Sound Opinions

By Sound Opinions

What's Sound Opinions about?

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.

4.3

1,788 ratings

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LAST EPISODE

A Fall Batch of Buried Trea...

09.29.2023

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

Sound Opinions episodes:

09.29.2023 A Fall Batch of Buried Treasures This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar - buried treasures! 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 ...
09.27.2023 A Pathway to Sun Ra In this bonus episode, Greg offers a starting point into Sun Ra's daunting discography. Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Sign up for our newsletter: ...
09.22.2023 Billions' Brian Koppelman, Opinions on Mitski, Low Cut Connie & Jaimie Branch Brian Koppelman makes his living as the showrunner, co-creator and writer for the Showtime series Billions. Jim and Greg revisit their conversation with Koppelman about how he innovatively uses music in the critically acclaimed show. They'll also review new albums ...
09.20.2023 RIP Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to recently deceased Smash Mouth singer Steve Harwell by adding a new song to the Desert Island Jukebox. Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a ...
09.15.2023 Songs About the Morning, Opinions on Noname & Ratboys What's more inspiring than the start of a new day? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite songs inspired by the morning. The hosts also review new albums by Ratboys and Noname. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become ...
09.13.2023 RIP Jimmy Buffett (and Steve Goodman) In this bonus episode Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of Jimmy Buffett, who recently died. However, it's not a Buffett original he's adding. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc ...
09.08.2023 The Paisley Underground (The Bangles, Rain Parade), the Shangri-Las & Opinions on The Hives In early ‘80s California, a new kind of music was brewing that blended the psychedelic sounds of the '60s with the modern day post-punk ethos. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reflect on the Paisley Underground movement. They'll ...
09.06.2023 A Song That'll Conjure A Conga Line In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox that he guarantees will conjure a conga line or he'll "eat his hat." Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for ...
09.01.2023 Songs About Work, Opinions on Big Freedia & Lou Reed's "Perfect Day" Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite songs about work in honor of Labor Day. They also review the new album from Big Freedia and add a song to the Desert Island Jukebox. Join our Facebook ...
08.30.2023 RIP Rodriguez In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Sixto Rodriguez, the Detroit musician and subject of the Oscar-winning "Searching for Sugarman" documentary. Rodriguez died in August at age 81. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc ...
08.25.2023 South African Music This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with journalist and author Lior Phillips about the rich and vibrant popular music of South Africa. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our ...
08.23.2023 A Shared Fandom of Robyn Hitchcock In this bonus episode, Jim adds a cover of a song by Robyn Hitchcock to the Desert Island Jukebox. 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 ...
08.18.2023 Buried Treasures & RIP Robbie Robertson This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar - buried treasures! They’ll also hear selections from their production staff and bid farewell to Robbie Robertson of The Band. Join our ...
08.16.2023 RIP Robbie Robertson In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Robbie Robertson of The Band, who died recently at the age of 80. 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 ...
08.11.2023 Living Colour, Opinions on Blur & Claud In the largely white landscape of ‘80s and ‘90s rock, Living Colour stood out with their electrifying riffs, genre blending sound and political lyrics. Decades later, professor and author Kimberly Mack talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about ...
08.09.2023 Music's Greatest Charlatan In this bonus episode, Jim adds two songs to the Desert Island Jukebox from the "most strange and surreal" story he's ever shared. Greg is skeptical of one of the people involved in the story. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T ...
08.04.2023 RIP Sinéad O'Connor Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot bid farewell to the late singer, songwriter and activist Sinéad O’Connor, who recently died at age 56. Jim and Greg are longtime fans of both O’Connor’s music and her devotion to speaking truth to ...
08.02.2023 The 64 Year-Old Folk Hero In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from a 64 year-old, who is now being hailed as a folk hero. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy ...
07.28.2023 Chicago's Country Music w/ Mark Guarino, Opinions on PJ Harvey Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview author Mark Guarino about his new book, "Country and Midwestern," which details Chicago's role in the development of country music. The hosts also review the new album from PJ Harvey. Join our Facebook ...
07.26.2023 RIP Jane Birkin In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to singer and actress Jane Birkin, who died in July at age 76. 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 ...
07.21.2023 Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall, Opinions on Anohni and the Johnsons Bill Withers is beloved for writing classics like Lean On Me, but Greg Kot has long contended that Withers’ best album is Live at Carnegie Hall. This week hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot honor Withers’ life by doing a ...
07.20.2023 Introducing: Starting A Riot We're sharing our friends at Oregon Public Broadcasting's new podcast, Starting A Riot. It's a co-production between OPB and She Shreds Media and hosted by journalist and musician Fabi Reyna. It tells the story of riot grrrl music in six ...
07.19.2023 RIP Blackie Onassis In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to Blackie Onassis of Urge Overkill (aka John Rowan), who recently died at age 57. 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 ...
07.14.2023 The Best Albums of 2023 So Far! The year 2023 is more than halfway over, and there has already been a plethora of exciting, inspired and relevant new releases. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite albums of 2023 so far. Join our Facebook Group: ...
07.12.2023 RIP Astrud Gilberto In this bonus episode, Greg adds a feminist song from Astrud Gilberto to the Desert Island Jukebox. Gilberto died in June at age 83. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: ...
07.07.2023 Songwriting with Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Ryan Tedder & Opinions on Killer Mike This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late Cynthia Weil, one half of the songwriting duo Mann & Weil, famous for writing tracks like “We Gotta Get Out of This Place” and “You’ve Lost that ...
07.05.2023 Boygenius Concert Review In this bonus episode producer Alex Claiborne reviews the recent Boygenius concert she attended at the Re:SET Fest in Chicago. 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 ...
06.30.2023 War's "The World Is a Ghetto" Plus Opinions on Janelle Monáe & Jenny Lewis This week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot do a classic album dissection of the best-selling album of 1973, War’s “The World Is a Ghetto.” They talk with effusive frontman Lonnie Jordan about the writing and recording of the record, and ...
06.28.2023 More on Why We Stop Listening to New Music As We Age In this bonus episode, Professor Timothy McKenry shares his research into why music listeners seek out less new music as they age. This conversation began on full episode 917. Read the full article here. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become ...
06.23.2023 Little Richard, Plus Why We Stop Listening to New Music As We Age Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with director Lisa Cortés about her documentary, "Little Richard: I Am Everything." The film is full of electrifying live footage of the rock and roll architect throughout his career. They also talk with ...
06.21.2023 A Criminally Underrated Songwriter In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song by a criminally underrated songwriter's lesser-known band to the Desert Island Jukebox. 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 ...
06.16.2023 Jason Isbell & Opinions on Protomartyr On the occasion of his new documentary and album with the 400 Unit, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to guitarist, singer and songwriter Jason Isbell. They discuss band dynamics, working with his wife, Amanda Shires, and filming the ...
06.14.2023 A Great Gig For An Accordionist In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of a friend's daughter getting a great gig as an accordionist. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for ...
06.09.2023 Chuck Berry's Legacy & RIP Tina Turner Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome author RJ Smith back to the show to discuss his new book on Chuck Berry. The hosts also pay tribute to Tina Turner, who died May 24 at 83. Join our Facebook Group: ...
06.07.2023 2023 Sound Opinions Music Prize Winners In this bonus podcast, we talk with the three winners of the first annual Sound Opinions Music Prize. These three Columbia College Chicago student musicians receive scholarship funds thanks to the Goldschmidt Foundation. Belmaris Ultra-Violet Archer Spencer Ball Support The ...
06.02.2023 Buried Treasures & RIP Andy Rourke (The Smiths) This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar - buried treasures! They’ll also hear selections from their production staff and bid farewell to The Smiths bassist Andy Rourke. Join our ...
05.31.2023 2023 Sound Opinions Writing Prize Winners In this bonus podcast, we talk with the three winners of the second annual Sound Opinions Arts Criticism Prize. These three Columbia College Chicago students receive scholarship funds thanks to the Goldschmidt Foundation. Read the winning essays: Will Lovell Avery ...
05.26.2023 Shemekia Copeland Live, RIP Gordon Lightfoot, Opinions on billy woods & Kenny Segal Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot host blues singer Shemekia Copeland for a live performance and interview. She performs stripped down arrangements of songs from her Grammy-nominated 2022 album "Done Come Too Far" and others. Plus the hosts pay tribute ...
05.25.2023 Tina Turner: RIP to an Icon Jim and Greg discuss the legend Tina Turner after it was announced she died at age 83. They talk about her immense talent, relentless work ethic and resiliency that has inspired millions of listeners. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become ...
05.24.2023 RIP Frank Kozik In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to the graphic artist Frank Kozik and his lesser-known role in the music industry. 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 ...
05.19.2023 20 Years of Numero Group: From Syl Johnson to Blondie Since 2003, Numero Group has championed talented, overshadowed artists across genres by reissuing their albums with care and creativity. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Numero Group founders Rob Sevier and Ken Shipley about the label’s history and ...
05.17.2023 RIP Rita Lee of Os Mutantes In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song by Rita Lee to the Desert Island Jukebox in tribute to the tropicalia star, dead at 75. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our ...
05.12.2023 Songs About the End of the World Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share favorite songs about the end of the world from artists ranging from Johnny Cash to Fishbone. They're also joined by their production staff with their picks for songs that creatively deal with the ...
05.10.2023 A defining album of the last decade In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from an album that he says is one of the great records of the last ten years. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: ...
05.05.2023 Director Mary Harron (American Psycho, Charlie Says) on Music in Her Films, Opinions on The National This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with director Mary Harron about her films American Psycho, I Shot Andy Warhol, Charlie Says and her latest, Dalíland. They discuss her excellent use of music in her movies over the ...
05.03.2023 Jim Goes Full Jersey with this Feelies Offshoot Band Jim takes us on a trip to the desert island of the New Jersey variety (the shore, perhaps?) He chooses "The Rising Tide" from Wild Carnation, an offshoot band of The Feelies. Led by Brenda Sauter, Wild Carnation just rereleased ...
04.28.2023 Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President, Hanif Abdurraqib & Opinions on Everything but the Girl This week, hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis talk with the director of the documentary, Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President about how Carter changed the way politicians interact with musicians. Plus, poet and music critic Hanif Abdurraqib talks about ...
04.26.2023 A Salute to Procol Harum In this week's bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Procol Harum's exclusive lyricist Keith Reid, who died March 23, 2023 at the age 76. He plays the song "Homburg." Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc ...
04.21.2023 Eleventh Dream Day, Opinions on Wednesday & Lankum Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Eleventh Dream Day founders Rick Rizzo and Janet Bean about the indie rock band's 40 year long career. They also review new albums by Wednesday and Lankum. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T ...
04.19.2023 In Praise of Yellowjackets' Music Usage In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox that was inspired by watching the TV show, Yellowjackets. 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 ...

Older episodes

Sound Opinions

What's Sound Opinions about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Sound Opinions episodes:

A Fall Batch of Buried Treasures

A Pathway to Sun Ra

Billions' Brian Koppelman, Opinions on Mitski, Low Cut Connie & Jaimie Branch

RIP Steve Harwell of Smash Mouth

Songs About the Morning, Opinions on Noname & Ratboys

RIP Jimmy Buffett (and Steve Goodman)

The Paisley Underground (The Bangles, Rain Parade), the Shangri-Las & Opinions on The Hives

A Song That'll Conjure A Conga Line

Songs About Work, Opinions on Big Freedia & Lou Reed's "Perfect Day"

RIP Rodriguez

South African Music

A Shared Fandom of Robyn Hitchcock

Buried Treasures & RIP Robbie Robertson

RIP Robbie Robertson

Living Colour, Opinions on Blur & Claud

Music's Greatest Charlatan

RIP Sinéad O'Connor

The 64 Year-Old Folk Hero

Chicago's Country Music w/ Mark Guarino, Opinions on PJ Harvey

RIP Jane Birkin

Bill Withers Live at Carnegie Hall, Opinions on Anohni and the Johnsons

Introducing: Starting A Riot

RIP Blackie Onassis

The Best Albums of 2023 So Far!

RIP Astrud Gilberto

Songwriting with Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Ryan Tedder & Opinions on Killer Mike

Boygenius Concert Review

War's "The World Is a Ghetto" Plus Opinions on Janelle Monáe & Jenny Lewis

More on Why We Stop Listening to New Music As We Age

Little Richard, Plus Why We Stop Listening to New Music As We Age

A Criminally Underrated Songwriter

Jason Isbell & Opinions on Protomartyr

A Great Gig For An Accordionist

Chuck Berry's Legacy & RIP Tina Turner

2023 Sound Opinions Music Prize Winners

Buried Treasures & RIP Andy Rourke (The Smiths)

2023 Sound Opinions Writing Prize Winners

Shemekia Copeland Live, RIP Gordon Lightfoot, Opinions on billy woods & Kenny Segal

Tina Turner: RIP to an Icon

RIP Frank Kozik

20 Years of Numero Group: From Syl Johnson to Blondie

RIP Rita Lee of Os Mutantes

Songs About the End of the World

A defining album of the last decade

Director Mary Harron (American Psycho, Charlie Says) on Music in Her Films, Opinions on The National

Jim Goes Full Jersey with this Feelies Offshoot Band

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President, Hanif Abdurraqib & Opinions on Everything but the Girl

A Salute to Procol Harum

Eleventh Dream Day, Opinions on Wednesday & Lankum

In Praise of Yellowjackets' Music Usage

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