Sound Opinions

In a time when most independent concert venues have a doubtful future, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot relive their favorite moments experienced at live concerts. They also review the new EP by rapper Ric Wilson and pay tribute to percussionist, Tony Allen. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.co...

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite tracks about historical figures, events and places. Plus, a conversation with Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino about sobriety and how it has affected her music. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy...

Jim and Greg take a virtual vacation via music! Tour guides including Kraftwerk, Spoon and A Tribe Called Quest will take you to Japan, India, Italy and more. Plus, they go on a real trip to Seattle to interview Mudhoney. And they remember Little Richard. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19...

This week, Jim and Greg talk about the history of women in hip-hop, and how amazing MCs have been chronically undervalued since the beginning of the art form. They also review new records from Jason Isbell and Chicano Batman. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Pr...

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review the new records from Fiona Apple, The Weeknd and more. They’ll hear how the Boston Red Sox's organist is keeping busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, we bid farewell to Bill Withers. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California P...

With nothing but time on our hands, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are back with a new batch of Buried Treasures. They're always on the lookout for great new music beyond the FM dial and this week they share their latest finds. Plus we'll hear a live performance and interview with singer and violinist Sudan Archives. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/list...

Back in the 1950s, artists like Little Richard and Liberace found unique ways to present their sexuality within the “acceptable” boundaries existing in society, and in many ways, pushed them. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have a discussion about sexuality in music. They also review new albums by pop artist Dua Lipa and indie acts Waxahatchee and Melkbelly. Support The Show: https://www.patreon....

This week Sound Opinons welcomes prolific singer, songwriter, and producer Raphael Saadiq. Perhaps most widely known as a member of the 1990s R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné!, he's also released five critically acclaimed solo albums, all the while producing notable work for others, including "Lady" by D'Angelo, and "Cranes In The Sky" by Solange. Plus, Jim and Greg bid farewell to legendary songwrit...

Spring is here, and it's time to get caught up with some of the new releases of the season. From comeback kids to buzzworthy new artists, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have you covered. Plus, we revisit the "best" supergroup of all time 50 years later, The Masked Marauders. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy...

In light of the global pandemic, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are encouraging listeners to practice social distancing. They'll be sharing a fresh batch of Desert Island Jukebox picks, music that seems particularly well suited to the moment we're in. Greg also bids farewell to the late singer and songwriter Paul K. of Paul K. & the Weathermen. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/sound...

Almost 50 years ago, singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell released what became her signature album, Blue. The record is full of complex lyrics, gorgeous guitar and deeply personal themes. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot do a classic album dissection of Blue, sharing the context of the record, exploring its lasting impact and looking in depth at its impressive track list. Support The Show: https://www....

After their third album went double-platnium, Atlanta hip-hop duo OutKast let their creativity run wild on 2000's Stankonia. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot do a classic album dissection of that landmark record. Plus, Caroline Polachek shares the song that got her into music as a career and Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See o...

Outside of their natural habitats, you'll find animals all over music. From hound dogs to blackbirds, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite songs about animals. They also review new records from Tame Impala and Grimes, and Greg bids farewell to David Roback of Mazzy Star and the Rain Parade. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener...

Let's "Rock Around the Clock" like Bill Haley told us to! 2020 is another leap year, Daylight Savings is around the corner and this week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore their favorite Songs About Time. They also answer more listener questions for another edition of Ask the Critics, ranging from their personal experiences making music to their biggest disagreements. Support The Show: https://ww...

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 takes a trip to the desert island jukebox to play a song he can't live without. Then, they hear from musician Briston Maroney about the song that got him Hooked On Sonics. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnys...

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot answer listener questions in a segment called Ask the Critics! They’ll give responses on subjects like musical taste, disagreements with each other and what it’s really like to be a professional critic. Plus, they’ll talk to music journalist Mark Binelli about the rise of deceased musician hologram tours. They also review the new album from English art r...

King Crimson is a legendary progressive rock band that has evolved through the decades in innovative, and sometimes surprising ways. This week, Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis explore the constant evolution of the classic band that refuses to rest on its laurels. Plus, Jim and Greg pay tribute to Gang of Four guitarist Andy Gill, dead at the age of 64. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopi...

Over the years, several notable musicians have tried their hand at acting in movies, whether it’s playing a character or playing themselves. While the results are mixed, there have been a handful of great, pitch perfect performances. With the Oscars looming, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite acting performances by musicians in film. They’ll also talk with Joel Anderson, host...

Motown Records helped create the soundtrack for a generation. And no group at that famous label was more iconic than The Supremes, both for their sound, and for their groundbreaking glamour. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to Mary Wilson of The Supremes about her days at Motown, and how the group became international ambassadors representing an entire community. Jim and Greg also...

Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys elevated pop music to new artistic heights with the band's 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds. With its ingenious orchestrations and earnest lyrics, the album remains an enormous influence to this day. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a Classic Album Dissection of Pet Sounds. They also review the new album from punk band Beach Slang and bid farewell to Neil Peart of...

A new year calls for new tunes. Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are back with a new batch of Buried Treasures. They're always on the lookout for great new music beyond the FM dial and this week they share their latest finds. These artists might not be household names, but they're definitely worth adding to your collection. They'll also talk to folk singer-songwriter Joan Shelley about recording her lat...

As of January 1, 2020, Illinois joins several states in legalizing recreational marijuana. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot acknowledge the numerous songs about weed and share some of their favorites. Plus, Jim and Greg are the rock doctors, finding walk up music for a martial artist. They also find out what unique song got singer-songwriter Angie McMahon hooked on sonics. Support The Show: https:...

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot close out 2019 and the 2010s by sharing some of their best albums of the decade. Then, Greg will share his annual mixtape and the hosts will discuss musicians the world lost this year, including rapper Juice WRLD and Flamin' Groovies lead singer Roy Loney. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...

It's a holiday tradition on Sound Opinions to welcome weird wax aficionado Andy Cirzan to share his annual mix of tinsel-time tunes with us. He shares his bizarre holiday music finds and the stories behind them with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/p...

As 2019 comes to a close, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reflect on the best albums of the year. They also hear from Sound Opinions producers and listeners about their favorites. Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-...