Sound Opinions

Jim and Greg pay tribute to the late legend, Quincy Jones, who died November 3 at age 91.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the music, history and legacy of R.E.M. with biographer Peter Ames Carlin.

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the desert island jukebox in honor of Phil Lesh, one of the founding members of The Grateful Dead who died on October 25th of this year.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome progressive rock band Umphrey's McGee for a live session recorded at the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub and they also review the new album from Alan Sparhawk of Low.

Greg shares a song that has resonated with him since his seventh grade arts teacher first introduced it.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot celebrate the spooky season by revisiting their favorite songs about witches and ghosts.

In this bonus episode, Steven and Jeff McDonald of Redd Kross discuss orchestrating a future collaboration with Linda Blair, their Beatles desert island jukebox picks and their least favorite Beatles songs.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Jeff and Steven McDonald of Redd Kross about the band's 45 year history, new documentary, book and latest album.

Jim shines a light on a little known r&b and jazz singer, Gloria Lynne, whose 1966 b-side "Speaking of Happiness" has been used in several films and tv shows over the past decades.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot join Patterson Hood of the Drive-By Truckers for a classic album dissection of their magnum opus, Southern Rock Opera.

Jim and Greg pay tribute to the late Kris Kristofferson, who had an impactful, long career as a songwriter, performer and activist.

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

Greg Kot pays tribute to the late Nick Gravenites, who wrote impactful songs for the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Janis Joplin and more.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share new music they’re digging that flies under the mainstream radar, buried treasures!

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of Sérgio Mendes, the bossa nova legend who died in September.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Dan Charnas about his book on J Dilla's rhythmic innovation, artistry and close relationships with Common, Questlove, D'Angelo and they review new albums from Nick Cave and Hinds.

Greg shares Charles Cross' favorite under-appreciated punk rock record "Strychnine" in tribute of the late Seattle music journalist.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are discussing the new book MC5: An Oral History of Rock's Most Revolutionary Band with authors, Jaan Uhelszki and Brad Tolinski.

Jim brings back a catchy song "Homicide" by the English punk band of the '70s and '80s, 999.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot hear from past guests like Mary J. Blige, The Melvins, Lucy Dacus and more about the songs they can't live without.

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a performance by two musicians he's written books about to the Desert Island Jukebox.

This week hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig out from music mountain by reviewing new albums from X, Post Malone, Beabadoobee, Sturgill Simpson, JPEGMAFIA and Meshell Ndegeocello.

This week, Jim pays tribute to the late Clare Elliot of the Suburban Reptiles, one of the first two punk bands out of New Zealand.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take a virtual trip to New Zealand to explore the best of kiwi music and bid farewell to Martin Phillipps of The Chills.

In this bonus episode Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox that he was reminded of after reviewing the new album by Common and Pete Rock.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look back 40 years into the past and revisit some of their favorite songs of 1984, plus they review the new album from Redd Kross.

In this bonus episode Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox that he heard during the 2024 Summer Olympics in France.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by author Jim Higgins for a deep dive into Lou Reed's entire discography, and the hosts review new albums from Common and Jack White.

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to John Mayall, one of the most influential British blues guitarists who never gets the accolades of many of his friends and collaborators. Mayall died in July at the age of 90.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history and legacy of the 50+ year-old Chicago blues label, Alligator Records, plus they revisit a conversation and live performance with Buddy Guy.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from a star of one of the first reality shows, "An American Family," who turned punk rocker and became part of the CBGB's scene. His story is told in Emily Nussbaum's book "Cue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV."

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar - buried treasures!

In this bonus episode, Jim talks with producer Andrew Gill about his side project: Rock That Doesn't Roll: The Story of Christian Music. They discuss the similarities and differences in their own religious upbringings and what motivates the project.

We're mourning the loss of Bob Newhart and in honor of his life, we've resurfaced his appearance on Sound Opinions from 2008 as a bonus podcast.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with singer and songwriter Angélica Garcia and pay tribute to the late James Chance and Françoise Hardy.

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a timeless reggae song to the desert island jukebox.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with director Lisa Cortés about her documentary, "Little Richard: I Am Everything", and they also talk with Professor Timothy McKenry about his research into why people listen to less new music as they age.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from a band that doesn't exist, but he wishes really did.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Karla and Jack of Irish post-punk band SPRINTS, and they review new music from Charli XCX and Goat Girl.

In this classic bonus episode, Greg adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox from the compilation Ghana Soundz: AfroBeat, Funk & Fusion in 70s Ghana.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Prince's Purple Rain for the record's 40th anniversary.

In this bonus podcast, Jim talks with critic Niko Stratis about an error in a recent bonus episode on the song "Lola." The conversation goes from there to consider the representation of transgender people over the years in the work of artists like Lou Reed and Against Me! among others. 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/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite albums of 2024 so far.

In this bonus episode Greg adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox from a groundbreaking queer artist who had a huge influence on the development of rock n roll.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Carole King's Tapestry.

In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the third annual Sound Opinions Writing Prize which is made possible thanks to the Goldschmidt Foundation.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Ira Robbins, founder of Trouser Press magazine, and the hosts review new music from Billie Eilish and Shellac.

In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the second annual Sound Opinions Music Prize which is made possible thanks to the Goldschmidt Foundation.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot do a classic album dissection of Joni Mitchell's 1971 masterpiece, Blue.

In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with two winners of the first annual Sound Opinions Photo Prize which is made possible thanks to the Goldschmidt Foundation.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by Steve Wynn of The Dream Syndicate for a deep dive into his early career. The hosts also review new albums by desert blues master Mdou Moctar and harmony magicians Finom.

In this bonus episode Greg adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of Duane Eddy, one of the godfathers of electric guitar, who died in April.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar, and they’ll also pay tribute to Steve Albini.

In this bonus episode Jim adds two versions of the same song about encountering a trans person to the Desert Island Jukebox.

In this bonus episode, Jim and Greg pay tribute to musician, recording engineer, writer and Chicago legend Steve Albini, who died May 7 at the age of 61. They're also joined by their production staff to discuss Albini's cultural legacy.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are chatting with Mary Timony about her new solo album, and they review music from Boris and English Teacher.

In this bonus episode, Greg traces the evolution of one song that began with Herbie Hancock in 1964.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are sharing talking baby songs and reviewing new music from Taylor Swift.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds "one of the greatest songs of all time" to the Desert Island Jukebox. He was inspired by finally stumbling across "Big Star: Nothing Can Hurt Me" on Netflix.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk all-things college radio and also review the latest records from Alejandro Escovedo and Vampire Weekend.

In this bonus episode, we share producer Andrew Gill's side project, "Rock That Doesn't Roll." Their second season launches this week, so we're sharing an episode they did last season with David Bazan of Pedro The Lion.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, the eclectic garage-rock duo who recently released their twelfth studio album and also review new records from Shabaka and Hurray for the Riff Raff.

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from an artist was grouped in with neo-soul, but never really fit into that scene comfortably.

Host Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview producer and composer JLIN and also review "Cowboy Carter" by Beyoncé.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from a musician who joined Talking Heads for Stop Making Sense and made many great solo records himself.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Bob Spitz about the myths, music and misdeeds of Led Zeppelin, plus they also review new records from Waxahatchee and SiR.

In this bonus episode we pay tribute to the late leaders of World Party and The Raspberries.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar - buried treasures, plus they pay tribute to Karl Wallinger and Eric Carmen.

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry's bass player, Aston "Family Man" Barrett.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot analyze Brian Eno's 1974 album Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy) and revisit an excerpt of their 2011 interview with Eno himself.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a Brian Eno-affiliated song made of found sounds to the Desert Island Jukebox.

This week hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots about his memoir and they also review the new album from Das Racist rapper Heems.

In this bonus episode, Greg adds two versions of a surprising song to the Desert Island Jukebox. It was the first rock & roll song to chart in Japan and a later version involved members of The Clash.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite karaoke tracks, review new music from Grandaddy and bid farewell to the late rockabilly musician Dexter Romweber.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox that can make a solid claim to being from the first "heavy metal" band.

Host Jim DeRogatis talks with Chicago alt-rock legend, Louise Post, a guitarist, singer, and cofounder of the band Veruca Salt, plus they review new albums from post-punk Brits IDLES and guitar master Mary Timony.

In this bonus episode, we pay tribute to Damo Suzuki of Can, who died February 9 at age 74.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late singer, songwriter and guitarist Wayne Kramer of the MC5 and review the new record from Brittany Howard.

In this bonus episode we pay tribute to Mojo Nixon (Neill Kirby McMillan Jr.), a consummate showman with a love for the working class, who died February 7.

The beat goes on as Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot focus on the contributions of drummers to rock music with drummer Joe Wong, plus an interview with Bernard Purdie.

In this bonus episode we pay tribute to Mary Weiss, the leader of the Shangri-Las, who died in January.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are taking a sonic vacation from another dreary winter by sharing their favorite songs about getting away and they review the new record from Kali Uchis.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox that a rock critic colleague just rediscovered on "a CD odyssey."

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar and they also pay tribute to Mary Weiss of The Shangri-Las.

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of jazz pianist Les McCann, who died in late December.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with artist, singer, songwriter and poet Jamila Woods about her third album, Water Made Us and they also review new music from André 3000 and MJ Lenderman.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song featuring his teenage crush in a nepo baby band long before her acting career included WKRP In Cincinnati.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share favorite songs that they loved as TV show theme songs and review the new album from Peter Gabriel.

In this bonus episode Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of Rounder Records, which is memorialized in a new book by David Manconi.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot do a classic album dissection of Bob Dylan's 1975 album Blood on the Tracks and talk to someone who played on the record and some music journalists about what makes it so iconic.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox from a German band named for a disease with an exclamation mark after it.

Greg Kot shares a selection of his yearly mixtape, the rest of the show staff look at other top singles of 2023, plus the hosts remember a few other musicians we lost in 2023.

In this bonus episode, Jim adds a prescient song about AI from 1978 to the Desert Island Jukebox. 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

Host Jim DeRogatis and producer Alex Claiborne talk with the indie rock supergroup, Boygenius (Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker) talk about making their first full-length album, "the record," amidst their very active solo careers.

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to John Hyatt of the post-punk band The Three Johns from Leeds, England. One of the other "Johns" was Jon Langford of The Mekons.

Our most mirthful musical meeting of each year- holiday music collector Andy Cirzan's spectacular yearly collection of strange tunes.

In this bonus episode, Jim highlights an album he came to late in the year that maybe would have made his top 10 list if he'd heard it earlier.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their highly-anticipated “Best Albums” of 2023 and hear from the production staff.

In this bonus episode, we hear the song that set our crate-digging Kris Kringle, Andy Cirzan, on his epic quest to collect the strangest holiday music ever created.