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

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#797 The Story of Fortune R...

03.05.2021

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history of the independent label Fortune Records. They discuss the unpredictable music, unique cast of characters and why it had famous admirers ranging from Smokey Robinson to Lou Reed. Plus, ...

Sound Opinions episodes:

03.05.2021 #797 The Story of Fortune Records, Opinions on The Hold Steady, Julien Baker & King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history of the independent label Fortune Records. They discuss the unpredictable music, unique cast of characters and why it had famous admirers ranging from Smokey Robinson to Lou Reed. Plus, ...
03.03.2021 Bonus podcast 15: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick Greg pays tribute to a dynamic duo of retired robots and one of their notable collaborators.
02.26.2021 #796 Best Band Lineup Changes, Opinions on Arlo Parks & slowthai Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk about their favorite bands that have improved significantly after lineup changes. They also review new albums by British rapper Slowthai and British singer songwriter Arlo Parks. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make ...
02.24.2021 Bonus podcast 14: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick Jim pays tribute to Tom Stevens of The Long Ryders. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/36zIhZK Record a Voice Memo: https://www.micdropp.com/studio/5febf006eba45/
02.19.2021 #795 Todd Rundgren on His Virtual Tour, Meat Loaf, Plus Opinions on The Weather Station Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Todd Rundgren about his own music, his virtual tour and his career as a producer, this week. They also review the new album from The Weather Station. Become a member on Patreon: ...
02.17.2021 Bonus podcast 13: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick Jim adds a song to the Jukebox he was reminded of by the film, "Promising Young Woman." Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/36zIhZK Record a Voice Memo: https://www.micdropp.com/studio/5febf006eba45/
02.12.2021 #794 Buried Treasures & Peter Stampfel It's time again for hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to share their latest buried treasures: recently released, under-the-radar albums you need to hear! Plus, Jim and Greg celebrate the work of Peter Stampfel as he releases his most ambitious ...
02.10.2021 Bonus podcast 12: RIP Mary Wilson of the Supremes Mary Wilson of the Supremes was our guest in January 2020 on WBEZ. We revisit that conversation in memory of Mary, dead at 76. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/36zIhZK Record a Voice Memo: ...
02.05.2021 #793 John Carpenter, Favorite Film Scores & Opinions on Goat Girl & Madlib John Carpenter directed and composed the music for some of the most iconic horror films of all time, from Halloween to They Live. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with him about his career and new album Lost Themes ...
02.03.2021 Bonus podcast 11: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick Greg plays his favorite song by a son of a famous father. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/36zIhZK Record a Voice Memo: https://www.micdropp.com/studio/5febf006eba45/
01.29.2021 #792 The Zappa Show, Feat. Director Alex Winter; Opinions on Viagra Boys Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the life and career of Frank Zappa with actor and documentarian Alex Winter, director of ZAPPA. They also review the new album by Viagra Boys. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a ...
01.27.2021 Bonus podcast 10: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick Jim adds an obscure synth track to the desert island jukebox.
01.22.2021 #791 The Evolution of Taylor Swift; Phil Spector, Jazmine Sullivan & Sylvain Sylvain Two of the best selling albums of 2020 were from Taylor Swift. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with music critic Kristin Stahlke about Swift's remarkable year and what led to it. They also review a new album from ...
01.20.2021 Bonus podcast 9: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick Jim adds a song to the desert island jukebox after watching Ma Rainey's Black Bottom on Netflix.
01.15.2021 #790 Songs About Mistakes, Opinions on Paul McCartney & Steve Earle Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite songs about mistakes. They also review new albums from Paul McCartney and Steve Earle. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/36zIhZK Record a Voice Memo: https://www.micdropp.com/studio/5febf006eba45/
01.13.2021 Bonus podcast 8: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick Greg is thinking about the late MF DOOM and here shares his first appearance on record.
01.08.2021 #789 Cameron Crowe on Almost Famous, Opinions on Miley Cyrus & MF Doom This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot celebrate the 20th anniversary of the beloved music movie Almost Famous. They revisit Jim’s interview from back in the day with writer and director Cameron Crowe. They’ll also review the new release ...
01.06.2021 Bonus podcast 7: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to ambient musician Harold Budd.
01.01.2021 #788 Buried Treasures, Greg's Mixtape & Artists We Lost in 2020 Host Greg Kot shares the latest installment of his series of annual mixtapes and host Jim DeRogatis shares a new batch of buried treasure songs. We also remember musicians we lost in 2020. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make ...
12.25.2020 #787 The Year in the Music Industry This has been one of the most challenging years ever for the music industry. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with people working in digital music, live music and record stores to save the music industry and lead it ...
12.18.2020 #786 Sound Opinions Holiday Spectacular 2020 Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome our crate-digging Kris Kringle, Andy Cirzan to share great holiday songs that aren't played-out. This year the mix is blues-themed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make ...
12.16.2020 Bonus podcast 6: Best Albums of 2020 Continued! For the first time in Sound Opinions history, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot round out their top 10 lists of the Best Albums of 2020 in this bonus, podcast-only exclusive. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation ...
12.11.2020 #785 Best Albums of 2020 It’s the show we look forward to all year long. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot count down their favorite albums released in 2020. Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/36zIhZK
12.09.2020 Bonus podcast 5: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick In this bonus episode, Greg provides a roadmap for music listeners interested in getting into jazz.
12.04.2020 #784 Radiohead's Kid A & the Story of Sex Pistols' Manager Malcolm McLaren Following up the guitar masterpiece of OK Computer, Radiohead threw the music world for a loop with Kid A. Twenty years after it's release hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Steven Hyden about how the album was ...
12.02.2020 Bonus podcast 4: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick It's Jim's turn this week to add a song to the Desert Island Jukebox. If you have The Kinks original "Sunny Afternoon" single, the original release of this song is the B-side.
11.27.2020 #783 Review Roundup & Pylon It's time for another review roundup. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot give their opinions on new records by AC/DC, Beabadoobee and more. Plus, a conversation with members of the Georgia post-punk band Pylon.
11.25.2020 Bonus podcast 3: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick Jim and Greg have so many Desert Island Jukebox picks that we're sharing them as midweek podcast episodes.
11.20.2020 #782 Bob Mould & The Story of Hawkwind Since his days fronting Hüsker Dü, Bob Mould has been one of hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot's favorite politically-minded artists. His latest album may be his most directly political and he returns to the show to discuss it. Then ...
11.18.2020 Bonus podcast 2: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick Jim and Greg have so many Desert Island Jukebox picks that we're going to start sharing them as midweek podcast episodes.
11.13.2020 #781 Tribute Albums A tribute album is a way for musicians to pay homage to an artist they love. While not all of them are good, the great ones let the music shine through. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk ...
11.11.2020 Bonus podcast: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick Jim and Greg have so many Desert Island Jukebox picks that we're going to start sharing them as midweek podcast episodes.
11.06.2020 #780 Buried Treasures & Singer-Songwriter Nana Adjoa It's that time yet again for hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to share some new music they're digging that's underneath the mainstream radar. Plus, a conversation with Dutch-Ghanaian singer-songwriter Nana Adjoa.
10.30.2020 #779 Jimmy Carter, Rock & Roll President & Hanif Abdurraquib On the eve of a presidential election, hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis talk with the director of the new documentary, Jimmy Carter: Rock and Roll President about how Carter changed the way politicians interact with musicians. Plus, poet and ...
10.23.2020 #778 Songs About Witches & D'Angelo's Voodoo In honor of Halloween, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite songs about the powerful, independent women sometimes known as witches. Then they do a classic album dissection of D'Angelo's Voodoo with author Faith Pennick.
10.16.2020 #777 The Go-Go's Kathy Valentine, R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen and Opinions on Shamir & Shemekia Copeland This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with bassist Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s about her book All I Ever Wanted: A Rock 'n’ Roll Memoir. They discuss her independent childhood, finding her musical family with the Go-Go’s ...
10.09.2020 #776 Record Review Roundup & Wendy Carlos It's fall and the records are dropping like leaves. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review new albums from Disclosure, Lydia Loveless, Flaming Lips and Ganser. Plus, the story of electronic music pioneer, Wendy Carlos.
10.02.2020 #775 The Story of Creem Magazine & British Rock Band IDLES For 20 years, Creem Magazine boasted a roster of creative misfits who wrote some of the most exciting, funny and thoughtful music journalism of all time. Hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis talk to friend and former Creem journalist Jaan ...
09.25.2020 #774 Hannibal Buress & How Record Stores Are Adapting In the music world, record stores are important economically, but also as community hubs. We talk with the directors of the documentary "Other Music" as well as record store owners in North Carolina and Ohio about how they're adapting to ...
09.18.2020 #773 Yes' Going For The One & Protomartyr Review This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dissect Yes's 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 ...
09.11.2020 #772 Buried Treasures & the Future of Music Venues Nothing in the world can stop great music from being created. Even now there are songs coasting under the radar, not being enjoyed by enough people. We have a new batch of buried treasures to share. Plus, we talk with ...
09.04.2020 #771 Songs About New Beginnings Oftentimes the best way to celebrate a new venture is with great music, and we could all use a fresh start right about now. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite songs about new beginnings. They ...
08.28.2020 #770: Give The Drummer Some What role do drums play in Rock? Should they be keeping the beat or leading from the front? Who are some of the greatest drummers in rock music? The beat goes on as Jim and Greg focus on the contributions ...
08.28.2020 #770 Give the Drummer Some 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 ...
08.21.2020 #769: The Replacements & Mission of Burma The Replacements never had a hit song, but few bands have inspired such a deep connection with their fans. Bob Mehr, author of the biography Trouble Boys, talks with Jim and Greg about the band. Plus we revisit our interview ...
08.14.2020 #768 The Velvet Underground & Nico Jim and Greg explore the background and influence of the Velvet Underground’s debut with a classic album dissection.
08.07.2020 #767 The New Analog & Opinions On Neil Young Jim and Greg talk with Galaxie 500’s Damon Krukowski about the value of analog listening in an increasingly digital world. They’ll also review new albums from Neil Young and the mysterious Sault.
07.31.2020 #766 Chris Frantz and Talking Heads Jim and Greg chat with Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz about his new book, Remain In Love. The book tracks the bands commercial success and internal strife. Plus, they dig into some of their favorite tracks by the 'Heads’ and ...
07.24.2020 #765 Chicago Soul From Curtis Mayfield to Minnie Riperton, Jim and Greg explore the Chicago Soul scene. They’ll examine how the music tells the story of political and cultural change in Chicago. Plus, they look at the movement’s lasting impact.
07.17.2020 #764 Songs About Help and the Rock Doctors In these confusing and anxious times, we could all use the occasional helping hand. This week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite songs about helping. Then they help a listener find new music to soothe her grandmother.

Older episodes

Sound Opinions

What's Sound Opinions about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Sound Opinions episodes:

#797 The Story of Fortune Records, Opinions on The Hold Steady, Julien Baker & King Gizzard & the Wizard Lizard

Bonus podcast 15: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#796 Best Band Lineup Changes, Opinions on Arlo Parks & slowthai

Bonus podcast 14: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#795 Todd Rundgren on His Virtual Tour, Meat Loaf, Plus Opinions on The Weather Station

Bonus podcast 13: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#794 Buried Treasures & Peter Stampfel

Bonus podcast 12: RIP Mary Wilson of the Supremes

#793 John Carpenter, Favorite Film Scores & Opinions on Goat Girl & Madlib

Bonus podcast 11: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#792 The Zappa Show, Feat. Director Alex Winter; Opinions on Viagra Boys

Bonus podcast 10: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#791 The Evolution of Taylor Swift; Phil Spector, Jazmine Sullivan & Sylvain Sylvain

Bonus podcast 9: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#790 Songs About Mistakes, Opinions on Paul McCartney & Steve Earle

Bonus podcast 8: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#789 Cameron Crowe on Almost Famous, Opinions on Miley Cyrus & MF Doom

Bonus podcast 7: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#788 Buried Treasures, Greg's Mixtape & Artists We Lost in 2020

#787 The Year in the Music Industry

#786 Sound Opinions Holiday Spectacular 2020

Bonus podcast 6: Best Albums of 2020 Continued!

#785 Best Albums of 2020

Bonus podcast 5: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#784 Radiohead's Kid A & the Story of Sex Pistols' Manager Malcolm McLaren

Bonus podcast 4: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#783 Review Roundup & Pylon

Bonus podcast 3: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#782 Bob Mould & The Story of Hawkwind

Bonus podcast 2: Jim's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#781 Tribute Albums

Bonus podcast: Greg's Desert Island Jukebox pick

#780 Buried Treasures & Singer-Songwriter Nana Adjoa

#779 Jimmy Carter, Rock & Roll President & Hanif Abdurraquib

#778 Songs About Witches & D'Angelo's Voodoo

#777 The Go-Go's Kathy Valentine, R.I.P. Eddie Van Halen and Opinions on Shamir & Shemekia Copeland

#776 Record Review Roundup & Wendy Carlos

#775 The Story of Creem Magazine & British Rock Band IDLES

#774 Hannibal Buress & How Record Stores Are Adapting

#773 Yes' Going For The One & Protomartyr Review

#772 Buried Treasures & the Future of Music Venues

#771 Songs About New Beginnings

#770: Give The Drummer Some

#770 Give the Drummer Some

#769: The Replacements & Mission of Burma

#768 The Velvet Underground & Nico

#767 The New Analog & Opinions On Neil Young

#766 Chris Frantz and Talking Heads

#765 Chicago Soul

#764 Songs About Help and the Rock Doctors

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