Sound Opinions-logo

Sound Opinions

Chicago Public Media

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.

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.

Location:

Chicago, IL

Description:

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.

Language:

English

Contact:

Sound Opinions c/o Chicago Public Radio Navy Pier 848 E. Grand Ave. Chicago, IL 60611-3509 888-859-1800

Listen on a live station
Episodes

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

10/23/2020
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.

Duration:00:52:49

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

10/16/2020
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 and more. Plus, Jim and Greg review new music from Shamir and Shemekia Copeland. Greg also bids farewell to Eddie Van Halen.

Duration:00:52:50

#776 Record Review Roundup & Wendy Carlos

10/9/2020
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.

Duration:00:52:38

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

10/2/2020
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 Uhelszki about the new documentary on Creem and what it was like to work alongside Jim's hero, Lester Bangs. Then, Jim and Greg have a conversation with British punk band IDLES.

Duration:00:52:40

#774 Hannibal Buress & How Record Stores Are Adapting

9/25/2020
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 coronavirus times. Plus they talk with music loving comedian Hannibal Buress about his drive in theater tour.

Duration:00:50:37

#773 Yes' Going For The One & Protomartyr Review

9/18/2020
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 record. Jim and Greg also review the latest from Detroit rock band Protomartyr.

Duration:00:50:47

#772 Buried Treasures & the Future of Music Venues

9/11/2020
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 venue owners, activists and politicians working to save American stages that have been shut down due to the global pandemic.

Duration:00:52:27

#771 Songs About New Beginnings

9/4/2020
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 also review new records from country singer-songwriter Margo Price and the late Chicago rapper Juice Wrld.

Duration:00:52:12

#770: Give The Drummer Some

8/28/2020
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 of drummers to rock music with drummer Joe Wong. Wong also hosts a podcast on drummers called The Trap Set.

Duration:00:57:26

#770 Give the Drummer Some

8/28/2020
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? Jim and Greg focus on the contributions of drummers to rock music.

Duration:00:56:27

#769: The Replacements & Mission of Burma

8/20/2020
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 with Mission of Burma.

Duration:00:55:43

#768 The Velvet Underground & Nico

8/13/2020
Jim and Greg explore the background and influence of the Velvet Underground’s debut with a classic album dissection.

Duration:00:55:44

#767 The New Analog & Opinions On Neil Young

8/6/2020
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.

Duration:00:58:34

#766 Chris Frantz and Talking Heads

7/30/2020
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 Tom Tom Club.

Duration:00:58:01

#765 Chicago Soul

7/23/2020
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.

Duration:00:58:42

#764 Songs About Help and the Rock Doctors

7/16/2020
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.

Duration:00:58:10

#763 Buried Treasures & Caroline Rose

7/9/2020
It's time for another edition of Buried Treasures, where Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis share some under-the-radar new music you need to hear. Plus, we hear from the singer-songwriter Caroline Rose about the song that got her interested in making music.

Duration:00:55:24

#762 Bill Withers' Live at Carnegie Hall & Opinions on Phoebe Bridgers

7/2/2020
Bill Withers is beloved for classics like Lean On Me, but Greg contends that Withers’ best album is Live at Carnegie Hall. Jim and Greg honor Withers’ life with a classic album dissection of that record and review the latest from Phoebe Bridgers.

Duration:00:56:48

#761 Instant Commentaries & Opinions on Bob Dylan

6/25/2020
Sometimes current events inspire urgent art. Jim and Greg share their favorite instant commentary tracks, songs that were published in a hurry in hopes of affecting change. Plus we review the latest from Bob Dylan.

Duration:00:56:29

#760 Best Albums of 2020...So Far

6/18/2020
While the year is only half over, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot couldn’t wait until December to share their favorite albums. This week, Jim and Greg share their picks for the Best Albums of 2020 so far.

Duration:00:56:34

See More