Sound Opinions

4.3 (2K)
Music
Updated Weekly

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.

1d ago · Bonus

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 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 PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7 min
6d ago

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 JPEGMAFIA. 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: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: Courtney Barnett, "Scott Says (Live on Sound Opinions)," Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, Mom + Pop Music, 2015 JPEGMAFIA, "babygirl," Experimental Rap, AWAL, 2026 JPEGMAFIA, "The Ghost of Emmett Till," Experimental Rap, AWAL, 2026 Mudhoney, "1995 (Live on Sound Opinions)," My Brother the Cow, Reprise, 1995 Hüsker Dü, "Diane," Metal Circus, SST, 1983 Zola Jesus, "Hunger (Live on Sound Opinions)," Taiga, Mute, 2014 Sleater-Kinney, "Get Up (Live on Sound Opinions)," The Hot Rock, Kill Rock Stars, 1999 Torres, "Ferris Wheel (Live on Sound Opinions)," Sprinter, Partisan, 2015 Hüsker Dü, "Pink Turns to Blue," Zen Arcade, SST, 1984 Drive-By Truckers, "What It Means (Live on Sound Opinions)," American Band, ATO, 2016 Against Me!, "True Trans Soul Rebel (Live on Sound Opinions)," Transgender Dysphoria Blues, Total Treble, 2014 Diana Ross, "I'm Coming Out," Diana, Motown, 1980 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50 min
Jun 3 · Bonus

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: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865 Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 min
May 29

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 cult country artist. The hosts also review new albums from Jill Scott, Mandy, Indiana, and Aldous Harding. 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/3RuYwkS Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: Gary Stewart, "Honky Tonk Man," Honky Tonk Man (Single), RCA, 1981 The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967 Jill Scott, "Offadaback," To Whom This May Concern, Blues Babe, 2026 Jill Scott, "Liftin' Me Up," To Whom This May Concern, Blues Babe, 2026 Jill Scott, "Pay U on Tuesday," To Whom This May Concern, Blues Babe, 2026 Mandy, Indiana, "Sevastopol," URGH, Sacred Bones, 2026 Mandy, Indiana, "Magazine," URGH, Sacred Bones, 2026 Mandy, Indiana, "I'll Ask Her," URGH, Sacred Bones, 2026 Aldous Harding, "Venus in the Zinnia," Train On The Island, 4AD, 2026 Aldous Harding, "Train on the Island," Train On The Island, 4AD, 2026 Aldous Harding, "I Ate the Most," Train On The Island, 4AD, 2026 Aldous Harding, "Coats," Train On The Island, 4AD, 2026 Aldous Harding, "One Stop," Train On The Island, 4AD, 2026 Gary Stewart, "Sweet Tater and Cisco," You're Not The Woman You Used To Be, MCA, 1975 Gary Stewart, "Drinkin' Thing," Out of Hand, RCA, 1975 Gary Stewart, "Flat Natural Born Good-Timin' Man," Steppin' Out, RCA, 1976 Gary Stewart, "Pretend I Never Happened," Your Place or Mine, RCA, 1977 Courtney Barnett, "Scotty Says (Live on Sound Opinions)," Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit, Mom + Pop Music, 2015 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50 min
May 27 · Bonus

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: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7 min
May 22

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: 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: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: Willie Nelson, "Stardust," Stardust, Columbia, 1978 The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967 Kacey Musgraves, "Dry Spell," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026 Kacey Musgraves, "Middle of Nowhere," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026 Kacey Musgraves, "Horses and Divorces (featuring Miranda Lambert)," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026 Kacey Musgraves, "Uncertain, TX (featuring Willie Nelson)," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026 Willie Nelson, "Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain," Red Headed Stranger, Columbia, 1975 Willie Nelson, "Phases and Stages (Theme) / Washing the Dishes," Phases and Stages, Atlantic, 1974 Willie Nelson, "Bloody Mary Morning," Phases and Stages, Atlantic, 1974 Willie Nelson, "Help Me Make It Through the Night," Sings Kristofferson, Columbia, 1979 Willie Nelson, "Georgia On My Mind," Stardust, Columbia, 1978 Willie Nelson, "I Guess I've Come to Live Here in Your Eyes," Spirit, Island, 1996 Willie Nelson, "On the Road Again (Live)," Live! At The US Festival (June 4, 1983), Shout! Factory, 1983 Willie Nelson, "Last Man Standing," Last Man Standing, Legacy, 2018 Willie Nelson, "Always on My Mind," Always on My Mind, Columbia, 1982 Gary Stewart, "She's Actin' Single (I'm Drinkin' Doubles)," Out of Hand, RCA Victor, 1975 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50 min
May 20 · Bonus

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: 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: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

7 min
May 15

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 recent interviews with the band members. 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: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: Blister In The Sun, "Violent Femmes," Violent Femmes, Slash, 1983 The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967 Please Do Not Go, "Violent Femmes," Violent Femmes, Slash, 1983 Confession, "Violent Femmes," Violent Femmes, Slash, 1983 Kiss Off, "Violent Femmes," Violent Femmes, Slash, 1983 Add It Up, "Violent Femmes," Violent Femmes, Slash, 1983 Gone Daddy Gone, "Violent Femmes," Violent Femmes, Slash, 1983 Good Feeling, "Violent Femmes," Violent Femmes, Slash, 1983 American Music, "Violent Femmes," Why Do Birds Sing, Reprise, 1991 Willie Nelson, "On The Road Again (Live)," Honeysuckle Rose, Columbia, 1980 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

50 min

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Trailer

Sound Opinions Trailer

Music: "Colossus" by Scanglobe from Nul Tiel Records Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Record a Voice Memo: https://bit.ly/2RyD5Ah 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-not-sell-my-info.

04/04/2021

•

2 min

Greg Kot

Host
Jim DeRogatis

Host
Jimmy McDonough

Guest
Geoffrey Himes

Guest
Will Hermes

Guest
Julia Steiner

Guest
billy woods

Guest

4.3

out of 5

1,972 Ratings

Where is the kneecap review?

May 10

frederick7

It was advertised on NPR but is not available here
The Nirvana talk needs to chill

05/12/2024

NickNightLive

Nirvana’s legacy is massive, we get it! Any opportunity these guys have, they’ll shoehorn something about Kurt/Nirvana into it. Steve Albini passes? Let’s not delve into some of his best produced albums, let’s talk about In Utero for 15 minutes and their interactions with Kurt at the time. The Melvins visit? Let’s not talk about their influence on several genres or the fact that they’re still finding ways to be one of the weirdest, coolest bands going, let’s talk about Kurt and Courtney. The hosts are great but they really let an alright band with an outsized legacy dictate some of these conversations.
Too short. Go deeper

Apr 13

Rivermantengo

Why do a podcast, a platform that allows long from discussions, when you only barley scratch the surface?
Updated review

Apr 4

Another Anonymous ID

Sorry guys but you are losing the plot. You chat about something for 5 minutes, interspersed with smokers cough laughing and the obligatory name dropping (Brian Eno - DING!), and then you play a small snippet of whatever you claimed was so great. But increasingly, the music isn’t great. And you miss dozens of regional bands, innovative players, and even classic sounds from all over the world. PLEASE, play more diverse music besides your favorite punk/grunge acts, and PLEASE lay off the cigarettes.

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.