Where did indie rock go? Chris DeVille, author of "Such Great Heights," talks with Greg and Jim about how indie rock evolved from its underground roots to become a dominant force in mainstream music. 📌 Read Greg's take on the book: bit.ly/4gOQufk ➡️ Listen to the full episode: bit.ly/3IIqp4G

"I'm a sucker for songs about being alive," Jim admits in this bonus episode. He shares a track from the ’90s that almost inspires him enough to try meditation. It's a short, powerful listen that reminds us how music can shift your entire state of mind: apple.co/3Kog1j1

Producers Alex and Andrew try to sell Jim and Greg on “The White Lotus“ Season 3 and it is not an easy pitch. Along the way they spotlight standout cast members Walton Goggins and Aimee Lou Wood and debate whether this season can live up to the hype: www.patreon.com/posts/137637...

When "Horses" dropped in December 1975, Patti Smith didn’t just release an album...she lit a fuse. Blending poetry, punk, and raw defiance, her debut became an instant landmark in New York’s underground scene. Fifty years later, Jim and Greg revisit the record that changed everything: bit.ly/3Vl7T5h

Is “Dad Rock” just a genre or something more profound? Greg explores that question in his look at Niko Stratis’ new memoir, a front-runner for best book title of the year. This book challenges how we think about music and what it means to grow older: bit.ly/4gg7Jpe

Greg pays tribute to Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri, who passed away on August 6, 2025, at the age of 88. Tune in to hear how his powerful legacy continues to shape the sound of Latin jazz today: bit.ly/46jVZPj

Author Jason Schneider digs into his book "That Gun in Your Hand: The Strange Saga of ‘Hey Joe’ and Popular Music’s History of Violence" with Jim and Greg: bit.ly/4mXfSBS

Jim and Greg chat with author and climate activist Bill McKibben about the power of solar energy, the role of protest music, and his upcoming activism event "Sun Day." Then the team picks their favorite songs about the sun, with tracks from Captain Beefheart, Stevie Wonder, and more: bit.ly/4mDXgGT

It's a solar-powered @soundopinions.bsky.social this week, as ace journalist/activist @billmckibben.bsky.social returns to the show. As Bill says: “Renewable energy has suddenly become the obvious, cost-efficient choice… a very big and hopeful thing.” We provide the soundtrack. More: bit.ly/47BspGj

Jim pops a quarter into the Desert Island Jukebox and plays a track that blends yé-yé pop with a Motown groove — a French-sounding hit that turns out to be ripping off Detroit soul, but surprisingly, it’s by an Italian band. Listen to the Le Snobs breakdown here: bit.ly/3Ja6WKk

Jim and Greg return mid-summer with a fresh batch of "Buried Treasures." From indie rock and doom metal to funk and chamber music, these are hidden gems worth your ears. Discover your next favorite track: bit.ly/40AjAIo

Greg pays tribute to the King of Zydeco himself — Clifton Chenier — a pioneering accordionist whose sound stretched far beyond the Louisiana bayou. Hear Greg’s salute to a true American original: bit.ly/40whhpJ

This week, Jim brings a truly wild pick to the Desert Island Jukebox: David Bedford’s "Star Clusters, Nebulae & Places in Devon" — a piece that features a brass band, electronic keyboards, a children’s choir, and yes, helium. 🎈🎈Listen now: bit.ly/4mbykWq

We’re on Sound Opinions! It is a legitimate honor to have thee @jimderogatis.bsky.social pick our track to start episode 1025, BUT, to also spend that time talking about us and breaking apart our sounds on rock ‘n’ roll’s greatest talk show! Now airing on 150 stations! @soundopinions.bsky.social

It's one of the most popular traditions throughout Sound Opinions' 1000-plus nationally broadcast episodes. Greg Kot shares a look at the show's annual mid-year top 10 list: bit.ly/44MG5vZ

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 now: bit.ly/3Trhoip

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. 🔗 2025 Side A: bit.ly/45PsOE0

This week on Sound Opinions, we pay tribute to a musical genius who reshaped pop music. From the soaring harmonies of the #BeachBoys to the groundbreaking beauty of "Pet Sounds," Brian Wilson gave us timeless art that continues to inspire. 🔗 Read more: bit.ly/44wazkJ

In Episode 24 of Everything Else, Jim explores two powerful stories that dig into ambition, truth, and the weight of history. Listen to the breakdown: bit.ly/44aEe2L

My favorite LPs of the year so far. My list, Dero's list, etc: @soundopinions.bsky.social soundopinions.org/show/1022

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: bit.ly/45KEeZR

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: bit.ly/3G0AaKf

Sly and the Family Stone sounded fresh in 1973, and they still do. Sly is gone, but the music will outlive us all. We pay tribute to a great one on @soundopinions.bsky.social this week. Listen now: bit.ly/43HBIC1

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

What’s your favorite revolutionary song? One voice that stands out is Tom Zé — the wildcard genius of Brazil’s Tropicalia movement. Greg spotlights Zé’s defiant, mischievous sound — music that thrived under censorship, surveillance, and fear. Read more: bit.ly/4jMExGy

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, Pelican and Tune-Yards. Listen now: bit.ly/4dQ3hwj

Following our tributes to David Thomas and Peter Laughner of Pere Ubu, Jim rounds out the trilogy with a song by another of the band's members: bit.ly/43Zbn2l

Jim revisits a 2009 session with the unforgettable Jill Sobule — a true indie trailblazer. Long before crowdfunding was common, Jill raised $75K directly from fans to create "California Years." Read more: bit.ly/3FMaiBH

Accomplishments? They’ve had a few. Greg writes about Jenny Toomey and Kristin Thomson—cofounders of the band Tsunami, the Simple Machines label, and the Future of Music Coalition. Visionaries who helped reshape indie music for the digital age: bit.ly/4kAYDVc

Best record this year so far.

Julien Baker and Torres are both accomplished solo artists, but the breakout success of Baker’s group Boygenius has brought new attention to their debut collaborative album, "Send A Prayer My Way." — soundopinions.org/show/1017

Today at noon- free @soundopinions.bsky.social live taping with Valerie June at Salt Shed. Come out! clicks.eventbrite.com/f/a/3UgtAMnO...

Greg picks out a gem for the stoner rock fans—a track from the long-running "Brown Acid" compilation series, a labor of love curated by Permanent Records and Riding Easy Records: bit.ly/3ZAK3EW

This week, Jim dives into the vibrant, gritty tradition of street performance in "Down On the Corner: Adventures in Busking & Street Music"—a new book by longtime friend and music industry legend Cary Baker — bit.ly/4kzgpZ4

Warren Zevon, wherever you are, is probably writing one helluva song about the absurdity of his recent "validation" by a certain segment of the Rock Establishment. I spiel about it in this @soundopinions.bsky.social bonus podcast: shorturl.at/V42p0

Join Jim DeRogatis & Greg Kot for a special FREE live taping featuring the incredible @valeriejune.bsky.social —happening Wednesday, May 28 at The Salt Shed, Chicago. Be part of our audience of listeners for this one-of-a-kind performance and conversation. 🎟️ Secure your ticket → bit.ly/3H0SSSl

Jim and Greg honor the late, great singer, songwriter, and musician David Thomas in a special deep-dive episode. From the energy of Rocket from the Tombs to the avant-garde genius of Pere Ubu, they trace Thomas’ groundbreaking career and many brushes with stardom — soundopinions.org/show/1015

Andrew throws a curveball by recommending the brilliantly funny British panel show "Would I Lie to You?" to Jim and Greg. Expect sharp wit, big laughs, and a little skepticism as they dive into one of the UK’s most beloved comedy shows: bit.ly/4klEfY5

I've been enjoying making @soundopinions.bsky.social episodes for our Patreon-only feed. Where else can I talk for 10 minutes about why you should watch the British panel show, "Would I Lie To You?" www.patreon.com/posts/128566... #WILTY

In this latest batch of Buried Treasures, Jim and Greg uncover hidden gems that channel shoegaze vibes, Velvet Underground cool, pop-punk energy, personal loss, Philip Glass minimalism, IDM textures, and more. Don’t miss these genre-blurring discoveries: bit.ly/3Z05wXC

When Jim mentions “fanzines” to his college students, he’s usually met with blank stares. But the concept isn’t hard to grasp—and it’s far from dead. Passionate music fans still rave about the sounds they love in DIY blogs, social posts, podcasts, and videos. (1/2)

So glad I got to play @poorcreaturemusic.bsky.social on this week's @soundopinions.bsky.social I'm really looking forward to the full album! Let's hope we don't get any tariffs on Irish music imports! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/s...

Who was Penguin Cafe Orchestra, and why did Brian Eno release two of their albums on his short-lived, obscure label? On a recent show, Jim accidentally credited the wrong orchestra—but the mix-up led to a rediscovery of the truly unique sounds of Penguin Cafe Orchestra — bit.ly/3Ytm

Greg shares a melodic gem from a '90s duo that paid tongue-in-cheek homage to '80s bubblegum synth-pop at its brightest, full of hooks, charm and unapologetic fun: bit.ly/44MAOVJ

Sad news about Jill Sobule. A wonderful human being who wrote & sang songs filled with wit, melody & social commentary. Beyond the ground-breaking single "I Kissed a Girl," her unconventional career stretched across decades & genres. (Links to @soundopinions.bsky.social interview, obit in comments)

What’s your top pick for a journalism movie? 🎬 Jim dives into the gripping drama "September 5," sharing his take on its portrayal of high-stakes news reporting, and compares notes with Greg on their all-time favorite journalism films: bit.ly/3GFHqLr

Spring is bursting—and so are new album! This week Jim and Greg dig through fresh releases from Lucy Dacus, Saba & No ID, Mekons, and Perfume Genius: bit.ly/42RZISp

Jim attempts to redeem a song from German singer Nina Hagen's 1982 album NunSexMonkRock, which Rolling Stone famously dubbed the "most unlistenable" album ever made: bit.ly/4jAbsP2

Greg writes about Common’s first release that cracked the top 20 and sold 500,000 copies — “And it did so without undercutting his standards.” Read all about the album’s impact, integrity, and how it marked a turning point in the Chicago rapper's career: bit.ly/4lDSM2Q

The 25th anniversary of one of the key LPs to emerge from the Soulquarians collective. It was a peak time for Common, Questlove, D'Angelo, J Dilla, Erykah Badu & so many innovators blending hip-hop, soul, jazz, gospel. A few words on a musical golden age: bit.ly/4lDSM2Q