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

A Debut Album Decades Later

In this bonus episode, Greg shares a track by songwriter and friend Chrissie Dickinson, whose band didn’t release its debut album until after her death. 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...

Feb 18, 20267 min

Modern Protest Songs

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot curate a selection of songs by artists responding to the current political moment. The hosts also hear selections 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: Bruce Springsteen, "Streets of Minn...

Feb 13, 202649 minEp. 1055

A Song from a Band That Isn't Real (But Should Be)

In this bonus episode, Jim shares a song from a film that Courtney Love once called the best movie ever made. 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-s...

Feb 11, 202611 min

Radio DJ Mary Lucia & Opinions on Lucinda Williams

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Twin Cities DIJ Mary Lucia about her memoir. They discuss interviewing artists, her eccentric family and her harrowing experience being stalked by a fan. They also review the new album from Lucinda Williams. 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 Mo...

Feb 06, 202651 minEp. 1054

A Halloween Holdover

In this bonus episode, Greg shares a track from the scariest artist he's ever covered as a journalist. 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-...

Feb 04, 20268 min

New Buried Treasures

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: Annie and the Caldwells, "Wrong (...

Jan 30, 202650 minEp. 1053

Happy Belated Winter Solstice!

In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to one of his all-time favorite artists—and his Pagan friends back in Minneapolis. 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/pri...

Jan 28, 20269 min

Phil Manzanera (Roxy Music) & RIP Bob Weir

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Phil Manzanera, the guitarist behind Roxy Music and a prolific record producer whose career spans more than five decades. The hosts also pay tribute to Bob Weir of Grateful Dead. 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/s...

Jan 23, 202651 minEp. 1052

A Jazz Primer for Rock Fans

In this bonus episode, Greg shares a track by one jazz legend paying tribute to another. 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 ....

Jan 21, 20267 min

RIP Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead

Sound Opinions honors Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, who passed away at 78. The episode explores his early life, the band's formation, and his crucial role in shaping their sound, bringing country, jazz, and reggae influences. It delves into the Grateful Dead's unique improvisational style, Weir's significant songwriting contributions, and his leadership in later projects. The hosts also reflect on his life as an activist and the band's enduring legacy of community.

Jan 17, 202614 min

R.I.P. Rob Reiner, Opinions on Lily Allen & Dry Cleaning

In December of 2025, the world tragically lost actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to him by revisiting their 2014 interview in which they discuss This Is Spinal Tap, films, music and more. They also review new music from Lily Allen and Dry Cleaning. 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/3dmt...

Jan 16, 202651 minEp. 1051

A History Lesson from Professor DeRogatis

In this bonus episode, Jim shares an old country cut that recounts the assassination of President James Garfield, recorded by one of the genre’s all-time greats. 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 ...

Jan 14, 20267 min

2025 Mixtape, Obituaries and Singles of the Year

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot close the book on 2025 by doing a final round of obituaries, playing favorite singles and sharing a mixtape that documents the ups and downs of the year that was. Greg's Mixtape 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...

Jan 09, 202651 minEp. 1050

So Good Even Dan the Automator Left It Alone

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox that was arguably perfected upon its original release. 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/pr...

Jan 07, 20267 min

British Post-Punk Pioneers the Raincoats

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the music and legacy of the Raincoats, a post-punk band beloved by musicians and critics alike. Raincoats leaders Gina Burch and Ana da Silva join Jim and Greg to reflect on creating their debut album in 1979 and staying creative in the decades since. Though they never found mainstream success, the Raincoats’ sound left a deep mark on alternative music—including on one of their most famous fans, Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit...

Jan 02, 202651 minEp. 1049

Barely Scratching the Steve Albini Surface

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox—one of Steve Albini’s many obscure recordings from the legendary engineer’s vast production discography. 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...

Dec 31, 20257 min

Radiohead's Kid A 25th Anniversary Plus Malcolm McLaren

Following up the guitar masterpiece of OK Computer, Radiohead threw the music world for a loop with Kid A. Twenty five years after its release, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Steven Hyden about how the album was made and its lasting impact. They also discuss the life and career of the Sex Pistols and New York Dolls manager Malcolm McLaren. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit....

Dec 26, 202551 minEp. 1048

RIP Joe Ely

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the desert island jukebox to honor one of the great West Texas rockers, Joe Ely, who died on December 15, 2025. 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...

Dec 24, 20258 min

Jeff Tweedy on "Twlight Override"

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome Jeff Tweedy of Wilco for a wide-ranging discussion about his solo album "Twilight Override" and other aspects of Tweedy's long and storied career. 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: Jeff Tweedy, "Lou Ree...

Dec 19, 202551 minEp. 1047

A Psychedelic Shoegaze Duo from Mexico

In this bonus episode, Jim reflects on his introduction to Mexican shoegaze through a newly discovered duo with a meaty discography. 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...

Dec 17, 20255 min

Sound Opinions' Holiday Spectacular 2025

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome Andy Cirzan, their favorite collector of rare holiday music, for their annual celebration of unexpected holiday deep cuts. 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 an...

Dec 12, 202551 minEp. 1046

RIP Jimmy Cliff and Steve Cropper

In this bonus episode, Greg is away on vacation, but Jim is here to pay tribute to two musical icons we’ll deeply miss after their passing in late 2025: reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff and soul guitar legend Steve Cropper. 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 Pri...

Dec 10, 202551 min

The Best Albums of 2025

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite albums of 2025. They’ll also hear selections 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: Wednesday, "Elderberry Wine," Bleeds, Dead Oceans, 2025 The Beatles, "With A Litt...

Dec 05, 202551 minEp. 1045

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats on This Year: 365 Songs Annotated: A Book of Days

John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats discusses his new book, "This Year: 365 Songs Annotated: A Book of Days" and his new album "Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan" with Sound Opinions producer Andrew Gill. 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 Pr...

Dec 03, 20251 hr 3 min

Yes's "Going For the One" & Opinions on Tortoise

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dissect Yes' 1977 masterpiece album Going For the One. They talk about the progressive rock band's history, the rich music and they interview lead singer Jon Anderson about the making of the record. Jim and Greg also review the latest from Tortoise. 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 ...

Nov 28, 202551 minEp. 1044

Jim Goes Full Greg Kot with This Pick

In this bonus episode of Sound Opinions, Jim shares a Kot-esque pick from a band named after someone very dear to him. 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...

Nov 26, 20255 min

Songs About Giving Thanks

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit a Sound Opinions classic— Songs About Giving Thanks. The hosts will share some of their favorite songs in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday, and they'll hear selections 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: sa...

Nov 21, 202547 minEp. 1043

Long May He Run

In this bonus DIJ, Greg pays tribute to a legendary artist who recently celebrated his 80th birthday, as well as the 50th anniversary of one of his classic albums. 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 Californi...

Nov 19, 20259 min

Fleetwood Mac's Rumours

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with journalist and author Alan Light about his book “Don’t Stop: Why We (Still) Love Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours.” They discuss the music, history and why younger generations are still listening to this record almost 50 years after its release. 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 Mem...

Nov 14, 202551 minEp. 1042

An Anthem for Chicago's Fight

In this bonus DIJ, Jim picks a song from the ’80s that’s as relevant now as it was then. 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 ....

Nov 12, 20257 min
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