Sound Opinions

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

July 23, 2025 7 mins

In this bonus episode, Greg salutes the father of zydeco, an artist whose influence reaches far beyond the bayou.

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Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share new music they're digging that flies under the mainstream radar, buried treasures! They also hear buried treasure picks from the production staff.

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In this bonus episode, Jim adds an obscure avant-garde composition to the Desert Island Jukebox that features a brass band, a children’s choir and helium.

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This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots about his memoir. The hosts also review the new album from Turnstile.

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July 9, 2025 6 mins

In this bonus episode, Greg shares a pair of songs by guitarist Mick Ralphs who helped define two legendary bands, Bad Company and Mott the Hoople. Ralphs died on June 23, 2025, at age 81, and his playing remains the standard in serving the song—whether through raw power or subtle restraint.

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Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Local H founder Scott Lucas about the band and their new documentary, Lifers. Plus, the hosts review new albums from Stereolab and Mclusky.

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July 2, 2025 5 mins

In this bonus episode, Jim shares a song that confronts a historic tragedy and pays tribute, by name, to the 29 men who died.

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June 27, 2025 50 mins

The year is almost halfway over, and there have already been so many incredible new releases. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their best albums of 2025 so far. Plus, they'll hear picks from the production staff.

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June 25, 2025 12 mins

In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the third annual Sound Opinions Songwriting Prize. These Columbia College Chicago students receive scholarship funds thanks to the Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation.

Sarai Cheek - Static Line

Maddy Mastrine - Give Me the Flask

Alicia Maka - This Too Shall Pass

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Mark as Played
June 20, 2025 50 mins

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late musical genius Brian Wilson, who died at age 82. They’ll discuss Wilson’s transcendent music, including doing a deep dive on his masterpiece, Pet Sounds.

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Mark as Played
June 18, 2025 14 mins

In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the second annual Sound Opinions Photo Prize. These Columbia College Chicago students receive scholarship funds thanks to the Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation.

Nyla Lawson's Portfolio

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June 13, 2025 50 mins

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late Sly Stone. They review Sly Stone's documentary and memoir, revisit an interview with Family Stone members Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson and share some of their favorite tracks from Sly.

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In this bonus podcast, Jim and Greg speak with the winners of the fourth annual Sound Opinions Writing Prize. These Columbia College Chicago students receive scholarship funds thanks to the Walter and Karla Goldschmidt Foundation.

Amy Fisher

Rosalie Gengras

Zink

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June 6, 2025 50 mins

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with writer Kyle Ryan about his Substack, Band Name Bureau. They explore the overlap between good music and poorly named bands. A selection of examples are discussed and played.

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June 4, 2025 6 mins

In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox—one that came back to him after watching the Brazilian film "I'm Still Here".

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Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to the late singer-songwriter Jill Sobule. They revisit their 2009 conversation with Jill where they discuss her music and being a pioneer for crowdfunding art. They also review the new music from Shamir, Pelican and tUnE-yArDs.

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May 28, 2025 7 mins

Following our tributes to David Thomas and Peter Laughner of Pere Ubu, Jims rounds out the trilogy with a song by another of the band's members.

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Mark as Played
May 27, 2025 52 mins

Each week, music writer John Spong talks to one notable Willie Nelson fan about one Willie song that they love, leading to highly personal looks at the life, art, and legend of a genuine American folk hero. Listen here.

New Yorker music critic Amanda Petrusich looks at the other big hit off Willie and Merle Haggard’s classic 1983 Pancho & Lefty album, “Reasons to Quit.” It’s a classic Haggard drinkin...

Mark as Played

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot speak with Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson, founders of the '90s indie rock band Tsunami and key figures of the D.C. punk scene. The hosts also review the new collaborative album from Julien Baker & Torres.

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May 21, 2025 9 mins

In this bonus episode, Greg shares a track by an artist who was long overdue for their recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

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Mark as Played

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