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Music criticism programming for people who love music!
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Whether you're an expert, or just a casual fan, *Sound Opinions* is your source for smart and engaging music criticism and conversation. Each week on the show, nationally respected rock critics and interview artists, talk about pop culture and music industry news, review new record releases and give trends a historical context. And, because on *Sound Opinions*, "everyone's a

critic," listeners are invited to join in the debate.

*Sound Opinions* is distributed nationally by [{tag: PRX}](http://www.prx.org/soundopinions/). *Sound Opinions* can be heard on stations across the country and online at SoundOpinions.org.

07/11/2025

What if the best Star Wars story isn’t about Jedi at all? In Episode 25 of Everything Else, Andrew makes the case for Andor—a standout shift from the original saga. No Jedi, no lightsabers—just sharp writing, real stakes, and a gritty look at how rebellion rises from necessity.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/3ZYkSg4

07/10/2025

Local H, Stereolab, and Mclusky—this week’s Sound Opinions is stacked.

Jim and Greg talk with Scott Lucas of Local H about his long-running career and the new self-made documentary, "Lifers." They also review the first new Stereolab album in 15 years and the long-awaited return of Mclusky, a major influence on today’s post-punk revival.

Listen to the full episode: https://bit.ly/3Trhoip

07/08/2025

The year’s only halfway over, but 2025 is already stacked with great albums.

Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their picks for the best music of the year so far—plus favorites from the Sound Opinions production team. From Horsegirl and Saba & No ID to Lambrini Girls and Stereolab, this episode covers a lot of ground.

Listen to "2025 Side A: Best Albums So Far":
https://bit.ly/45PsOE0

07/06/2025

What’s the Brian Wilson moment you’ll never forget?

This week on Sound Opinions, we pay tribute to a musical genius who reshaped pop music. From the soaring harmonies of the Beach Boys to the groundbreaking beauty of "Pet Sounds," Brian Wilson gave us timeless art that continues to inspire.

We look past the myths to focus on the music—his evolution, his impact, and the moments that made him great, not because of his struggles, but despite them.

Read the newsletter for Jim's full tribute: https://bit.ly/44wazkJ

07/01/2025

In Episode 24 of Everything Else, Jim explores two powerful stories that dig into ambition, truth, and the weight of history.

"Carême" is a sumptuous period drama about Marie-Antoine Carême, the world’s first celebrity chef. Lavish, layered, and politically sharp, the series traces how a cook from humble beginnings helped shape haute cuisine while navigating the courts of Napoleon’s Europe.

"Mr. Jones" tells the haunting true story of journalist Gareth Jones, who uncovered the horrors of Stalin’s famine in 1930s Ukraine. It’s a gripping meditation on the cost of truth, journalistic courage, and the enduring threat of propaganda.

Listen to Jim’s breakdown: https://bit.ly/44aEe2L

06/20/2025

Greg writes about the man behind the myth — not just the funk pioneer, but the teenage music student named Sylvester Stewart. In his forthcoming project, Greg devotes a full chapter to Sly, tracing his path from a struggling student to an icon of American music.

“I got F’s in most classes,” Sly once told Greg. “I was writing my own book without words... Mr. Froehlich [his music teacher] made me feel like I could be a star.”

Read more about how Sly Stone’s vision of unity, defiance, and musical fusion still echoes today: https://bit.ly/45KEeZR

06/18/2025

What’s the worst band name you’ve ever heard?

Jim and Greg talk with writer Kyle Ryan about "Band Name Bureau", a collection of hilariously bad, weird, and regrettable band names. Starting as a fun project at "The A.V. Club," it’s now a beloved newsletter and social media archive.

Tune in to hear some of the most memorable examples and the story behind the project: https://bit.ly/3G0AaKf

06/16/2025

RIP Sly Stone, a visionary who changed the sound—and soul—of American music.

We remember the legendary artist, from his Pentecostal roots to spinning records in the Bay Area.

Jim explores Sly’s formative years, while Greg recalls interviewing the elusive icon—and the chaos of a 1970 Chicago show that spiraled into myth.

The guys review "Sly Lives! (aka The Burden of Black Genius)" and Sly’s revealing memoir "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)"—two projects Questlove helped bring to life, reigniting interest in Sly’s legacy.

Plus, hear a 2014 interview with Family Stone members Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson as they reflect on Sly’s rise and fall from the inside.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/43HBIC1

06/13/2025

Greg adds a new track to the Desert Island Jukebox—one that took on fresh meaning after he watched "I'm Still Here," the powerful new Brazilian film set during the military dictatorship of the 1970s.

The movie's evocative use of Tropicalia-era music brought the song back to the surface, reminding him of its defiant spirit and emotional force.

Listen to Greg’s pick and hear the story behind it on the latest bonus episode: https://bit.ly/45ngBq0

06/12/2025

What’s your favorite revolutionary song — the one that lit a fire or opened your eyes?

One voice that stands out is Tom Zé — the wildcard genius of Brazil’s Tropicalia movement. Think electric drills, surreal poetry, and samba in a blender.

Greg spotlights Zé’s defiant, mischievous sound — music that thrived under censorship, surveillance, and fear.

As Zé once said: “We were all afraid... as if the songs were our enemies.” But they made them anyway.

Turn up some Tropicalia and read more: https://bit.ly/4jMExGy

06/09/2025

Jim and Greg pay tribute to the late singer-songwriter Jill Sobule, revisiting their 2009 conversation about her music and her pioneering work in crowdfunding independent art.

They also review new releases from:

Shamir – His final album, “Ten,” features songs written by his friends and reflects on a decade of bold experimentation.

Pelican – The instrumental metal band returns to a two-guitar setup on “Flickering Resonance,” blending heavy riffs with spacey, ambient textures.

Tune-Yards – The duo’s sixth studio album, “Better Dreaming,” is their first since becoming parents. It’s also their most danceable record yet.

Listen now: https://bit.ly/4dQ3hwj

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