

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
Mentioned books

Dec 31, 2025 • 7min
Barely Scratching the Steve Albini Surface
In this bonus episode, Jim adds a track to the Desert Island Jukebox—one of Steve Albini’s many obscure recordings from the legendary engineer’s vast production discography.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.

Dec 26, 2025 • 51min
Radiohead's Kid A 25th Anniversary Plus Malcolm McLaren
Steven Hyden, an author and music critic, dives into the revolutionary elements of Radiohead's Kid A, discussing its dramatic shift from OK Computer and the electronic influences that shaped it. He explores the band's internal tensions and their move away from mainstream success, emphasizing their unique sound and artistic vision. The conversation also touches on Malcolm McLaren's provocative role with the Sex Pistols, his visual approach to music, and the controversial legacy he left behind, creating a fascinating juxtaposition between two iconic figures in music history.

Dec 24, 2025 • 8min
RIP Joe Ely
A heartfelt tribute honors the late Joe Ely, a West Texas rock legend known for his electrifying live performances. The discussion highlights Ely's influence, from his integral role in shaping alternative country with the Flatlanders to his impactful solo career. His storytelling roots and diverse musical range are celebrated, showcasing his ability to blend genres. The episode features a performance of 'Boxcars' from his iconic album, reflecting his rich artistic legacy.

Dec 19, 2025 • 51min
Jeff Tweedy on "Twlight Override"
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome Jeff Tweedy of Wilco for a wide-ranging discussion about his solo album "Twilight Override" and other aspects of Tweedy's long and storied career.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:Jeff Tweedy, "Lou Reed Was My Babysitter," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Jeff Tweedy, "Feel Free," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025Jeff Tweedy, "One Tiny Flower," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025Jeff Tweedy, "Parking Lot," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025Jeff Tweedy, "Cry Baby Cry," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025Jeff Tweedy, "Blank Baby," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025The Velvet Underground, "Rock & Roll," Loaded, Cotilion, 1970Billy Bragg & Wilco, "Walt Whitman's Niece," Mermaid Avenue, Elektra, 1998Billy Bragg & Wilco, "California Stars," Mermaid Avenue, Elektra, 1998Billy Bragg & Wilco, "All You Fascists," Mermaid Avenue Volume II, Elektra, 2000Jeff Tweedy, "No One's Moving On," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025Jeff Tweedy, "Enough," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025Radiohead, "Everything In Its Right Place," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 17, 2025 • 5min
A Psychedelic Shoegaze Duo from Mexico
Delve into the intriguing world of Los Mundos, a Mexican duo that blends psychedelic shoegaze with doomy rock vibes. Discover their musical journey across ten albums, showcasing their evolution since 2011. Jim highlights 'No Me Gritas' as the perfect entry point, capturing its captivating mood and striking cover art. Tune in as they share snippets of the song and celebrate its unique charm, all while reflecting on their prolific output and the rich tapestry of their sound.

8 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 51min
Sound Opinions' Holiday Spectacular 2025
This week's guest is Andy Serzan, a seasoned music curator at Jam Productions and passionate collector of rare holiday tunes. He shares insights on the quirky world of holiday deep cuts, from The Free Design’s rare tracks to soul classics like Jeanette Eden’s country gem. Andy reveals his crate-digging secrets and introduces the whimsical Mini Hoonie Santa LP. Expect playful interpretations of holiday favorites and a spotlight on emotional R&B pieces, making this a festive treasure trove for music lovers.

Dec 10, 2025 • 51min
RIP Jimmy Cliff and Steve Cropper
In a touching tribute, reggae legend Jimmy Cliff and soul guitarist Steve Cropper share insights from their iconic careers. Cliff reflects on his early break with producer Leslie Kong and the evolution of reggae music. He talks about the camaraderie among reggae icons and the cultural impact of The Harder They Come. Cropper emphasizes the importance of groove in his music and recounts co-writing classics like 'Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay.' Both legends explore their influences and lasting legacies in this heartfelt conversation.

Dec 5, 2025 • 51min
The Best Albums of 2025
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite albums of 2025. They’ll also hear selections from their production staff.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:Wednesday, "Elderberry Wine," Bleeds, Dead Oceans, 2025The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967The Hives, "They Can't Hear the Music," The Hives Forever Forever the Hives, PIAS, 2025Billy Woods, "BLK XMAS (feat. Bruiser Wolf & Sadhugold)," Golliwog, Backwoodz Studioz, 2025Sabrina Carpenter, "Nobody's Son," Man's Best Friend, Island, 2025Gwenifer Raymond, "Jack Parsons Blues," Last Night I Heard The Dog Star Bark, We Are Busy Bodies, 2025Lambrini Girls, "Love," Who Let the Dogs Out, City Slang, 2025Trupa Trupa, "Backwards Water," Mourners, Glitterbeat, 2025Viagra Boys, "Man Made of Meat," Viagr Aboys, Shrimptech Enterprises, 2025Aesop Rock, "Full House Pinball," I Heard It's A Mess There Too, Rhymesayers, 2025Maruja, "Look Down On Us," Pain to Power, Music For Nations, 2025Poor Creature, "All Smiles Tonight," All Smiles Tonight, River Lea, 2025Rosalía, "Berghain," Lux, Columbia, 2025Wet Leg, "mangetout," Moisturizer, Domino, 2025FKA twigs, "Perfect Stranger," Eusexua, Atlantic, 2025Sprints , "Coming Alive," All That Is Over, City Slang, 2025Horsegirl, "I Can't Stand to See You," Phonetics On and On, Matador, 2025Lenny Dee, "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!," Happy Holi-Dee, Decca, 1961See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 3min
John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats on This Year: 365 Songs Annotated: A Book of Days
John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats discusses his new book, "This Year: 365 Songs Annotated: A Book of Days" and his new album "Through This Fire Across From Peter Balkan" with Sound Opinions producer Andrew Gill. 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.

Nov 28, 2025 • 51min
Yes's "Going For the One" & Opinions on Tortoise
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dissect Yes' 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 Tortoise.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:Yes, "Awaken," Going for the One, Atlantic, 1977Yes, "Going For the One," Going for the One, Atlantic, 1977The Beatles, "A Day In the Life," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Yes, "Close To The Edge," Close To The Edge, Atlantic, 1972Yes, "Time and a Word," Time and a Word, Atlantic, 1970Yes, "I've Seen All Good People A. Your Move, B. All Good People," The Yes Album, Atlantic, 1971Yes, "Roundabout," Fragile, Atlantic, 1971Yes, "The Ancient," Tales from Topographic Oceans, Atlantic, 1973Yes, "Turn of the Century," Going for the One, Atlantic, 1977Yes, "Parallels," Going for the One, Atlantic, 1977Yes, "Wonderous Stories," Going for the One, Atlantic, 1977Tortoise, "Vexations," Touch, International Anthem, 2025Tortoise, "Night Gang," Touch, International Anthem, 2025Tortoise, "Promenade à deux," Touch, International Anthem, 2025Wednesday, "Elderberry Wine," Bleeds, Merge, 2025See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.


