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

The Cars are Underrated Plus Opinions on Sprints

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk about The Cars with Bill Janovitz, the author of a new book on the band. The book makes the case that The Cars are an underrated band. Plus, the hosts review the new album from Irish post-punk band, Sprints. 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:...

Nov 07, 202551 minEp. 1041

A Brilliant Soundtrack from One of This Year's Hit Films

In this bonus DIJ, Greg digs into the soundtrack from one of his recent film outings. The score comes from an innovative rock guitarist turned composer. 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 N...

Nov 05, 20258 min

Songs About the Moon

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot follow up a recent episode paying tribute to the sun with another set of songs about a celestial body. This time, they share their favorite songs about the moon — along with 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...

Oct 31, 202546 minEp. 1040

A Deep Cut Even for Krautrock Fans

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from a krautrock band so obscure they didn’t even make the cut in the definitive book on the genre he’s been reading. 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...

Oct 29, 20256 min

RIP D'Angelo

On October 14th, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist D'Angelo died at the age of 51. Throughout his too short life, he made three unforgettable albums and cemented his legacy as one of the great artists of his time. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to D'Angelo by talking about his life, career and musical impact. They'll also revisit their classic album dissection of D'Angelo's masterpiece, Voodoo. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: h...

Oct 24, 202550 minEp. 1039

RIP Chicago Artist Tony Fitzpatrick

Tony Fitzpatrick was a Chicago artist, poet, actor, and someone who embodied the spirit of the city itself. Tony died on October 11, 2025, at the age of 66. In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Fitzpatrick with a song from one of the artist's long-time collaborators, Steve Earle. -- Celebrate the life of Tony Fitzpatrick on Sunday, November 23rd at Metro Chicago. 3730 N. Clark St 3pm - 6pm. Doors at 2pm. -- Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https:...

Oct 22, 20259 min

Rough Trade & Opinions on Geese

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Rough Trade collaborators Geoff Travis and Jeannette Lee about their contributions to the music industry and their new label River Lea, which focuses on Irish folk music. The hosts also review the buzzy new album from indie rockers, Geese. 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 ...

Oct 17, 202551 minEp. 1038

A Real Groovy Track

In this bonus episode of Sound Opinions, Jim gets "reaal!" about his love of disco with this groovy track. 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-not-sell...

Oct 15, 20257 min

Producer of "Planet Rock" Arthur Baker, Plus Opinions on Wednesday

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot chat with record producer and author Arthur Baker about his new book, Looking for the Perfect Beat: Remixing and Reshaping Hip-Hop, Rock and Rhythms. The hosts also review the new album from Wednesday. 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...

Oct 10, 202551 minEp. 1037

RIP Sonny Curtis

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Sonny Curtis, the undersung artist who wrote the original version of "I Fought the Law" with The Crickets. Sonny died on September 19, 2025, at the age of 88. 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 ...

Oct 08, 20259 min

The Greenwich Village Music Scene

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot speak with David Browne, author of the book Talkin’ Greenwich Village: The Heady Rise and Slow Fall of America’s Bohemian Music Capital. 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: Phil Ochs, "Here's to the State of Miss...

Oct 03, 202551 minEp. 1036

RIP Rick Davies of Supertramp

In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to Rick Davies, the legendary keyboardist and co-founder of Supertramp, who passed away on September 6, 2025, at age 81. 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 P...

Oct 01, 20258 min

Buried Treasures: Fall Edition

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share a fresh batch of songs that deserve more attention- what they call "buried treasures." They also hear picks from their 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: Frankie and the Witch Fingers, "T...

Sep 26, 202551 minEp. 1035

RIP Jim Kimball

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to drummer Jim Kimball of Laughing Hyenas, Mule, Jesus Lizard, and more. Jim died on August 27, 2025, at the age of 59. 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 P...

Sep 24, 20256 min

21st Century Indie Rock & Opinions on the Hives

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Chris Deville about his new book, "Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion." The hosts also review the new album from The Hives. 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...

Sep 19, 202551 minEp. 1034

An Unlikely One-Hit Wonder Cover

In this bonus episode, Jim shares what might be the quintessential one-hit wonder, but in classic Sound Opinions fashion, the cover he's picked is as obscure as they come. 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 C...

Sep 17, 20258 min

50th Anniversary of Patti Smith's "Horses" Plus Opinions on Margo Price

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot celebrate 50 years of Patti Smith’s “Horses” with a classic album dissection. They also review the new album by Margo Price. 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: Patti Smith, "Gloria," Horses, Arista, 1975 The Bea...

Sep 12, 202548 minEp. 1033

A South Soul Song from Greg's Summer

In this bonus episode, Greg shares a Latin soul song by one of the many great artists he saw perform at Chicago music festivals this summer. 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 htt...

Sep 10, 20256 min

"The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman" with Niko Stratis, Opinions on Aesop Rock & The Beths

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with music writer Niko Stratis about her book "The Dad Rock That Made Me A Woman." The hosts also review new albums from The Beths and Aesop Rock. 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: Wilco, "Sky Blue Sky," S...

Sep 05, 202550 minEp. 1032

Jim's "Psychedelic Mantra"

In this bonus DIJ, Jim shares a song that almost inspires him enough to try meditation. 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-not-sell-my-info ....

Sep 03, 20255 min

"Hey Joe" Plus Opinions on Lifeguard

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot sit down with Jason Schneider, author of That Gun in Your Hand: The Strange Saga of ‘Hey Joe’ and Popular Music’s History of Violence. The hosts also review the new album from Lifeguard. 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 Featu...

Aug 29, 202551 minEp. 1031

RIP Eddie Palmieri

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to the latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri, who died on August 6th, 2025, at the age of 88. 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....

Aug 27, 20256 min

Songs About the Sun & Bill McKibben on "Sun Day"

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with journalist and environmentalist Bill McKibben about solar power and music, as well as the upcoming activism event “Sun Day.” They also share some of their favorite songs about the sun. 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/soundo...

Aug 22, 202551 minEp. 1030

A Lost Collab Between Two Music Giants

In this bonus episode, Jim brings to light an overlooked collaboration between two of his and Greg's favorite musicians. 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/priva...

Aug 20, 20258 min

Valerie June Live, Plus Opinions on Clipse

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...

Aug 15, 202551 minEp. 1029

A Soulful Voice Revived on Stage

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...

Aug 13, 20257 min

OutKast's "Stankonia" 25th Anniversary Plus Opinions on Wet Leg and Pulp

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...

Aug 08, 202551 minEp. 1028

From Detroit to France to Italy

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...

Aug 06, 20256 min

Horsegirl & RIP Ozzy Osbourne

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...

Aug 01, 202550 minEp. 1027

A Live Set That Brought It All Back

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...

Jul 30, 20259 min
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