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Sound Opinions
Saturdays 7 PM, Mondays 12 AM

You can make discoveries, debate, learn about pop culture, engage, have fun and find new ways to further enrich your lives through music.

Whether you're an expert, or just a casual fan, Sound Opinions is your source for smart and engaging music criticism and conversation. Each week on the show, nationally respected rock critics Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis interview artists, talk about pop culture and music industry news, review new record releases and give trends a historical context. And, because on Sound Opinions, "everyone's a critic," listeners are invited to join in the debate.

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  • A Song From A Genius
    In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from an artist was grouped in with neo-soul, but never really fit into that scene comfortably.Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundopsJoin our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • Electronic Artist Jlin & Opinions on Beyoncé
    Host Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview producer and composer JLIN, a former steelworker from Gary, Indiana who features Björk, Phillip Glass and Kronos Quartet on her new album. The hosts also review "Cowboy Carter" by Beyoncé.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Jlin, "The Precision of Infinity (ft. Philip Glass)," Akoma, Planet Mu, 2024The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Beyoncé, "TEXAS HOLD 'EM," COWBOY CARTER, Parkwood, Columbia, 2024Beyoncé, "AMERIICAN REQUIEM ," COWBOY CARTER, Parkwood, Columbia, 2024Beyoncé, "JOLENE," COWBOY CARTER, Parkwood, Columbia, 2024Beyoncé, "BLACKBIIRD," COWBOY CARTER, Parkwood, Columbia, 2024Beyoncé, "YA YA," COWBOY CARTER, Parkwood, Columbia, 2024Beyoncé, "DAUGHTER," COWBOY CARTER, Parkwood, Columbia, 2024Beyoncé, "AMEN," COWBOY CARTER, Parkwood, Columbia, 2024JLIN, "Paradigm," Perspectives, Planet Mu, 2023RP Boo, "Baby Come On," Classics Vol. 1, Planet Mu, 2015JLIN, "Battle Trak," Footwork Frenzy EP, Planet Mu, 2013JLIN, "Erotic Heat," Bangs & Works Vol.2 (The Best Of Chicago Footwork), Planet Mu, 2011JLIN, "Nyakinyua Rise," Dark Lotus, Planet Mu, 2017JLIN, "Black Origami," Black Origami, Planet Mu, 2017JLIN, "Carbon 12," Autobiography (Music from Wayne McGregor's Autobiography), Planet Mu, 2018JLIN, "Borealis (ft. Bjork)," Akoma, Planet Mu, 2024JLIN, "Sodalite (ft. Kronos Quartet)," Akoma, Planet Mu, 2024JLIN, "Open Canvas," Akoma, Planet Mu, 2024Sade, "By Your Side," Lovers Rock, Epic, 2000Earth Wind and Fire, "Serpentine Fire," All 'n All, Columbia, 1977The Black Keys, "This Is Nowhere," Ohio Players, Easy Eye Sound, 2024See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • An Undersung Part of Stop Making Sense
    In this bonus episode, Jim adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox from a musician who joined Talking Heads for Stop Making Sense and made many great solo records himself.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundopsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • Led Zeppelin, Plus Opinions on SiR & Waxahatchee
    While there have been no shortage of Led Zeppelin biographies over the years, Bob Spitz’s book is the most in-depth and expansive yet. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Bob Spitz about the myths, music and misdeeds of Led Zeppelin. They also review new records from Waxahatchee and SiR.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Led Zeppelin, "Kashmir," Physical Graffiti, Atlantic, 1975The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967SiR, "Only Human," HEAVY, RCA, 2024SiR, "Ricky's Song," HEAVY, RCA, 2024SiR, "Six Whole Days," HEAVY, RCA, 2024SiR, "No Evil," HEAVY, RCA, 2024SiR & Anderson .Paak, "Poetry In Motion," HEAVY, RCA, 2024Waxahatchee, "Right Back to It (feat. MJ Lenderman)," Tigers Blood, Anti-, 2024Waxahatchee, "Burns out at Midnight," Tigers Blood, Anti-, 2024Waxahatchee, "365," Tigers Blood, Anti-, 2024Waxahatchee, "Bored," Tigers Blood, Anti-, 2024Led Zeppelin, "Immigrant Song," Led Zeppelin III, Atlantic, 1970Led Zeppelin, "Whole Lotta Love," Led Zeppelin II, Atlantic, 1969Led Zeppelin, "When the Levee Breaks," Led Zeppelin IV, Atlantic, 1971Led Zeppelin, "Black Dog," Led Zeppelin IV, Atlantic, 1971Led Zeppelin, "Dazed and Confused," Led Zeppelin, Atlantic, 1969Led Zeppelin, "D'yer Mak'er," Houses of the Holy, Atlantic, 1973Led Zeppelin, "Rock and Roll," Led Zeppelin IV, Atlantic, 1971Led Zeppelin, "Stairway to Heaven," Led Zeppelin IV, Atlantic, 1971Led Zeppelin, "The Ocean," Houses of the Holy, Atlantic, 1973Jlin and Philip Glass, "The Precision of Infinity," Akoma, Planet Mu, 2024See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • RIP Karl Wallinger and Eric Carmen
    In this bonus episode we pay tribute to the late leaders of World Party and The Raspberries.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundopsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • Buried Treasures & RIP Karl Wallinger and Eric Carmen
    This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some new music that’s flying underneath the mainstream radar - buried treasures! They’ll also pay tribute to Karl Wallinger and Eric Carmen.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Terra Black, "Black Flames of Funeral Fire," All Descend, Self-Released, 2023The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967BODEGA, "Tarkovski," Tarkovski (Single), Chrysalis, 2024New Age Healers, "The Spin Out," The Spin Out (Single), Self-Released, 2024Microwave, "Bored of Being Sad," Let's Start Degeneracy, Pure Noise, 2024Itasca, "Imitation of War," Imitation of War, Paradise of Bachelors, 2024Kneecap, "Sick In the Head," Sick In the Head (Single), Heavenly, [PIAS], 2024Mandy, "High School Boyfriend," High School Boyfriend (Single), Exploding in Sound, 2024Burnt Sugar The Arkestra Chamber, "* inna-Lisala-Over-Oakanda," Angels Over Oakanda, self-released, 2021Goat, "Raised by Hills," Medicine, Rocket, 2023Vincent Blackshadow, "I Think Not," I Think Not (Single), Former Priest Productions, 2024Destroy Boys, "Shadow (I'm Breaking Down)," Shadow (I'm Breaking Down) (Single), Hopeless, 2023Instant Crush, "A Cinematic Exit!," A Cinematic Exit! (Single), Share It Music, 2024The Anti-Queens, "Doomed Again," DISENCHANTED, Stomp!, 2024Creation Rebel, "Swiftly (The Right One)," Hostile Environment, On-U Sound, 2023World Party, "Put The Message In The Box," Goodbye Jumbo, Ensign, 1990World Party, "Ship of Fools," Private Revolution, Chrysalis, 1987The Raspberries, "Go All The Way," Raspberries, Capitol, 1972Eric Carmen, "Hungry Eyes," Dirty Dancing: Original Soundtrack from the Vestron Motion Picture, RCA, 1987Led Zeppelin, "Immigrant Song," Led Zeppelin III, Atlantic, 1970See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • The Family Man of Reggae Bass
    In this bonus episode, Greg adds a song to the Desert Island Jukebox in honor of Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry's bass player, Aston "Family Man" Barrett.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundopsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • Brian Eno's Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy)
    Over the long tenure of Sound Opinions, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot mentioned Brian Eno countless times. They think it's time to tackle a classic album dissection of his 1974 record Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy.) They discuss Eno’s career before and since the album, as well as hear a bit of Eno himself from their 2011 interview with him.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Brian Eno, "Burning Airlines Give You So Much More," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Roxy Music, "Re-Make/Re-Model," Roxy Music, Island, Reprise, 1972Brian Eno, "Needles in the Camel's Eye," Here Come the Warm Jets, Island, 1974Brian Eno, "Back In Judy's Jungle," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "Mother Whale Eyeless," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Soft Machine, "Priscilla," The Soft Machine, Probe, Command, ABC, 1968Brian Eno, "Put a Straw under Baby," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "China My China," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "The Great Pretender," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "Third Uncle," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "The True Wheel," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "The Fat Lady of Limbourg," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "Taking Tiger Mountain," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974Brian Eno, "Fullness of Wind," Discreet Music, Obscure, 1975Brian Eno and David Byrne, "Regiment," My Life in the Bush of Ghosts, Sire, E.G., 1981Roxy Music, "Editions of You," For Your Pleasure, Island, Warner Bros., 1973BODEGA, "Tarkovski," Tarkovski (Single), Chrysalis, 2024See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • A Found-Sound Masterpiece
    In this bonus episode, Jim adds a Brian Eno-affiliated song made of found sounds to the Desert Island Jukebox. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundopsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots & Opinions on Heems & Lapgan
    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 Das Racist rapper Heems.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:The Roots, "You Got Me (feat. Erykah Badu & Eve)," Things Fall Apart, MCA, 1999The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Heems & Lapgan, "I'm Pretty Cool," Lafandar, Veena, Mass Appeal India, 2024Das Racist, "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell," Shut Up, Dude, Greedhead, Mishka, 2010Heems & Lapgan, "Accent," Lafandar, Veena, Mass Appeal India, 2024Heems & Lapgan, "Porches," Lafandar, Veena, Mass Appeal India, 2024Heems & Lapgan, "Obi Toppin (Darling)," Lafandar, Veena, Mass Appeal India, 2024Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, "The Message," The Message, Sugar Hill, 1982Run-DMC, "My Adidas," Raising Hell, Profile, 1986El Michels Affair & Black Thought, "Protocol (feat. Son Little)," Glorious Game, Big Crown, 2023The Roots, "The Roots is Comin'," Organix!, Self-Released, 1993George Benson, "Give Me The Night," Give Me The Night, Qwest, 1980The Jacksons, "We Can Change The World," Victory, Epic, 1984Gene Chandler, "Duke of Earl," Duke of Earl (Single), Vee-Jay, 1961Brian Eno, "Taking Tiger Mountain," Taking Tiger Mountain (By Strategy), Island, 1974See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • The Song That Helped Introduce Japan To Rock & Roll
    In this bonus episode, Greg adds two versions of a surprising song to the Desert Island Jukebox. It was the first rock & roll song to chart in Japan and a later version involved members of The Clash.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundopsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
  • Karaoke Songs, Opinions on Grandaddy & RIP Dexter Romweber
    This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take the show out of the recording studio and into the karaoke bar as they share some of their favorite karaoke tracks. They’ll also hear selections from production staff and listeners. Plus, the hosts review new music from Grandaddy and bid farewell to the late rockabilly musician Dexter Romweber.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnGMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Carly Rae Jepsen, "Call Me Maybe," Kiss, 604, 2012The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Grandaddy, "Blu Wav," Blu Wav, Dangerbird, 2024Grandaddy, "You're Going to Be Fine and I'm Going to Hell," Blu Wav, Dangerbird, 2024Grandaddy, "Jukebox App," Blu Wav, Dangerbird, 2024Grandaddy, "Ducky, Boris and Dart," Blu Wav, Dangerbird, 2024Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, "Jackson," Carryin' On with Johnny Cash & June Carter, Columbia, 1967*NSYNC, "It Makes Me Ill," No Strings Attached, Jive, 2000Shania Twain, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!," Come On Over, Mercury, 1997Donny Osmond & Chorus, "I'll Make a Man Out of You," Mulan: An Original Walt Disney Records Soundtrack, Walt Disney, 1998Art Brut, "Formed a Band," Bang Bang Rock & Roll, Fierce Panda, 2005Joey Scarbury, "Theme from The Greatest American Hero (Believe It or Not)," America's Greatest Hero, Elektra, 1981The 5th Dimension, "Wedding Bell Blues," The Age of Aquarius, Soul City, 1969Kenny Rogers, "Islands In the Stream (duet with Dolly Parton)," Eyes That See in the Dark, RCA Victor, 1983The Rocky Horror Picture Show Original Cast , "Rose Tint My World (feat. Richard O'Brien)," The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Ode, 1975Regulo Caro, "En Estos Días," En Estos Días, Del, 2018Beyoncé, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)," I Am...Sasha Fierce, Columbia, 2008Radiohead, "Creep," Pablo Honey, Parlophone, 1992Backstreet Boys, "I Want it That Way," Millennium, Jive, 1999Prince, "When Doves Cry," Purple Rain, Warner Bros., 1984Flat Duo Jets, "Frog Went a Courtin'," Go Go Harlem Baby, Sky, 1991Flat Duo Jets, "Riot In Cell Block Number Nine," In Stereo, Dolphin, 1985The Roots, "You Got Me (feat. Erykah Badu & Eve)," Things Fall Apart, MCA, 1999See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.