Sound Opinions

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead, the innovative rhythm guitarist and co-founder who helped shape American rock and improvisational music. Weir died on January 10, 2026, at the age of 78.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.

In December of 2025, the world tragically lost actor and filmmaker Rob Reiner. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot pay tribute to him by revisiting their 2014 interview in which they discuss This Is Spinal Tap, films, music and more. They also review new music from Lily Allen and Dry Cleaning.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:Spinal Tap, "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight," This Is Spinal Tap, Polydor, 1984Dry Cleaning, "Hit My Head All Day," Secret Love, 4AD, 2026Dry Cleaning, "Rocks," Secret Love, 4AD, 2026Dry Cleaning, "Blood," Secret Love, 4AD, 2026Lily Allen, "West End Girl," West End Girl, BMG, 2025Lily Allen, "Madeline," West End Girl, BMG, 2025Lily Allen, "Just Enough," West End Girl, BMG, 2025Spinal Tap, "Rock and Roll Creation," This Is Spinal Tap, Polydor, 1984Spinal Tap, "Cups and Cakes," This Is Spinal Tap, Polydor, 1984Spinal Tap, "Gimme Some Money," This Is Spinal Tap, Polydor, 1984Spinal Tap, "Big Bottom," This Is Spinal Tap, Polydor, 1984Black Sabbath, "Black Sabbath," Black Sabbath, Vertigo, 1970Spinal Tap, "Head Hole," This Is Spinal Tap, Polydor, 1984Roxy Music, "If There Is Something," Roxy Music, Island and Reprise, 1972See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus episode, Jim shares an old country cut that recounts the assassination of President James Garfield, recorded by one of the genre’s all-time greats.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.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot close the book on 2025 by doing a final round of obituaries, playing favorite singles and sharing a mixtape that documents the ups and downs of the year that was. Greg's MixtapeJoin 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:SPRINTS, "Something's Gonna Happen," All That Is Over, City Slang and Sub Pop, 2025The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967The Redwalls, "It's Alright," Universal Blues, Undertow, 2003Joe Ely, "Boxcars," Honkey Tonk Masquerade, MCA, 1978The Mavericks, "There Goes My Heart," What a Crying Shame, MCA Nashville, 1994The Band, "Chest Fever," Music from Big Pink, Capitol, 1968Chappell Roan, "The Subway," (Single), Amusement, 2025Annabelle Dinda, "The Hand," (Single), Self-Released, 2025Huntrix, "Golden," KPop Demon Hunters, Republic, 2025Hayley Williams, "True Believer (Live on Tonight Show)," Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, Post Atlantic, 2025Bad Bunny, "BAILE INoLVIDABLE," DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS, Rimas, 2025MSPAINT, "Angel," No Separation, Convulse, 2025Cardi B, "Outside," Am I the Drama?, Atlantic, 2025Taylor Swift, "The Fate Of Ophelia," The Life of a Showgirl, Republic, 2025Sharon Van Etten, "Somethin' Ain't Right," Sharon Van Etten and The Attachement Theory, Jagjaguwar, 2025The Penrose Web, "I Dreamt I Woke Up Dead," It's...The Penrose Web, Fools Paradise and Gare Du Nord, 2025Peter Peter Hughes, "The End of Your Empire," Half-Staff Blues, Tired Media, 2025Mavis Staples, "Chicago," Sad and Beautiful World, Anti, 2025The Belair Lip Bombs, "Again and Again," Again, Third Man, 2025The Bug Club, "How to Be a Confidante," Very Human Features, Sub Pop, 2025Perfume Genius, "It's a Mirror," Glory, Matador, 2025Ed Kuepper and Jim White, "The 16 Days," After The Flood, Remote Control, 2025Mekons, "You're Not Singing Anymore," Horror, Fire, 2025Spinal Tap, "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight," This Is Spinal Tap, Polydor, 1984See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this bonus segment, Greg reveals his Desert Island pick with a fun food hint. Jim shares how Dan the Automator's remix project led him to Willie Bobo's classic track. They discuss why the original needed little tweaking and explore Bobo's rich Latin jazz background. Greg highlights standout tracks from the album Uno, Dos, Tres, particularly the catchy "Fried Neck Bones and Some Home Fries." The duo praises the musicianship, specifically Melvin Lasty’s sax and kick, while also recommending the full album.

Gina Birch and Ana da Silva, founding members of the Raincoats, discuss the band's groundbreaking role in the post-punk movement. They delve into the creation of their 1979 debut album and the band's unique recording approach that emphasized space and collaboration. Birch shares insights on her solo work and feminist-themed songwriting, while Da Silva reflects on the band's influence on artists like Kurt Cobain. Their conversation reveals the authenticity behind their music and how they crafted it for themselves, not for mainstream success.

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.

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.

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.

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.