Sound Opinions

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This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot close out 2019 and the 2010s by sharing some of their best albums of the decade. Then, Greg will share his annual mixtape and the hosts will discuss musicians the world lost this year, including rapper Juice WRLD and Flamin' Groovies lead singer Roy Loney.

Forget about Carmen or Madame Butterfly. Sound Opinions' own divas, Jim and Greg, share their favorite Rock Operas.

Led by multi-instrumentalist Kevin Parker, Australian psych-rockers Tame Impala made huge waves in both hemispheres with the release of their album Lonerism in 2012. They join Jim and Greg for a discussion and live performance. Then, Jim and Greg review the band’s new release Currents.

Queens of the Stone Age founder Josh Homme joins Jim and Greg for a conversation in the Sound Opinions studios. (Don't miss his story about meeting John Paul Jones at Medieval Times!) Later on, Jim and Greg review I Hate Music, the new record from indie mainstays Superchunk.

Jim and Greg don their spiffiest suits for a sit-down with Roxy Music's stylish founder Bryan Ferry. And later in the show, they weigh in on Kanye West’s dark new album Yeezus.

Jim and Greg dissect The Replacements’ classic album Let It Be in honor of the band getting back together after a twenty two year hiatus.

If you're a music fanatic, the end of the year means one thing: best of lists! Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reveal their favorite albums of the year. And Sound Opinions listeners weigh-in with their favorites of 2016.

Jim and Greg talk to Lori Majewski about her book "Mad World: An Oral History of New Wave Artists and the Songs That Defined the 1980s", co-written with Jonathan Bernstein. In it, the authors reveal why New Wave caught on so strongly with pop fans and the media, especially post-punk in the U.K. Plus, an interview with Alison Moyet, an English singer-songwriter that came up in the New Wave scene, and is still making waves musically.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to author Ray Padgett about his book Cover Me: The Stories Behind the Greatest Cover Songs of All Time. They discuss the roots of the term "cover" and dig into the surprising stories behind some of rock's most notable examples, from Elvis's rendition of "Hound Dog" to the Feelies doing the Rolling Stones. Plus, Jim and Greg share a few of their favorite cover songs. Plus, a review of Swedish folk duo First Aid Kit and a remembrance of Mark E. Smith of The Fall.

Jim and Greg look back at the classic Prince album Purple Rain on its 30th anniversary. They talk to Prince collaborators Wendy & Lisa about the album's avant-garde pop sound and suggestive lyrics. Later they review a new album by the metal band Mastodon.

Jim and Greg present the Best Albums of 2013, and they hear nominations from guest critics in the listening audience.

The 1967 debut from The Velvet Underground didn't sell many records, but arguably no album in the past half century has had a greater influence on rock music. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot offer a Classic Album Dissection of The Velvet Underground & Nico in celebration of the art-rock classic's fiftieth anniversary.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig into Roxy Music's influential 1972 self-titled debut album. They get the inside story of the recording of Roxy Music with former Roxy Music guitarist Phil Manzanera, and discuss the album's lasting impact.

Sound Opinions celebrates the 30th anniversary of the greatest rock movie ever: This Is Spinal Tap. Jim and Greg turn it up to 11 and discuss the fine line between clever and stupid with comedian and director Rob Reiner. Later they review the new album from English brooder Morrissey.

The year is half over and we think it's time to share some of our favorite albums of 2018 so far! Find out what albums hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have at the top of their lists, plus hear from some listeners.

With end of the year approaching, it's time to celebrate all the great music we've had the pleasure to hear. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their Best Albums of 2015 and hear nominations from listeners.

"This Charming Man" Johnny Marr joins Jim and Greg live in the studio. He talks guitar wizardry, his new solo career, and of course The Smiths. Later, Jim and Greg review Run the Jewels, the latest collaboration between MCs Killer Mike and El-P.

Rock and roll has never been purely about the music. The image a band puts forward can be almost as important as their songs. Some bands take it an extra step and make theatrical costumes an integral part of their act. In honor of Halloween, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite bands in costume. They also review the latest from rock band Battles and bid farewell to music journalist and biographer Nick Tosches.

Jim and Greg explore the history and influence of Chess Records. During its 25 year run, the Chicago label put out music by Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters—forever changing the sound of rock and roll. Later, they review new albums from Damon Albarn and Kelis.