Sound Opinions

By WBEZ Chicago

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 - the world's only rock and roll talk show.

4.5

1,487 ratings

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#711 Marvin Gaye's What's G...

07.12.2019

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look back on Marvin Gaye's classic album What's Going On. They discuss the tracks, cultural climate and overarching themes of the 1971 album, many of which are more relevant than ever today.

Sound Opinions episodes:

07.12.2019 #711 Marvin Gaye's What's Going On & the Wah-Wah Pedal This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look back on Marvin Gaye's classic album What's Going On. They discuss the tracks, cultural climate and overarching themes of the 1971 album, many of which are more relevant than ever today.
07.05.2019 #710 Neil Young & Crazy Horse's Rust Never Sleeps on its 40th Anniversary, the Rickenbacker 12-String Guitar Forty years later, Neil Young and Crazy Horse's masterpiece Rust Never Sleeps still captivates listeners and critics with its simple melodies, complex lyrics and punk-inspired sound. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the album's impact and how ...
06.28.2019 #709 Music That Made Me & the Universal Music Warehouse Fire Most music lovers can point to a song that made them: perhaps one that helps define them, or just one of those songs that defines a time in their life. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some ...
06.21.2019 #708 The Best Albums of 2019 So Far So many great albums come out every year that hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot can’t wait until December to start ranking their favorites. This week, the Best Albums of 2019 So Far.
06.14.2019 #707 Roky Erickson, Dr. John & Jim DeRogatis on R. Kelly Roky Erickson and his group the 13th Floor Elevators spread the psychedelic gospel in the heart of Texas in the 1960s and influenced groups like R.E.M. and ZZ Top. After a tumultuous life that included a long battle with schizophrenia, ...
06.07.2019 #706 Mavis Staples As a member of her family group The Staple Singers and as a solo artist, Mavis Staples has used her huge voice to power the Civil Rights Movement and inspire generations. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their intimate ...
05.31.2019 #705 Buried Treasures & Ex Hex Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are ready and raring to go with some new buried treasures: recent, under-the-radar albums that you need to hear. They also talk with the rock trio Ex Hex, led by Mary Timony, about their ...
05.24.2019 #704 De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising & Opinions on The National In the digital age, most of us assume that every piece of music that ever was is available at the push of a button. But this week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot bring us a Classic Album Dissection of ...
05.17.2019 #703 Paisley Underground, The Shangri-Las' Leader of the Pack & Opinions on Tacocat 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 ...
05.10.2019 #702 Sharon Van Etten & Opinions on Jamila Woods Edgy folk-rocker Sharon Van Etten is busier than ever after quitting the music industry four years ago. Now she’s back and experimenting with new sounds, like the vintage synthesizer that lives in her New York City rehearsal space. Sharon joins ...
05.03.2019 #701 Band Reunions, Opinions on Vampire Weekend Summer is coming…and that means a slew of music festivals and arena concerts around the country. Many bands hit the road for reunion tours, often times without all their original members. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore whether or ...
04.26.2019 #700 Sound Opinions in Space, Opinions on Lizzo & Emily King For Sound Opinions' 700th episode, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are taking the show to outer space! They'll share some of their favorite songs about space in honor of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Plus, ...
04.19.2019 #699 Moby, Opinions on Nico Segal's Intellexual Moby became the face of techno with the blockbuster success of his 1999 album Play. He’s since made several successful albums and put out his first memoir, Porcelain, in 2016. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their 2016 conversation ...
04.12.2019 #698 Buried Treasures, Rock Doctors, Opinions on Marvin Gaye As music critics and connoisseurs, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot always have new under-the-radar tracks that you need to hear! This week, they’ll share some of their latest buried treasures. They'll also check in as the Rock Doctors to give ...
04.05.2019 #697 Shoegaze & Opinions on Priests Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dive into "Shoegaze." In the late '80s and early '90s, this sound developed in the U.K. and was typified by lots of guitar, atmosphere and noise. But while the height of Shoegaze only lasted ...
03.29.2019 #696 True Crime Songs, Opinions on Jenny Lewis & Sara Romweber There's a long tradition of blues and folk troubadours writing about subjects that are downright criminal. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk about true crime, or at least allegedly true crimes, that have been immortalized in song. ...
03.22.2019 #695 Alternative Country Singer-Songwriter Sarah Shook & SXSW 2019 Sarah Shook is an artist expertly bridging the worlds of punk grime and honky tonk played on sawdust floors. But it's her smart, pithy lyrics about love that grip listeners and don't let go. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot ...
03.15.2019 #694 The Best of Sound Opinions Live & Hal Blaine Over the years, Sound Opinions has seen many great performances from the talented artists and bands that appeared. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of the biggest performances ever on the show, including artists like Wilco, Common and ...
03.08.2019 #693 Buried Treasures & Opinions on Chaka Khan & Solange This week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot unearth some Buried Treasures, musical gems that you may not have heard, but certainly should. Plus, the hosts review the latest releases from soul legend Chaka Khan and singer Solange.
03.01.2019 #692 The Stooges' Fun House and Remembering Talk Talk's Mark Hollis In a Classic Album Dissection, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot examine The Stooges' Fun House record from 1970. The album brought together garage rock, rhythm and blues and free jazz, setting a template for the punk revolution to come. Stooges ...
02.22.2019 #691 The Story of Blues Label Alligator Records & Conversation with Buddy Guy This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history and legacy of the almost 50-year-old Chicago blues label, Alligator Records, with its founder Bruce Iglauer. They'll talk to him about his new book Bitten By the Blues: The ...
02.15.2019 #690 Songs About Writers, Opinions on Bob Mould & Sneaks This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore literature’s influence on popular music and how famous scribes like Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and more get name drops. They'll share some of their favorite songs about writers. They'll also review the ...
02.08.2019 #689 Walk This Way: The Story of Run-DMC's Collaboration With Aerosmith, Opinions on Emily King Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Geoff Edgers about his 2019 book Walk This Way: Run-DMC, Aerosmith, and the Song that Changed American Music Forever. They discuss how Run-DMC's 1986 collaboration with Aerosmith came about and its ...
02.01.2019 #688 Weird Instruments of Rock, Opinions on Maggie Rogers & Sharon Van Etten Forget about the guitar, bass, and drums. This week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore some of the weirder instruments of rock from the theremin to the ocarina to the cowbell. They'll also review new music from two singer-songwriters: the ...
01.25.2019 #687 Buried Treasures & Chicago Soul Band The O'My's Looking for some exciting new music to augment your 2019 playlist? Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their latest Buried Treasures: favorite under-the-radar records that you need to hear! Plus, Jim and Greg are joined by the Chicago ...
01.18.2019 #686 Revolver Cover Artist and Bassist Klaus Voormann, The Artist vs. the Art Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot sit down with artist and musician Klaus Voormann. Klaus shares his unique vantage point to rock and roll history: he designed the cover artwork for The Beatles’ album, Revolver, lived with George and Ringo ...
01.11.2019 #685 Great Starts - Songs With Iconic Beginnings Sometimes songs make a strong, memorable statement from the very first note. This week, to start off the new year, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share songs with iconic starts.
01.04.2019 #684 Great Duets & Writer Malcolm Gladwell There’s something about two performers, sometimes from different styles and points of view, coming together and creating a musical moment. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite duets. They'll also interview author Malcolm Gladwell ...
12.28.2018 #683 Jim & Greg's 2018 Mixtapes & In Memoriam Sound Opinions closes out 2018 with the year in song. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a mixtape of tracks that tell the story of the the past year. And we remember some of the many musicians who passed ...
12.21.2018 #682 Rush & Paying Tribute to Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks Famous for its instrumental virtuosity and heady, sci-fi influenced lyrics, the Canadian prog-rock trio Rush has amassed an obsessive cult following. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush join hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to discuss the band's remarkable ...
12.14.2018 #681 Sound Opinions Holiday Spectacular Whether you've been naughty or nice, Sound Opinions has a new sack full of holiday music for you. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome back record crate explorer and Christmas music aficionado Andy Cirzan for our annual Holiday Spectacular. This ...
12.07.2018 #680 The Best Albums of 2018 This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite albums of 2018. They also hear picks from Sound Opinions producers and listeners.
11.30.2018 #679 Singer-Songwriter Amanda Shires & Opinions on Anderson .Paak & Art Brut This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have a conversation with country singer-songwriter Amanda Shires at the Goose Island Tap Room in Chicago. They discuss her literary lyrics, her latest album To The Sunset and how becoming a mom ...
11.23.2018 #678 Astral Weeks 50th Anniversary & Guest Desert Island Jukebox Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot conduct an Album Dissection of Van Morrison's 1968 classic Astral Weeks. The landmark release celebrates its 50th anniversary this month. Then, we hear from recent Sound Opinions guests about their Desert Island Jukebox picks... ...
11.16.2018 #677 Buried Treasures & Dad Rap Looking for new music that's out of the mainstream? Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot uncover some buried treasures: recent releases that you need to hear! Plus, Jim and Greg talk with author Steven Hyden about the parallels between "Dad Rock" ...
11.09.2018 #676 Lennon v. McCartney Solo Careers & Opinions on Vince Staples & Makaya McCraven This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the post-Beatles careers of John Lennon and Paul McCartney... The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. Plus, Jim and Greg review the new release from rapper Vince Staples and a hip-hop ...
11.02.2018 #675 21st Century Protest Music & Opinions on Robyn Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the impact of protest music in the 21st century and name a few of their favorite tracks from the genre from the last 18 years. They also review Robyn's new album, Honey, and ...
10.26.2018 #674 Scary Songs For Halloween & Opinions on Greta Van Fleet Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot celebrate Halloween this week with a few of their favorite genre-spanning scary songs. Plus, we hear a selection of scary tunes nominated by listeners from around the country. They'll also give their opinions on ...
10.19.2018 #673 Film & T.V. Music Supervisor Susan Jacobs, Opinions on Prince & Sam Phillips This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Emmy-winning music supervisor Susan Jacobs. Over her 30 year career, she's worked with directors like Spike Lee, David O. Russell and Robert Altman on placing music within movies. Most recently, ...
10.12.2018 #672 Buried Treasures & Beatles Audio Engineer Geoff Emerick It's Buried Treasures time yet again. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new under-the-radar music that you need to hear! Plus, they revisit their 2006 conversation with Geoff Emerick, an audio engineer who worked on the classic Beatles ...
10.05.2018 #671 Wayne Kramer of the MC5, Opinions on Noname & Otis Rush As the lead guitarist of the groundbreaking political rock band the MC5, Wayne Kramer experienced both the highs of recognition and the sting of defeat. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Kramer 50 years after the band's iconic ...
09.28.2018 #670 Diss Tracks & Rock Doctors Though music can be a mighty force that brings people together, it can also be weaponized. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look at memorable times musicians have used their art to settle scores in song: their favorite diss tracks ...
09.21.2018 #669 Dessa & Opinions on Paul McCartney Dessa is a poet, singer and hip hop artist who is as interested in scientific theory as she is in lyricism. Her latest album, Chime, showcases her unique hybrid of clever rapping and singing about sometimes weighty issues. Dessa joined ...
09.14.2018 #668 Disco & Seymour Stein For decades, people have maligned disco music. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take an in-depth look at the genre from its origins in marginalized communities to its height of popularity. They'll also explore groundbreaking artists like Sylvester, ...
09.07.2018 #667 Buried Treasures & Bat Fangs Looking for new music that's out of the mainstream? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot uncover some buried treasures: under the radar tunes that you need to hear! They also interview the '80s hair metal-inspired band Bat Fangs.
08.31.2018 #666 Mastodon's Brann Dailor & Songs About the Devil Over seven albums and 18 years, Mastodon has stretched the definition of metal. Co-founder, drummer and lyricist Brann Dailor recently joined hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to look back over the band’s career. The conversation ranges from forming in ...
08.24.2018 #665 Billions Co-Creator & Screenwriter Brian Koppelman, Opinions on The Coup & Amanda Shires Brian Koppelman makes his living as the showrunner, co-creator and writer for the Showtime series Billions. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Koppelman about how he innovatively uses music in the critically acclaimed show. They also discuss his ...
08.17.2018 #664 Remembering Aretha Franklin The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has died at age 76. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot celebrate the life and career of the legend. They'll discuss her discography, music activism and impact.
08.10.2018 #663 Roxy Music Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig into Roxy Music's influential 1972 self-titled debut album. They get the inside story of the recording of Roxy Music with former Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, and discuss the album's lasting impact.
08.03.2018 #662 Sound Opinions at Sea & Phoebe Bridgers This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take the show to the water with the episode Sound Opinions at Sea! They'll share some of their favorite songs about oceans, seas and more! Plus, a conversation and live performance at ...

Older episodes

Sound Opinions

What's Sound Opinions about?

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Sound Opinions episodes:

#711 Marvin Gaye's What's Going On & the Wah-Wah Pedal

#710 Neil Young & Crazy Horse's Rust Never Sleeps on its 40th Anniversary, the Rickenbacker 12-String Guitar

#709 Music That Made Me & the Universal Music Warehouse Fire

#708 The Best Albums of 2019 So Far

#707 Roky Erickson, Dr. John & Jim DeRogatis on R. Kelly

#706 Mavis Staples

#705 Buried Treasures & Ex Hex

#704 De La Soul's 3 Feet High and Rising & Opinions on The National

#703 Paisley Underground, The Shangri-Las' Leader of the Pack & Opinions on Tacocat

#702 Sharon Van Etten & Opinions on Jamila Woods

#701 Band Reunions, Opinions on Vampire Weekend

#700 Sound Opinions in Space, Opinions on Lizzo & Emily King

#699 Moby, Opinions on Nico Segal's Intellexual

#698 Buried Treasures, Rock Doctors, Opinions on Marvin Gaye

#697 Shoegaze & Opinions on Priests

#696 True Crime Songs, Opinions on Jenny Lewis & Sara Romweber

#695 Alternative Country Singer-Songwriter Sarah Shook & SXSW 2019

#694 The Best of Sound Opinions Live & Hal Blaine

#693 Buried Treasures & Opinions on Chaka Khan & Solange

#692 The Stooges' Fun House and Remembering Talk Talk's Mark Hollis

#691 The Story of Blues Label Alligator Records & Conversation with Buddy Guy

#690 Songs About Writers, Opinions on Bob Mould & Sneaks

#689 Walk This Way: The Story of Run-DMC's Collaboration With Aerosmith, Opinions on Emily King

#688 Weird Instruments of Rock, Opinions on Maggie Rogers & Sharon Van Etten

#687 Buried Treasures & Chicago Soul Band The O'My's

#686 Revolver Cover Artist and Bassist Klaus Voormann, The Artist vs. the Art

#685 Great Starts - Songs With Iconic Beginnings

#684 Great Duets & Writer Malcolm Gladwell

#683 Jim & Greg's 2018 Mixtapes & In Memoriam

#682 Rush & Paying Tribute to Pete Shelley of the Buzzcocks

#681 Sound Opinions Holiday Spectacular

#680 The Best Albums of 2018

#679 Singer-Songwriter Amanda Shires & Opinions on Anderson .Paak & Art Brut

#678 Astral Weeks 50th Anniversary & Guest Desert Island Jukebox

#677 Buried Treasures & Dad Rap

#676 Lennon v. McCartney Solo Careers & Opinions on Vince Staples & Makaya McCraven

#675 21st Century Protest Music & Opinions on Robyn

#674 Scary Songs For Halloween & Opinions on Greta Van Fleet

#673 Film & T.V. Music Supervisor Susan Jacobs, Opinions on Prince & Sam Phillips

#672 Buried Treasures & Beatles Audio Engineer Geoff Emerick

#671 Wayne Kramer of the MC5, Opinions on Noname & Otis Rush

#670 Diss Tracks & Rock Doctors

#669 Dessa & Opinions on Paul McCartney

#668 Disco & Seymour Stein

#667 Buried Treasures & Bat Fangs

#666 Mastodon's Brann Dailor & Songs About the Devil

#665 Billions Co-Creator & Screenwriter Brian Koppelman, Opinions on The Coup & Amanda Shires

#664 Remembering Aretha Franklin

#663 Roxy Music

#662 Sound Opinions at Sea & Phoebe Bridgers

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