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Sound Opinions

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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.

11/08/2025

Bob Odenkirk is back and better than ever.

Sound Opinions producer Alex Claiborne dives into "Nobody 2," breaking down the thrills, dark humor, and unexpected moments that make this sequel impossible to ignore.

Listen to Alex’s full breakdown of the action, standout scenes, and why Bob Odenkirk dominates the screen: https://bit.ly/4qK8BYk

11/04/2025

Tony Fitzpatrick captured the soul of Chicago.
Artist, poet, actor, and a true embodiment of the city’s spirit, Fitzpatrick left an indelible mark on the people and culture around him. He passed away on October 11, 2025, at the age of 66.

In this bonus episode, Greg pays tribute to Fitzpatrick and the legacy he left behind, featuring a song from one of his long-time collaborators, Steve Earle.

Listen to the episode here: https://bit.ly/48ZU9VB

11/02/2025

How do you sum up a genius like D’Angelo?
Three albums. A seismic influence. A voice that reshaped modern soul.

Jim and Greg pay tribute to D’Angelo, his artistry, his impact, and the singular force of "Voodoo," revisiting what made him one of the most transformative musicians of his era. In his newsletter, Jim recalls how D’Angelo’s performance summoned centuries of fury and feeling rooted in the African-American experience, channeling it into a set that was both raw and transcendent, a night that still burns vividly in memory.

What’s the D’Angelo moment or song that’s never left you?

🎧 Listen to the full tribute episode: https://bit.ly/4oiILZA
📌 Read Jim’s newsletter for his vivid reflection on D’Angelo’s power onstage: https://bit.ly/4nDmW5P

10/30/2025

Our producer Alex Claiborne recommends the film "Together" and presents a compelling case for why horror deserves more respect. The story follows a couple who leave the city behind only to confront a force far more terrifying than isolation. Their love and very humanity are at stake.

Discover why this film made a lasting impression: https://bit.ly/3IWwafw

10/24/2025

Take a late lunch and join our hosts, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, for a live taping of Sound Opinions at the Goose Island Salt Shed Pub on Friday, November 7, with an interview and performance by Lili Trifilio of Beach Bunny.

Beach Bunny, formed by Trifilio in 2015, has gained national attention for candid, relatable songwriting and dynamic, guitar-driven sound. Their latest album, "Tunnel Vision," released in April 2025, further establishes the band as one of Chicago’s most exciting indie rock voices.

Admission is free, with doors opening at 12:30p.m. Seating is first come, first served. This event is 21+. Get your tickets here: https://bit.ly/4o53gZF

Join us for a beer, a bite, and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Sound Opinions.

10/23/2025

If Geoff Travis was at the show, you knew you were in the right place. This week, we talk to the Rough Trade founder and his partner Jeannette Lee about their game-changing legacy and why their new alliance with River Lea Records could spark the next folk revolution. Plus, Greg pulls Rough Trade classics from his own shelves.

➡️ Listen to the full conversation: https://bit.ly/3KZuQZJ

🗞️ Explore Greg’s newsletter and Rough Trade deep cuts: https://bit.ly/3WeT98C

10/19/2025

Jim says sometimes a great hook comes down to the way one word is delivered. He proves it with Cheryl Lynn’s 1978 classic “Got to Be Real,” a song that defined the height of disco. For Jim, it’s all about her unforgettable vocal delivery of that single word "real." Hear his full take on what makes Lynn's hook stick: https://bit.ly/3WgerTf

10/15/2025

Alex and Max bring "Weapons" to the table, a new horror film that’s been generating quite a bit of buzz. It opens with a haunting mystery: at 2:17 a.m., 17 elementary school students leave their homes and vanish.

Jim and Greg weigh in on its eerie setup, ambitious structure, and what it’s really trying to say. Listen now on Patreon: https://bit.ly/4h78oKh

10/13/2025

Greg pays tribute to the late Sonny Curtis, a Texas-born singer/songwriter who helped build the foundation for rock ’n’ roll. A prolific songwriter, he and the rest of Buddy Holly's band, the Crickets, performed the original version of Curtis' "I Fought the Law," later covered by the Bobby Fuller Four and the Clash. Some of Curtis' wide-ranging array of songwriting credits may surprise you.

Join our team in remembering his impact: https://bit.ly/42C07Ik

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