Sound Opinions

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot join with the Chicago music community to pay tribute to John Prine on what would have been his 80th birthday. They revisit an interview with the songwriter from 2018 and dissect his debut album with author Erin Osmon.  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/4...

In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to Cheetah Chrome, guitarist for Rocket from the Tombs and the Dead Boys, who recently died at age 71. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  &nbs...

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome their old colleague and former Sound Opinions host Bill Wyman back to discuss his new book, Bill Wyman’s Rock & Roll Lists, in which he ranks every song by some of rock’s biggest artists. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation v...

In this bonus episode, Greg spotlights a song he recently heard as Muzak and makes the case for the original and its grocery store counterpart. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  &nb...

In 2026, Phoebe Bridgers is one of the biggest artists in the world. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their 2018 interview and live performance with Phoebe, which includes never-before-aired content. They discuss her debut album, songwriting prowess and impact on music. They’ll also review the debut album from Westside Cowboy. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Beco...

In this bonus episode, Jim remembers Vic Chesnutt’s music and an encounter he’s been thinking about ever since. Content advisory: This episode includes discussion of self-harm. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo:...

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview legendary soul songwriter David Porter, about his memoir, Soul Man. He recounts his pivotal role in turning Stax Records in Memphis into one of the greatest record labels in American history. The hosts also review the new album from Alabama Shakes.  Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sig...

In this bonus episode, Greg touts the merits of a British, late '80s hit he was reminded of when he heard the muzak version of it in the grocery store. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah &...

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share a fresh batch of songs that deserve more attention- what they call "buried treasures." They also pay tribute to Dolly Parton. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit...

In this bonus episode, Jim spotlights what he claims is the second-best track ever to feature handclaps. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Priv...

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with musician and author Melissa Auf der Maur. In 1994, Melissa was suddenly thrust into the spotlight when she joined Hole as a bassist for the “Live Through This” world tour. They talk about Melissa’s memoir, Even the Good Girls Will Cry, and about Courtney Love, Billy Corgan and the power of music. Jim and Greg also review the new album from Stev...

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to producer William Orbit and his work on Ray of Light, which Greg considers Madonna’s greatest album. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865 Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit....

After Australian singer-songwriter Courtney Barnett released her 2015 album Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit, she quickly became a top tier indie rock act. All of her skills were on display when Courtney Barnett joined hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for an interview and intimate solo performance in front of an audience. Plus, the hosts review the new album from Phoebe Bridgers...

In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to L7 bassist Jennifer Finch, a key figure in the ’90s alternative-rock scene, who died July 18, 2026, at age 59. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865 Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Des...

Hazy guitars, buried vocals and walls of distortion– the shoegaze sound may have peaked in the '90s, but it never really went away. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot highlight some of the genre's pioneers along with more recent favorites. The hosts also hear picks from the production staff. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc...

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Jeff “Monoman” Conolly, the garage-rock pioneer and leader of Lyres, who died July 31, 2026, at the age of 69. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865 Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: De...

To celebrate Buddy Guy's recent 90th birthday, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot re-air their 2007 with the blues legend. They'll also give an update on what he's been up to and share some of their favorite Buddy Guy tracks. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal...

In this bonus episode, Jim shares a song that ties back to his childhood fascination with the Alamo. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865 Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile: sayhi.chat/s...

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Erin Osmon about her new book on "heartland rock." She argues that artists like John Mellencamp and Tom Petty filled stadiums in the 1980s, but also pushed back against the politics of the Reagan era. The hosts also pay tribute to Irish troubadour Glen Hansard. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: h...

In this bonus episode, Greg tells the story of a classic song that took the perfect voice to become a hit. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865 Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah   Mobile: sayhi....

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig into a record review roundup full of summertime releases. The hosts discuss new albums from Olivia Rodrigo, Jack White, Margo Price, Robyn Hitchcock, and Swamp Dogg. 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/4frcVZo Make a donation via PayPal: https://...

In 2008 Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová performed their soon-to-be Oscar winning song "Falling Slowly" on Sound Opinions. As an act of mourning Glen Hansard's tragic death on July 29, we're sharing that interview and performance with The Swell Season here. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to country-rock hero Steve Almaas, whom he first encountered during his Hoboken, New Jersey days. Almaas, a member of the Suicide Commandos and Beat Rodeo, died on June 5, 2026, at the age of 69. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/21...

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Yi-Ling Liu about Chinese hip hop and how the music breaks through the infamous "fire wall" to connect to listeners. They’ll highlight some key artists and tracks, as well as put the music into the larger context. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter...

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to jazz guitar innovator and Ornette Coleman disciple James Blood Ulmer, who died on June 3, 2026, at the age of 86. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865 Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo:...