Sound Opinions

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review some new albums from Michael Kiwanuka, Neil Young, Chaka Khan, The Tubs and This is Lorelei. They also bid farewell to Cheetah Chrome, guitarist for the Dead Boys and Rocket from the Tombs, and hear from some listeners.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:This Is Lorelei, "Billy Came Back," The Singer In My Band, Matador, 2026The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, "Second Song," Second Song, Reprise, 2026Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, "Casting Me Away From You," Second Song, Reprise, 2026Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, "I'll Love You Forever," Second Song, Reprise, 2026Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, "Day After Day," Second Song, Reprise, 2026Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, "Earth Girl," Second Song, Reprise, 2026Chaka Khan, "Always Love the Challenge," Chakzilla, EarthSong and BMG, 2026Chaka Khan, "Curious Subject," Chakzilla, EarthSong and BMG, 2026Chaka Khan, "Cool You Down (feat. Sia)," Chakzilla, EarthSong and BMG, 2026Chaka Khan, "Now and Forever," Chakzilla, EarthSong and BMG, 2026This Is Lorelei, "Oh No Now My," The Singer In My Band, Matador, 2026This Is Lorelei, "The Singer in My Band," The Singer In My Band, Matador, 2026Michael Kiwanuka, "Summer Clothes," Fudge, Polydor, 2026Michael Kiwanuka, "Love In My Heart," Fudge, Polydor, 2026Michael Kiwanuka, "Steve's Paradise," Fudge, Polydor, 2026The Tubs, "Who's Gonna Love You Now," Hard Life, Merge, 2026The Tubs, "Heaven or London," Hard Life, Merge, 2026The Tubs, "If You Don't Love Me," Hard Life, Merge, 2026The Tubs, "Do Yourself a Favor," Hard Life, Merge, 2026Rocket from the Tombs, "Ain't it Fun (Live)," The Day The Earth Met The...(Live From Punk Ground Zero, Cleveland 1975), Smog Veil, 2002Rocket from the Tombs, "Sonic Reducer," Black Record, Fire, 2015Sweeping Promises, "Accent," You Say I Romanticize, Sub Pop, 2026Neil Young, "Imagine," America: A Tribute to Heroes, Interscope, 2001AFI, "Fall Children," All Hallow's E.P., Nitro, 1999See 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 join with the Chicago music community to pay tribute to John Prine on what would have been his 80th birthday. They revisit an interview with the songwriter from 2018 and dissect his debut album with author Erin Osmon. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:John Prine, "How Lucky," Pink Cadillac, Elektra, 1979John Prine, "Illegal Smile," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971John Prine, "Sour Grapes," Diamonds in the Rough, Atlantic, 1972Steve Goodman, "City of New Orleans," Steve Goodman, Buddah, 1971John Prine, "Hello In There," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971New Lost City Ramblers, "No Depression In Heaven," Songs from the Depression , Smithsonian Folkways, 1959The Carter Family, "The Wandering Boy," The Wandering Boy (Single), Victor, 1927John Prine, "Sweet Revenge," Sweet Revenge, Atlantic, 1973John Prine, "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness," German Afternoons, Oh Boy, 1986John Prine, "If You Don't Want My Love," Bruised Orange, Asylum, 1978John Prine, "God Only Knows," The Tree of Forgiveness, Oh Boy, 2018John Prine, "Bad Boy," German Afternoons, Oh Boy, 1986John Prine, "All The Best," The Missing Years, Oh Boy, 1991John Prine, "Lake Marie," Lost Dogs + Mixed Blessings, Oh Boy, 1995John Prine, "Your Flag Decal Won't Get You Into Heaven Anymore," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971John Prine, "Boundless Love," The Tree of Forgiveness, Oh Boy, 2018John Prine, "Angel From Montgomery," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971John Prine, "Sam Stone," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971John Prine, "Clay Pigeons," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971John Prine, "Summer's End," The Tree of Forgiveness, Oh Boy, 2018John Prine, "When I Get To Heaven," The Tree of Forgiveness, Oh Boy, 2018John Prine, "Caravan of Fools," The Tree of Forgiveness, Oh Boy, 2018John Prine, "Paradise," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971This Is Lorelei, "Billy Came Back," The Singer In My Band, Matador, 2026See 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 welcome their old colleague and former Sound Opinions host Bill Wyman back to discuss his new book, Bill Wyman’s Rock & Roll Lists, in which he ranks every song by some of rock’s biggest artists.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:The Beatles, "Good Day Sunshine," Revolver, Parlophone, 1966The Beatles, "With a Little Help from My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967The Eagles, "Lyin' Eyes," One of These Nights, Asylum, 1975Pink Floyd, "Atom Heart Mother," Atom Heart Mother, Harvest, 1970Led Zeppelin, "Ramble On," Led Zeppelin II, Atlantic, 1969Led Zeppelin, "Moby Dick," Led Zeppelin II, Atlantic, 1969The Eagles, "Hotel California," Hotel California, Asylum, 1976The Eagles, "Frail Grasp on the Big Picture," Long Road out of Eden, Eagles, 2007Nirvana, "Smells Like Teen Spirit," Nevermind, DGC and Sub Pop, 1991Nirvana, "Something in the Way," Nevermind, DGC and Sub Pop, 1991Bruce Springsteen, "Outlaw Pete," Working on a Dream, Columbia, 2009Pink Floyd, "Mother," The Wall, Columbia, 1979Bob Dylan, "Shelter from the Storm," Blood on the Tracks, Columbia, 1975Bob Dylan, "Tangled Up in Blue," Blood on the Tracks, Columbia, 1975John Prine, "Angel from Montgomery," John Prine, Atlantic, 1971See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In 2026, Phoebe Bridgers is one of the biggest artists in the world. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot revisit their 2018 interview and live performance with Phoebe, which includes never-before-aired content. They discuss her debut album, songwriting prowess and impact on music. They’ll also review the debut album from Westside Cowboy.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Phoebe Bridgers, "Lost Boys," Lost Weekend, Dead Oceans, 2026The Beatles, "With a Little Help from My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Westside Cowboy, "Kick Stones (The Boys)," It Goes On, Island, 2026Westside Cowboy, "Pin Up Boys," It Goes On, Island, 2026Westside Cowboy, "Coyote," It Goes On, Island, 2026Westside Cowboy, "Paperchains," It Goes On, Island, 2026Westside Cowboy, "Worried Age," It Goes On, Island, 2026Phoebe Bridgers, "Scott Street (Live on Sound Opinions)," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Phoebe Bridgers, "Funeral," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Phoebe Bridgers, "Chelsea," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Phoebe Bridgers, "Steamroller," Killer, Pax Americana, 2015Phoebe Bridgers, "Killer (Live on Sound Opinions)," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Phoebe Bridgers, "Demi Moore," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Phoebe Bridgers, "Killer," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Phoebe Bridgers, "Smoke Signals (Live on Sound Opinions)," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Angelo Badalamenti, "Twin Peaks Theme (Instrumental)," Soundtrack from Twin Peaks, Warner Bros., 1990Neil Young, "The Needle and the Damage Done," Harvest, Reprise, 1972Radiohead, "Fake Plastic Trees," The Bends, EMI, 1995Phoebe Bridgers, "You Missed My Heart," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017Phoebe Bridgers, "Motion Sickness (Live on Sound Opinions)," Stranger in the Alps, Dead Oceans, 2017The Beatles, "A Day in the Life," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967See 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 interview legendary soul songwriter David Porter, about his memoir, Soul Man. He recounts his pivotal role in turning Stax Records in Memphis into one of the greatest record labels in American history. The hosts also review the new album from Alabama Shakes. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Sam & Dave, "I Thank You," I Thank You, Atlantic, 1968The Beatles, "With a Little Help from My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Alabama Shakes, "Another Life," I Must Be Dreaming, Island, 2026Alabama Shakes, "Waist Deep," I Must Be Dreaming, Island, 2026Alabama Shakes, "Tea Time," I Must Be Dreaming, Island, 2026Alabama Shakes, "Garden," I Must Be Dreaming, Island, 2026Sam & Dave, "Soul Man," Soul Men, Stax, 1967Johnnie Taylor, "I Had A Dream," Wanted: One Soul Singer, Stax, 1967Clyde McPhatter, "A Lover's Question," (Single), Atlantic, 1958Bing Crosby, "The Old Grey Mare," On The Sentimental Side, Collectors' Choice Music, 2010Rufus Thomas, "Cause I Love You," Walking The Dog, Stax, 1963Sam & Dave, "A Place Nobody Can Find," (Single), Stax, 1965Sam & Dave, "You Don't Know Like I Know," (Single), Stax, 1966The Soul Children, "Give 'Em Love," Soul Children, Stax, 1969Albert King, "Personal Manager," Born Under A Bad Sign, Stax, 1967Phoebe Bridgers, "Lost Boys," Lost Weekend, Dead Oceans, 2026See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Erin Osmon about her new book on "heartland rock." She argues that artists like John Mellencamp and Tom Petty filled stadiums in the 1980s, but also pushed back against the politics of the Reagan era. The hosts also pay tribute to Irish troubadour Glen Hansard.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "I Won't Back Down," Full Moon Fever, MCA, 1989The Beatles, "With a Little Help from My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967The Frames, "Fitzcarraldo," Fitzcarraldo, ZTT, 1995The Swell Season, "Falling Slowly (Live On Sound Opinions)," Swell Season, Overcoat, 2006Bruce Springsteen, "Born In The U.S.A.," Born In The U.S.A., Columbia, 1984John Cougar Mellencamp, "Pink Houses," Uh-Huh, Riva, 1983Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band, "Like A Rock," Like A Rock, Capitol, 1986Neil Young, "Keep On Rockin' In The Free World (Live on SNL)," Freedom, Reprise, 1989Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, "Don't Come Around Here No More," Southern Accents, MCA, 1985Bonnie Raitt, "Nick Of Time," Nick Of Time, Capitol, 1989Stephen Wilson Jr., "Gary," (Single), Big Loud, 2026Don Henley, "The Boys of Summer," Building the Perfect Beast, Geffen, 1984John Cougar Mellencamp, "Rain on the Scarecrow," Scarecrow, Riva, 1986Buddy Guy, "Baby Please Don't Leave Me," Sweet Tea, Silvertone, 2001See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dig into a record review roundup full of summertime releases. The hosts discuss new albums from Olivia Rodrigo, Jack White, Margo Price, Robyn Hitchcock, and Swamp Dogg.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah  Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs:Robyn Hitchcock, "Yesterday's Rain," The Confuser, TINY GHOST, 2026The Beatles, "With a Little Help from My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967Olivia Rodrigo, "Drop Dead," You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, Geffen, 2026Olivia Rodrigo, "Purple," You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, Geffen, 2026Olivia Rodrigo, "What's Wrong with Me," You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, Geffen, 2026Jack White, "G.O.D. and the Broken Ribs," Frozen Charlotte, Third Man, 2026Jack White, "Neighbors Blues," Frozen Charlotte, Third Man, 2026Jack White, "Derecho Demonico," Frozen Charlotte, Third Man, 2026Jack White, "Dollar Bill," Frozen Charlotte, Third Man, 2026Margo Price, "San Marcos," Days of Unrest, Loma Vista, 2026Margo Price, "Oval Room," Days of Unrest, Loma Vista, 2026Margo Price, "Long Haired Country Girl (featuring Billy Swan)," Days of Unrest, Loma Vista, 2026Margo Price, "Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos) (featuring Joan Baez & Memphis Mariachi)," Days of Unrest, Loma Vista, 2026Robyn Hitchcock, "I Am This Thing," The Confuser, Tiny Ghost, 2026Robyn Hitchcock, "Building From The Ruins," The Confuser, Tiny Ghost, 2026Robyn Hitchcock, "My Dead Astronaut," The Confuser, Tiny Ghost, 2026Robyn Hitchcock, "Breathless," The Confuser, Tiny Ghost, 2026Swamp Dogg, "Waka Waka Waka (feat. Gary U.S. Bonds)," Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife, S-Curve, 2026Swamp Dogg, "Searching For Heaven," Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife, S-Curve, 2026Swamp Dogg, "Please Don't Bury Me," Swamp Dogg Contemplates the Afterlife, S-Curve, 2026The Feelies, "Slipping (Into Something)," The Good Earth, Rough Trade, 1986The Feelies, "Slipping (Into Something) (Live at 40 Watt Club, Athen, GA)," The Good Earth, Rough Trade, 1986Texas Tornados, "(Hey Baby) Que Pasó," Texas Tornados, Reprise, 1990Neil Young, "Old Man," Harvest, Reprise, 1972Tom Petty, "I Won't Back Down," Full Moon Fever, MCA, 1989See 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 pays tribute to country-rock hero Steve Almaas, whom he first encountered during his Hoboken, New Jersey days. Almaas, a member of the Suicide Commandos and Beat Rodeo, died on June 5, 2026, at the age of 69.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://www.patreon.com/collection/2136865Make 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.