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.

  • 50 minutes 11 seconds
    Bloodshot Records with Co-Founder Rob Miller

    Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore the history of Chicago’s Bloodshot Records, an iconic, insurgent country music label. They talk with co-founder Rob Miller about the music and the business of running an independent label. They’ll also share some of their favorite songs from the vast catalog. 

    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:

    Robbie Fulks, "Every Kind Of Music But Country," Country Love Songs, Bloodshot, 1996

    The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967

    The Bottle Rockets, "Every Kinda Everything," For A Life of Sin: Insurgent Chicago Country, Bloodshot, 1994

    Jason & the Scorchers, "Lost Highway," Lost & Found, EMI, 1985

    Hank Williams, "Lost Highway," Lost Highway (Single), MGM, 1949

    Scott H. Biram, "Blood Sweat and Murder," For a Decade of Sin: 11 Years of Bloodshot Records, Bloodshot, 2005

    Handsome Family, "Tower of Song," Too Late to Pray: Defiant Chicago Roots, Bloodshot, 2019

    Justin Townes Earle, "Far Away in Another Town," The Good Life, Bloodshot, 2008

    Alejandro Escovedo, "Castanets," A Man Under the Influence, Bloodshot, 2001

    Lydia Loveless, "Bad Way to Go," Indestructable Machine, Bloodshot, 2011

    Neko Case, "Deep Red Bells," Blacklisted, Bloodshot, 2002

    Neil Young, "Rockin' in the Free World," Freedom, Reprise, 1989

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    3 April 2026, 5:00 am
  • 8 minutes 45 seconds
    When a Legend Lost the Crowd

    In this bonus episode, Greg highlights a record that was poorly received at the time but has since aged into greatness.

    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.

    1 April 2026, 5:00 am
  • 48 minutes 10 seconds
    Springtime Buried Treasures

    Every few weeks, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are bursting at the seams with new underground music to recommend—it's time for another round of Buried Treasures. The hosts share a handful of tracks, and the production team chimes in as well.

    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:

    Brother Ali, "Another Country," Another Country (Single), Travelers, 2026

    The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967

    Tim Cain, "Chant for the Hauntlings," "LOVE, Tim Cain" Volume 1, Self-released, 2025

    Private Wives, "Haymaker," Three of Swords, Farmer & The Owl, 2026

    Kory Quinn, "OxyContin Blues," Safer In The Lee, Ma & Pa, 2026

    MC Abdul, Noel Kharman, and Tamer Nafar, "The Beat Never Goes Off," In the name of the father, the Imam & John Lennon, Tamer Nafar and Levantine Music, 2026

    Clark, "Janus Modal," Steep Stims, Throttle, 2025

    Brian Gerald Bulger, "Thinking of Her Again," Thank God I'm Far From Heaven - EP, Maybe Someday, 2026

    Muistardeaux Collective, "Mon Soon," Ktwe, Slink Sandwich, 2023

    Ekko Astral, "lil xan goes to washington," lil xan goes to washington (Single), self-released and Many Hats Distribution, 2026

    Time Thieves, "Remember I Forgot," Come Home/If You Survive EPs (Extended Edition), Self-released, 2026

    Rio Kosta, "Follow The River (Vandelux Remix - Extended)," Follow The River (Vandelux Remix - Extended) (Single), Verdigris, 2026

    Susannah Joffe, "Texas Baby," Texas Baby (Single), broke, 2026

    Boiled In Lead, "The King of the Dogwoods," King of the Dogwoods, DeSelby, 2026

    JR JR , "Stuck in My Mind," Back To The Land, Love is EZ, 2025

    Donny Hathaway, "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know," Extension of a Man, Atco, 1973

    Viagra Boys, "Man Made of Meat," viagr aboys, Shrimptech Enterprises, 2025

    Neko Case, "Hold On, Hold On," Fox Confessor Brings the Flood, ANTI-, 2006

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    27 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 10 minutes 4 seconds
    An Unexpected Lester Bangs Tribute

    In this bonus episode, Jim shares a song about his favorite rock critic, written by an artist he’s not so fond of.

    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.

    25 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 49 minutes 25 seconds
    Al Green's The Belle Album & Opinions on Mitski

    Al Green sang some of the most acclaimed soul records of the 1970s. So when he decided to leave it all behind for the church, many questioned why. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss Al Green's life and his pivotal first gospel album, Belle with biographer Jimmy McDonough. Plus, they review the new album from Mitski.

    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:

    Al Green, "Belle," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967

    Mitski, "Where's My Phone?," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026

    Mitski, "That White Cat," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026

    Mitski, "Lightning," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026

    Mitski, "Charon's Obol," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026

    Mitski, "If I Leave," Nothing's About to Happen to Me, Dead Oceans, 2026

    Al Green, "I'm Still in Love with You," I'm Still In Love with You, Hi, 1972

    Jackie Wilson, "Baby Workout," Baby Workout (Single), Brunswick, 1960

    Al Greene, "Back Up Train," Back Up Train , Hot Line Music Journal, 1967

    Al Green, "Tired of Being Alone," Al Green Gets Next to You, Hi, 1971

    Al Green, "Let's Stay Together," Let's Stay Together, Hi, 1971

    Willie Mitchell, "Groovin'," Solid Soul, Hi, 1967

    Al Green, "Love and Happiness," I'm Still In Love with You, Hi, 1972

    Al Green, "Jesus is Waiting," Call Me, Hi, 1973

    Al Green, "Dream," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    Al Green, "I Feel Good," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    Al Green, "All 'n' All," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    Al Green, "Chariots of Fire," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    Al Green featuring Anthony Hamilton, "You've Got the Love I Need," Lay It Down, Blue Note, 2008

    Al Green, "Georgia Boy," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    Al Green , "Feels Like Summer," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    Al Green , "Leaning on the Everlasting Arms," I'll Rise Again, The Right Stuff, 1983

    Niall Connolly, "To Be a Stone," To Be a Stone (Single), self-released, 2025

    The Cars, "You're All I've Got Tonight," The Cars, Elektra, 1978

    Buffalo Tom, "Tangerine," Sleepy Eyed, Beggars Banquet, 1995

    Snow Tha Product, "Alligator," M.a.M.A, self-released, 2025

    Private Wives, "Haymaker," Three of Swords, Farmer & The Owl, 2026

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    20 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 5 minutes 56 seconds
    RIP Willie Colón

    In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to the salsa legend Willie Colón, who died February 21, 2026, at the age of 75.

    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.

    18 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 50 minutes 18 seconds
    Late Career Encores

    This week hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot celebrate artists who found a new creative gear decades after they hit the music scene. It's Late-Career Encores, this week on Sound Opinions.

    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:

    Johnny Cash, "Hurt," American IV: The Man Comes Around, American, 2002

    The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967

    Johnny Cash, "Folsom Prison Blues," Johnny Cash with His Hot and Blue Guitar!, Sun, 1955

    Johnny Cash, "The Mercy Seat," American III: Solitary Man, American, 2000

    Misson of Burma, "Academy Fight Song," Single, Ace of Hearts, 1980

    Misson of Burma, "2Wice," The Obliterati, Matador, 2006

    Wire, "1 2 X U," Pink Flag, Harvest, 1977

    Wire, "Joust & Jostle," Wire, Pinkflag, 2015

    The Staple Singers, "I'll Take You There," Be Altitude: Respect Yourself, Stax, 1972

    Mavis Staples, "99 and 1/2," We'll Never Turn Back, Anti-, 2007

    Superchunk, "Driveway To Driveway," Foolish, Merge, 1994

    Superchunk, "Me & You & Jackie Mittoo," I Hate Music, Merge, 2013

    Naked Raygun, "I Don't Know," Throb Throb, Homestead, 1985

    Naked Raygun, "Living in the Good Times," Over the Overlords, Wax Trax!, 2021

    A Tribe Called Quest, "Can I Kick It?," People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, Jive, 1990

    A Tribe Called Quest, "We the People....," We Got It from Here...Thank You 4 Your Service, Epic, 2016

    Bonnie Raitt, "Thank You," Bonnie Raitt, Warner Bros., 1971

    Bonnie Raitt, "The Road's My Middle Name," Nick of Time, Capitol, 1989

    Cher, "Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves," Chér, Kapp, 1971

    Cher, "Strong Enough," Believe, WEA and Warner Bros., 1998

    Redd Kross, "Annie's Gone," Third Eye, Atlantic, 1990

    Redd Kross, "Candy Coloured Catastophe," Redd Kross, In the Red, 2024

    Converge, "Concubine," Jane Doe, Equal Vision, 2001

    Converge, "We Were Never the Same," Love is Not Enough, Epitaph and Deathwish, 2026

    John Prine, "Angel From Montgomery," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971

    John Prine, "When I Get to Heaven," The Tree of Forgiveness, Oh Boy, 2018

    Pulp, "Common People," Different Class, Island, 1995

    Pulp, "Spike Island," More, Rough Trade, 2025

    Al Green, "Belle," The Belle Album, Hi, 1977

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    13 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 6 minutes 43 seconds
    A Song About the Dark Side of Organ Donation

    In this bonus episode, Jim shares a track from an early punk band that imagines what might happen if you received the eyes of a convicted murderer.

    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.

    11 March 2026, 5:00 am
  • 50 minutes 47 seconds
    Guest Desert Island Jukebox Picks & Opinions on Peaches and Danny Brown

    If you were stranded on a desert island today, what’s the one song you couldn’t live without? This week hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot round up a handful of Desert Island Jukebox picks from previous guests of Sound Opinions. The hosts also review the new albums from Peaches and Danny Brown.

    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:

    The Beatles, "In My Life," Rubber Soul, Parlophone, 1965

    The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967

    Peaches, "No Lube So Rude," No Lube So Rude, Kill Rock Stars, 2026

    Peaches, "Be Love," No Lube So Rude, Kill Rock Stars, 2026

    Peaches, "Not In Your Mouth None Of Your Business," No Lube So Rude, Kill Rock Stars, 2026

    Danny Brown, "Copycats," Stardust, Warp, 2025

    Danny Brown, "Whatever The Case," Stardust, Warp, 2025

    Danny Brown, "Book of Daniel," Stardust, Warp, 2025

    Danny Brown, "All4u," Stardust, Warp, 2025

    Danny Brown, "Lift You Up," Stardust, Warp, 2025

    Roxy Music, "Virginia Plain," Roxy Music, Island and Reprise, 1972

    Soft Machine, "Hope For Happiness," The Soft Machine, ABC and Probe, 1968

    Spoon, "Let Me Be Mine," They Want My Soul, Loma Vista and ANTI, 2014

    Rolling Stones, "Emotional Rescue," Emotional Rescue, Rolling Stones, 1980

    Jeff Tweedy, "Lou Reed Was My Babysitter," Twilight Override, dBpm, 2025

    Tyrannosaurus Rex, "A Beard of Stars," A Beard of Stars, Regal Zonophone, 1970

    Tyrannosaurus Rex, "By the Light of the Magical Moon," A Beard of Stars, Regal Zonophone, 1970

    Afrika Bambaataa and Soulsonic Force, "Planet Rock," Planet Rock (Single), Tommy Boy, 1982

    The Spinners, "Mighty Love," Mighty Love, Atlantic, 1973

    The Delfonics, "La-La Means I Love You," La-La Means I Love You, Philly Groove, 1968

    Kate Bush, "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)," Hounds of Love, EMI, 1985

    Local H, "How's The Weather Down There?," Whatever Happened To P.J. Soles?, Studio.E, 2004

    Mark Lannigan, "Solitaire," Imitations, Vagrant, 2013

    Mark Lannigan, "Ugly Sunday," The Winding Sheet, Sub Pop, 1990

    Nirvana, "Lithium," Nevermind, DGC, 1992

    Tsunami, "In a Name," Deep End, Simple Machines, 1993

    The Lemon Twigs, "Any Time Of Day," Everything Harmony, Captured Tracks, 2023

    Nicholas Krgovich, "Rosemary," Rosemary (Single), Tin Angel, 2018

    The Butterfield Blues Band, "East-West," East-West, Elektra, 1966

    The Third Mind, "East West (Live)," Live Mind, Yep Roc, 2025

    Beach Bunny, "Dream Boy," Honeymoon, Mom + Pop, 2020

    Redd Kross, "Candy Coloured Catastrophe," Redd Kross, In The Red, 2024

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    6 March 2026, 6:00 am
  • 6 minutes 59 seconds
    An Underrated Protest Singer

    In this bonus episode, Greg shares a track by a famous singer whose powerful protest anthems are often overlooked.

    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.

    4 March 2026, 6:00 am
  • 50 minutes 17 seconds
    Beach Bunny (Lili Trifilio) Live, Plus Opinions on Charli XCX

    This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Lili Trifilio aka Beach Bunny. They discuss the band’s 2025 album, their viral hit and Lili performs live. The hosts also review the new album from Charli XCX.

    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:

    Beach Bunny, "Tunnel Vision," Tunnel Vision, AWAL, 2025

    The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967

    Charli XCX, "House featuring John Cale," Wuthering Heights, Atlantic, 2026

    Charli XCX, "Chains of Love," Wuthering Heights, Atlantic, 2026

    Charli XCX, "Funny Mouth," Wuthering Heights, Atlantic, 2026

    Charli XCX, "Always Everywhere," Wuthering Heights, Atlantic, 2026

    Beach Bunny, "Big Pink Bubble (Live on Sound Opinions)," Tunnel Vision, AWAL, 2025

    Beach Bunny, "Prom Queen," Prom Queen EP, Mom + Pop, 2018

    Beach Bunny, "Clueless (Live on Sound Opinions)," Tunnel Vision, AWAL, 2025

    Beach Bunny, "Prom Queen (Live on Sound Opinions)," Prom Queen EP, Mom + Pop, 2018

    Beach Bunny, "Vertigo," Tunnel Vision, AWAL, 2025

    The Police, "Message In a Bottle," Reggatta de Blanc, A&M, 1979

    See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    27 February 2026, 6:00 am
  • More Episodes? Get the App