In 1971, Marvin Gaye made a career left turn with the album What's Going On, adopting a socially conscious sound that addressed war, racism, and drugs. 45 years later, What's Going On remains as relevant as ever. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a Classic Album Dissection of the iconic record. Then, they review a contemporary protest album from Common. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https:...
Nov 04, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Handsome Family gained wider notoriety for providing the theme to HBO's True Detective. But the duo's dark, literate songwriting has been acclaimed by critics for decades. Rennie and Brett Sparks of The Handsome Family join hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and performance. Plus, a review of the new album from pop superstar Lady Gaga. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://ar...
Oct 28, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast The spookiest time of the year is upon us. To celebrate Halloween, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot turn the show over to listeners who share the songs that tingle their spines the most. Plus, they share their thoughts on Bob Dylan's Nobel Prize and review the latest from singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen. 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 http...
Oct 21, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Beach Slang has wowed critics and audiences alike with its loud, energy filled live performances and unabashedly earnest lyrics. But in front of a live audience at the Goose Island Tap Room, Beach Slang songwriter James Alex strips away the volume, but not the heart, for an intimate acoustic performance and conversation with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. Plus, the new record by Southern rockers Drive-By Truckers, and the story behind a forgotten garage classic. Support The Show: https://www....
Oct 14, 2016•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast The Replacements never had a hit song, but few bands have inspired such a deep personal connection with their fans. Bob Mehr, author of the new biography Trouble Boys, speaks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about the heartbreaking story and enduring legacy of the Minneapolis band. Plus, a review of the new album from Solange and a look at the sample driving Drake's "Hotline Bling." Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. ...
Oct 07, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast September is bursting with major new album releases. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot give their take on several of the biggest new records, from Bon Iver to M.I.A. to Against Me!, in this Review Roundup. Plus, they report on Chance the Rapper's music festival and pay tribute to Buckwheat Zydeco. 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://art1...
Sep 30, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Trumpeter Herb Alpert has had a remarkable, multifaceted career. In addition to scoring his own hits with the Tijuana Brass in the '60s, he cofounded A&M Records, signing a diverse roster of artists ranging from The Carpenters to Janet Jackson. Herb Alpert joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation. Plus, a review of the new album from legendary band Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy i...
Sep 23, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Many great albums are released each year, but only a handful get the attention they deserve. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their Buried Treasures of 2016: the best albums that flew under the radar. Plus, they speak with critic Alex Ross about the use of music as a weapon. 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/pr...
Sep 16, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast Mudhoney was at the forefront of Seattle's exploding music scene in the '80s and '90s, paving the way for grunge with its distorted, chaotic sound. Though the group never received the world-wide attention of its peers Nirvana, Mudhoney has achieved a cult-like longevity. Mudhoney talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot and performs in front of a hometown Seattle audience. Plus, the new album from Chicago band Wilco, and the psychedelic sample driving a key Beyoncé track. Support The Show: ht...
Sep 09, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast With lyrics about sun, surf, and young love, there are plenty of songs that welcome in the summer. But how do you musically say goodbye to warm weather and prepare for the fall? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot swap their swim trunks for their sweaters and share their favorite End of Summer Songs. Plus, a review of the new album from Asheville-based singer-songwriter Angel Olsen. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Priv...
Sep 02, 2016•59 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 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•Transcript available on Metacast 
