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.

4d ago

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 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: Twisted Teens, "Circus Clown," Blame the Clown, Jazz Life/ Chain Smoking, 2026 The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967 Courtney Barnett, "Sugar Plum," Creature of Habit, Mom + Pop, 2026 Ora Cogan, "Bury Me," Hard Hearted Woman, Sacred Bones, 2026 Lucinda Williams, "The World's Gone Wrong (feat. Brittney Spencer)," World's Gone Wrong, Highway 20 and Thirty Tigers, 2026 Ye Vagabonds, "Mayfly V3," All Tied Together, River Lea, 2026 Robyn, "Blow My Mind," Sexistential, Konichiwa and Young, 2026 The Twilight Sad, "GET AWAY FROM IT ALL," It's the Long Goodbye, Rock Action, 2026 Kacey Musgraves, "Everybody Wants To Be A Cowboy," Middle of Nowhere, Lost Highway, 2026 Ratboys, "The World, So Madly," Singin' to an Empty Chair, New West, 2026 Blood Sucking Maniacs, "Red Leg Boy," Blood Sucking Maniacs, Paradise of Bachelors, 2026 Ora Cogan, "The Smoke," Hard Hearted Woman, Sacred Bones, 2026 Squarepusher, "K7 Museum," Kammerkonzert, Warp, 2026 Dry Cleaning, "Cruise Ship Designer," Secret Love, 4AD, 2026 Genesis Owusu, "STAMPEDE," Redstar Wu & the Worldwide Scourge, Ourness, 2026 Peaches, "Panna Cotta Delight," No Lube So Rude, Kill Rock Stars, 2026 Jill Scott, "Right Here Right Now," To Whom This May Concern, Blues Babe, Human Re Sources, and The Orchard, 2026 Golems of the Red Planet, "Hadrial," Surf Masala, Heyday Again, 2026 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

51 min
6d ago · Bonus

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 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
Jun 12

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, Donna Summer and more. 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: David Bowie, "Rebel Rebel," Diamond Dogs, RCA, 1974 The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967 Sylvester, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," Step II, Fantasy, 1978 Pet Shop Boys, "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)," Please, Parlophone, 1986 R.E.M., "Pretty Persuasion," Reckoning, I.R.S., 1984 Gang of Four, "Call Me Up," Songs of the Free, EMI, 1982 Prince, "Controversy," Controversy, Warner Bros., 1981 Grace Jones, "Warm Leatherette," Warm Leatherette, Island, 1980 Laura Nyro, "Stoned Soul Picnic," Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, Columbia, 1968 Donna Summer, "Queen For a Day," Once Upon a Time, Casablanca, 1977 Indigo Girls, "Closer to Fine," Indigo Girls, Epic, 1989 Michael Jackson, "Childhood," HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I, Epic, 1995 The Smiths, "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," The Queen Is Dead, Rough Trade, 1986 David Bowie, "Space Oddity," David Bowie, Philips, 1969 Frankie Goes to Hollywood, "Relax," Welcome to the Pleasuredome, ZTT, 1984 Robyn, "Blow My Mind," Sexistential, Konichiwa and Young, 2026 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

49 min
Jun 10 · 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
Jun 5

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

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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
Barry Walters

Guest
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.