reasons to Quit" from the album 'Pancho & Lefty'. They explore the album's theme of the "Outlaw's Conundrum"—aging rebels confronting domesticity—and delve into why sad songs can offer comfort and solidarity during difficult times, acting as a life preserver rather than a cure.
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review the debut collaborative album from Julien Baker and Torres, discussing its blend of country signifiers with progressive themes of addiction, religion, and sexuality. They then interview Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson of the iconic DC indie rock band Tsunami, exploring their reunion spurred by a comprehensive box set, their DIY ethos with Simple Machines label, their political activism, and their candid perspective on the challenges facing musicians in today's highly concentrated, tech-dominated music industry.
In this bonus episode, Greg discusses the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction of Warren Zevon, an artist he believes was long overdue. The hosts share their generally cynical views on the Hall itself before diving into an appreciation of Zevon's life and work, highlighting his unflinching honesty and outlaw persona reflected in his tragic yet humorous songs.
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Cary Baker about the musical tradition of street performance, also known as busking. The hosts also review the solo album from TV On The Radio lead singer Tunde Adebimpe and hear feedback from listeners on recent episodes. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desk...
Jim reflects on the passing of Pere Ubu member David Thomas, then pays tribute to Peter Loeffner. He discusses Loeffner's struggles with addiction and influence on Lester Bangs, leading into a play of Loeffner's song, 'Baudelaire'. The episode explores themes of nihilism versus embracing life and light.
