Sound Opinions

Should we hold up a musician's output to a moral standard? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk about whether art can be evaluated separately from the artist's ethics. Plus, reviews of new releases by The National and Queens of the Stone Age, and tributes to Walter Becker of Steely Dan, and Holger Czukay of the influential "Krautrock" group Can.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

The beginning of September means students return to the classroom. Whether you're excited to be back to school or the very thought inspires dread and anxiety, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have put together a playlist to ease back to the grind. Plus, they review albums by LCD Soundsystem and Van Hunt.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

The Melvins were an inspiration to the '90s alternative explosion, but the band's unclassifiable sound and uncommercial stance set them apart. In a frank discussion with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, the Melvins reflect on their career and bust myths about the grunge scene. Plus, singer-songwriter Billy Bragg makes the case for the 1950s skiffle craze as the origin of guitar rock and punk sensibilities in the UK.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

Certain artists are perfectionists at heart, and if you want something done right, do it yourself. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite One-Person Bands – artists who have recorded albums playing all the instruments themselves. Plus, reviews of the latest from legendary songwriter Randy Newman and Rhode Island punk band Downtown Boys.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

Over his decades long career, Steve Earle has been many things - songwriter, novelist, actor, activist. But for his latest record, So You Wannabe An Outlaw, he went back to the foundation he started from: outlaw country. Steve joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to talk about about those early influences and how he sees his duty as a songwriter. Plus, he performs a special solo set in front of a live audience at the Goose Island Tap Room in Chicago. Plus, a review of the debut album from Chicago rapper Vic Mensa and a tribute to the late Glen Campbell.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

If you're looking for something new to round out your summer playlist, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have you covered. They'll dig out some buried treasures - albums not yet in the mainstream but deserve some more attention. Plus, an in-depth look at the history of the wah-wah pedal.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

Penelope Spheeris has directed some of the most influential movies about music of all time, from Wayne's World to all three installments of The Decline of Western Civilization films. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Penelope about the 25th anniversary of Wayne's World, her fascinating path as a director, and the legacy of her films. Plus, a review of the new album from Arcade Fire.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

The fantasy powerhouse Game of Thrones is returning for its penultimate season. With dragons, knights, and magic on their minds, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot play their favorite songs about fantasy worlds. Plus, a review of the latest from hip-hop stalwarts Public Enemy, and Neil Halstead of Slowdive shares the song that got him Hooked on Sonics.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

In part two of our series 1977: The Year Punk Broke, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look at the punk movement stateside with music writer Ira Robbins. They discuss how The Ramones, Talking Heads, and the rest of the CBGB scene inspired generations of artists. Plus, an interview and live performance from Montreal electronic duo She-Devils.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.

In part one of our two-part series on the historic year 1977, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the punk explosion in the UK with music writer Jon Savage. They discuss important British bands like The Buzzcocks, The Sex Pistols and The Clash and what made them so influential. Plus, they'll review the new record from indie folk band Fleet Foxes, and Big Star's Jody Stephens shares the song that got him Hooked on Sonics.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee 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.