PODCAST · music
Sound Opinions
by Sound Opinions
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.
Episodes
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Fall Review Roundup: Opinions on Neil Young, This is Lorelei, Michael Kiwanuka & More
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review some new albums from Michael Kiwanuka, Neil Young, Chaka Khan, The Tubs and This is Lorelei. They also bid farewell to Cheetah Chrome, guitarist for the Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs, and hear from some listeners. Join our Facebook Group:...
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Musical Comedy with Kyle Gordon
In this bonus episode, Andrew Gill sits down with musical comedian Kyle Gordon, whose songs lovingly parody entire musical genres–from Eurodance to country, pop-punk and beyond. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our...
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John Prine Revisited at 80
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…
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RIP Cheetah Chrome
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…
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Ranking Rock Bands' Best and Worst Songs with Bill Wyman
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...
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A Song So Great Even Muzak Couldn’t Ruin It
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…
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Phoebe Bridgers Plus Opinions on Westside Cowboy
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...
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A Tribute and an Apology to Vic Chesnutt
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...
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"Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'" Songwriter David Porter, Plus Opinions on Alabama Shakes
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...
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Grocery Store Muzak Reminds Greg of a Great 1989 R&B Hit
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:...
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Buried Treasures, RIP Dolly Parton
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:...
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A Playful Post-Punk Romp
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:...
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Melissa Auf der Maur (Hole, The Smashing Pumpkins) & Opinions on Steve Lacy
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…
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RIP William Orbit, the Producer Behind Ray of Light
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:...
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Courtney Barnett, Opinions on Phoebe Bridgers & Twisted Teens
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…
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RIP Jennifer Finch of L7
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:...
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Shoegaze Genre Dissection
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...
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RIP The Lyres' Jeff Conolly
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:...
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Buddy Guy's 90th Birthday Celebration
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…
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Another History Lesson from Professor DeRogatis
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…
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Heartland Rock with Erin Osmon, RIP Glen Hansard
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...
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From Demo to Classic
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...
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Summer Review Roundup: Jack White, Olivia Rodrigo, Margo Price, Robyn Hitchcock & Swamp Dogg
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:...
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RIP Glen Hansard
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...
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RIP Steve Almaas of Beat Rodeo
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…
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Chinese Hip Hop
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…
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RIP James Blood Ulmer
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:...
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The Feelies' "The Good Earth"
The Feelies were never a household name, but their jangly guitars and propulsive rhythms helped shape generations of indie rock. In the second installment of a two-part Classic Album Dissection, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take a deep dive into the band’s second album, The Good Earth. Join…
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Lucy Dacus Goes Symphonic
Lucy Dacus joins co-senior producer Alex Claiborne to discuss her July 19 special performance with the Chicago Philharmonic at Millennium Park. They talk about reimagining songs from "Forever Is a Feeling" with orchestral arrangements, her deep ties to the Chicago area, pushing herself…
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The Feelies' "Crazy Rhythms"
The Feelies were never a household name, but their jangly guitars and propulsive rhythms helped shape generations of indie rock. In this first installment of a two-part Classic Album Dissection, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take a deep dive into the band’s influential debut album, Crazy...
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Jim's Got the Hots
In this bonus episode, Jim pays tribute to one of his favorite drummers while shining a light on a lesser-known father-daughter musical duo. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:...
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Drive-By Truckers' "Southern Rock Opera" 25th Anniversary
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their classic album dissection of Drive-By Truckers’ “Southern Rock Opera” for its 25th anniversary. They talk with co-lead vocalist and guitarist Patterson Hood about the album’s creation and distribution, as well as how the themes resonate in today’s...
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A Listener's Chip Taylor Deep Cut
In this bonus episode, Jim follows up his Chip Taylor tribute by responding to a listener who pointed out one of the country legend's incredible collaborations. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:...
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Summertime Buried Treasures
Every few weeks, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are bursting at the seams with new underground music to recommend—it's time for another round of Buried Treasures. The hosts share a handful of tracks, and the production team chimes in as well. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T…
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RIP Sonny Rollins
In this bonus DIJ, Greg pays tribute to jazz giant Sonny Rollins. Rollins died on May 25, 2026, at the age of 95. 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…
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The "Best" Albums of 2026...So Far
2026 is almost halfway over, and there have already been so many incredible new releases. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their personal best albums of 2026 so far. Plus, they'll hear picks from the production staff. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on…
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A Chicago Blues Throwback
In this bonus episode, Jim spotlights a beloved blues and soul singer whose name has been in the Sound Opinions conversation since the show's earliest days—going all the way back to episode five. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc…
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LGBTQ Music 1969-2000 with Barry Walters
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with music journalist and author Barry Walters about his new book Mighty Real: A History of LGBTQ Music 1969-2000. They discuss how gay artists, industry execs and audiences changed mainstream music. They also chat about artists like R.E.M., Pet Shop Boys,...
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RIP Record Producer Jack Douglas
In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to American record producer Jack Douglas. Douglas earned the admiration of countless artists, perhaps none more than Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, who called him his favorite producer of all time. Jack Douglas died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 77. Join…
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Sound Opinions LIVE (Courtney Barnett, Mudhoney and More) Plus Opinions on JPEGMAFIA
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are digging into the Sound Opinions archives to share some rare tracks recorded in live sessions for past episodes. They'll share songs by Sleater Kinney, Courtney Barnett, Drive-By Truckers and more. The hosts will also review the new album from...
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A Cult Artist with Seductive Charm
In this bonus trip to the Desert Island Jukebox, Jim highlights a singer who spent years in the orbit of some of post-punk's most celebrated and notorious figures before stepping into the spotlight herself. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon:...
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Gary Stewart: The Five Essential Songs, Plus Opinions on Jill Scott, Mandy, Indiana and Aldous Harding
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by returning guest and favorite music writer Jimmy McDonough. Jimmy recently released a biography 40 years in the making, Gary Stewart: I Am From the Honky-Tonks, and joins the show to help Jim and Greg run down five essential tracks from the...
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Disengaging With Milwaukee’s Psychedelic Underground
In this bonus Desert Island Jukebox episode, Greg shares a cult favorite from Milwaukee's psychedelic scene. 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 PayPal:...
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Willie Nelson: The Five Essential Albums & Opinions on Kacey Musgraves
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig into Willie Nelson’s vast catalog of 150+ albums. Along with author Geoffrey Himes, they highlight the “five essential” albums people should hear. They also review the latest album from Kacey Musgraves. Join our Facebook Group…
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RIP Chip Taylor
In this bonus Desert Island Jukebox, Jim pays tribute to legendary American songwriter Chip Taylor, whose pop and country songs were recorded by countless artists— including one of Jim’s favorites, The Troggs. Taylor died on March 23, 2026, at the age of 86. Join our Facebook Group:...
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The Violent Femmes' Debut Album
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by author Nic Brown for a classic album dissection of the debut from The Violent Femmes. They delve into the unexpected staying power of songs like "Add It Up" and "Blister In The Sun" and Brown shares new insights into the album from his...
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A Song for Pirate Radio
This week on the Desert Island Jukebox, Greg cues up a song inspired by outlaw airwaves. It’s a reminder of a time when discovering music still felt like stumbling onto a secret signal. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for...
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Breaking the Sophomore Slump
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite artists who beat the dreaded sophomore, delivering follow-ups that proved their debuts were no fluke. The hosts will also hear picks from the production staff. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member…
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The Least Bad Version of (Maybe) a Horrible Song
In this bonus episode, Jim digs up a song that owes more to AM radio nostalgia than to being, well…good. 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 PayPal:...
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Lou Reed
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with biographer Will Hermes about his book on Lou Reed, as well as Lou’s music, persona, legacy and more. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter:...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Sound Opinions
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Sound Opinions have?
Sound Opinions currently has 1000 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 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.
How often does Sound Opinions release new episodes?
Sound Opinions releases new episodes frequently with a large back catalog of 1000 episodes. Check the episode list for recent publication dates.
Where can I listen to Sound Opinions?
You can listen to Sound Opinions on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sound Opinions?
Sound Opinions is created and hosted by Sound Opinions.
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