Sound Opinions

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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-the world's only rock and roll talk show.

Based in Chicago, Sound Opinions is hosted by Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, two of the finest and best-recognized pop music writers in the nation. For over a decade they were dedicated competitors at Chicago's two daily newspapers-Jim at the Chicago Sun-Times and Greg at the Chicago Tribune. Today, Jim writes about music for WBEZ.org and teaches criticism at Columbia College. 

Every week, Sound Opinions fires up smart and spirited discussions about a wide range of popular music, from indie rock to classic rock, hip hop to R&B, and every genre under the sun.

Sound Opinions' consistently informed, engaging, and controversial dialogue makes it a unique and essential source for the top stories, albums, and trends in music. This is cutting-edge criticism and journalism presented in the great tradition of Siskel and Ebert. The discussion is as indispensible to the hardcore music fan as it is to the casual music fan who feels out of touch. 

Sound Opinions is a direct result of the experience and credibility of its creators. Jim and Greg are both critically acclaimed authors who also write for some of the nation's most prestigious rock magazines, including Rolling Stone, Spin, and Vibe.

Pieces

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Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison turns 45 this month, and Jim and Greg celebrate with a Classic Album Dissection. Plus they review new records from T...

  • Added: May 23, 2013
  • Length: :00
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Indie quartet Wild Belle brings its brand of reggae-inspired psychedelic pop to the studio. Plus, the robots are back: Jim and Greg review the new ...

  • Added: May 23, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Legendary bassist Peter Hook remembers Ian Curtis and Joy Division. And later in the show, Jim and Greg review the new release from up-and-coming C...

  • Added: May 16, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Australian psych-rockers Tame Impala perform live in the studio. Later, Jim and Greg review the debut album from buzzed-about post-punk band, Savages.

  • Added: May 09, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Sound Opinions is “Big in Japan.” Jim and Greg get an education in J-pop and the Japanese underground in the next installment of our Sound Opinions...

  • Added: May 02, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Producer Joe Boyd remembers making studio magic with legendary UK songwriter Nick Drake. Plus, Jim and Greg review the new album from Canadian shoe...

  • Added: Apr 25, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Philly-based songwriter and guitar wizard Kurt Vile performs live in the studio. Later, Jim and Greg review Bankrupt!, the new album from Sound Opi...

  • Added: Apr 18, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Jim and Greg remember a critical hero: Roger Ebert. In 2006, the three critics sat down to discuss the best and worst music movies and Ebert's own ...

  • Added: Apr 11, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
Caption: Roger Ebert on Sound Opinions, Credit: Jason Saldanha
These are two excerpts of a 2006 Sound Opinions interview with Roger Ebert. The legendary critic died on April 4, 2013.

Bought by KPVL, KUOW, and Public Radio Remix


  • Added: Apr 04, 2013
  • Length: 10:30
  • Purchases: 3
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Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot welcome Scottish soul singer Emeli Sande to the studio for a live performance.

  • Added: Apr 04, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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These general evergreen promos can broadcast anytime. They highlight different elements of the show including Jim's enthusiasm, passionate fans and...

Bought by WFAE and KSRQ


  • Added: Apr 03, 2013
  • Length: 01:30
  • Purchases: 2
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These general evergreen promos can broadcast anytime. They highlight different elements of the show including listener interaction, Jim and Greg's ...

Bought by KSRQ and WFAE


  • Added: Apr 03, 2013
  • Length: 02:57
  • Purchases: 2
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Sound Opinions celebrates baseball's Opening Day with musical Grand Slams: Four knockout albums in a row. Plus, they review the new record from New...

  • Added: Mar 28, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Jim and Greg share their favorite musical finds from the 2013 SXSW Music Conference in Austin, TX. Plus, Justin Timberlake is back with a "20/20 Ex...

  • Added: Mar 21, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Bowie is back! Jim and Greg review the new David Bowie album The Next Day, and speak with longtime Bowie producer Tony Visconti.

  • Added: Mar 12, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Singer-songwriter and alt-country pioneer Lucinda Williams is live in the Sound Opinions studio.

  • Added: Mar 07, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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DJ Stefan Wermelin gives Jim and Greg an education in Swedish pop from ABBA to Robyn.

  • Added: Feb 28, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Jim and Greg play tracks they think deserve wider notice on the latest installment of Buried Treasures. Plus, the latest from Nick Cave.

  • Added: Feb 21, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff is live in the Sound Opinions studio. Plus, guitar great Richard Thompson goes "Electric."

  • Added: Feb 14, 2013
  • Length: 59:00
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This Valentine’s Day, Jim and Greg lend the recently-split a helping hand. They list rock 'n’ roll’s best songs to tell your sweetie “I Want You Ba...

  • Added: Feb 07, 2013
  • Length: 59:00