Moby became the face of techno with the blockbuster success of his 1999 album Play. In his new memoir Porcelain, he explores his origins in the underground rave scene of ‘80s New York up until his mainstream success. Moby joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation. Plus, a review of the new album from post-Riot Grrrl band The Julie Ruin.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It’s not a political rally without a crowd-pumping and uplifting playlist. But political campaign teams are not always great music tastemakers. NPR’s National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about hearing the same songs over and over on the campaign trail. Then Jim and Greg play campaign managers and make a list of better campaign theme songs. Plus, a review of the long-awaited second album from Australian electronic group The Avalanches.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The London-based quartet Savages made a stunning debut with Silence Yourself in 2013 and established a reputation as a formidable live act. On the 2016 followup Adore Life, the brooding post-punk band tackles something new: love songs. Savages joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and live performance. Plus, reviews of the new albums from Maxwell and DJ Shadow.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re barely halfway through the year and already there’s an overwhelming amount of great new music to enjoy. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their lists of the Best Albums of 2016...So Far. Plus, they discuss the “Stairway to Heaven” plagiarism verdict and pay tribute to Parliament-Funkadelic keyboardist Bernie Worrell.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After his pioneering work in Hüsker Dü and his alternative era success with Sugar, Bob Mould shows no signs of slowing down. The legendary songwriter and guitarist joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a live performance and a conversation. Plus, a review of the new collaboration between Neko Case, k.d. lang, and Laura Veirs.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Nervy guitars and pounding drums can perfectly convey the restless sensation of being on the verge of breaking down. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite Anxious Anthems. Then, they review the new album from venerable songwriter Paul Simon.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After making her mark in the indie duo The Fiery Furnaces, singer-songwriter Eleanor Friedberger launched a solo career blending her former band’s experimentalism with classic '70s sounds. She joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and live performance. Plus, a review of the new mixtape from Chicago artist Chance the Rapper.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See 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 conclude their two-part celebration of American icon Bob Dylan as he turns 75. This week, they explore the recording of Blonde on Blonde through his late career renaissance.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bob Dylan, one of the most iconic American artists of the 20th century, just turned 75 this May. Jim and Greg examine the extraordinary career of the music legend in the first of a two-part series. This week, they explore Dylan's folk days to the moment he went electric.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While the Seattle grunge bands had the commercial success, the Pacific Northwest’s Riot Grrrl scene has an equally important legacy. Jim and Greg look back at feminist punk movement 25 years on. Then they review the new albums from Drake and Radiohead.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys elevated pop music to new artistic heights with the band’s 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds. With its ingenious orchestrations and earnest lyrics, the album remains an enormous influence to this day. To celebrate its 50th anniversary, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a Classic Album Dissection of Pet Sounds.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Swedish neo-soul singer Seinabo Sey is emerging as a major voice in pop music, blending R&B and African rhythms. She joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and performance. Then they review the new album from pioneering ambient producer Brian Eno.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music icon Prince died on April 21 at the age of 57. As a singer, guitarist, songwriter, and producer, he dominated the pop charts and had an enormous impact on funk, R&B, and rock. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot look back on the life, career, and music of the Minnesota monarch, Prince. Then they review the surprise new album from R&B superstar Beyoncé.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Like all human activity, even rock music has an ecological impact. On this Earth Day, environmentalist Bill McKibben and musician/activist Adam Gardner join Jim and Greg for a discussion about the complicated relationship between music and the environment. Jim and Greg also talk to music supervisor Randall Poster about bringing tunes to the big and small screens.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Producer, songwriter, and record executive L.A. Reid has crafted hits for more than four decades. He joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a candid conversation about the major label system and working with Rihanna, Michael Jackson, Kanye West, and more.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

More like H&R Rock: Nothing improves the irritation of filing taxes like a good soundtrack. As we prepare to give back to Uncle Sam, Jim and Greg carry out an audit of the best songs for Tax Day. Then, they review the new album from veteran British rocker PJ Harvey.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While never achieving the commercial success of its alt-rock peers like Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins, Eleventh Dream Day has outlasted these bands and remain critical darlings. They join Jim and Greg Kot for a conversation and live performance. Plus, a review of the new album from French electronic band M83.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim and Greg are back from their annual music-finding mission to the SXSW Music and Media Conference in Austin, TX. Tune in to find out what bands will make the most noise in 2016. Later, they review a new album from Hüsker Dü leader Bob Mould.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1991 was the year punk broke again! Twenty five years later, Jim and Greg explore what made 1991 so special: Nirvana, N.W.A., Lollapalooza and more. Plus a review of the new collaboration between punk veteran Iggy Pop and Josh Homme of Queens of the Stone Age.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rock Around the Clock: Time to wind up those pocket watches and chronometers. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take you on a fourth dimensional voyage as they explore their favorite “Songs About Time.” Then they review the surprise album from California rapper Kendrick Lamar.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As we move slowly toward spring, the music release schedule starts heating up as well. Jim and Greg review a bevy of new albums, including records by TEEN, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt and more. Plus, they examine the current state of the recording studio industry.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Famous for its instrumental virtuosity and heady, sci-fi influenced lyrics, the Canadian prog-rock trio Rush has amassed an obsessive cult following. Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of Rush join Jim and Greg to discuss the band’s remarkable 40-year career. Then they review the latest album from polarizing rapper Kanye West.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Music played an essential role in uplifting, motivating, and uniting people during the Civil Rights era of the 1950s and '60s. In honor of Black History Month, hosts Jim and Greg explore the powerful music of the Civil Rights Movement, from Mahalia Jackson to Curtis Mayfield and beyond.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Los Lobos has enjoyed a remarkable career for more than forty years, even retaining the same core lineup from its start as an East Los Angeles wedding band in 1973. Los Lobos joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a special interview and performance in front of a live audience.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Despite the gooey romantic marketing, more breakups happen around Valentine’s Day than any other part of the year. For those who get the feeling every February that “Love Stinks,” hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite Anti-Love Songs. Later, they review the new album from Americana songwriter Lucinda Williams.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Patti Smith's Horses forever changed what punk rock could be, beginning with its striking album cover and unforgettable opening line. The album turned 40 in December, so in celebration, Jim and Greg give Horses the Classic Album Dissection treatment. Later they review the new solo album from Clipse rapper Pusha T.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Only a few years into his career, Las Vegas-based singer/songwriter Shamir has already explored house, disco, indie pop, country, and countless other styles. He joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot in the studio for a stripped-down performance and conversation about refusing to be pigeonholed, performing personal songs in front of crowds, and gender identity. Then, a review of the sophomore album from post-punk band Savages.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sound Opinions remembers pioneering music icon David Bowie. The pop chameleon died of cancer on January 10, 2016. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot also review the singer's new album Blackstar, which came out on his 69th birthday, only two days prior to his death.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

English producer and engineer Glyn Johns has been behind the board for classic albums by Led Zeppelin, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones and the Clash. He joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a candid conversation about being re-worked by Phil Spector, trying to infuse The Eagles with the blues, and more from his storied career. Plus, a review of the latest album from British stadium rockers Coldplay.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jim and Greg share their favorite songs of the year through their 2015 Mixtapes. Plus, they talk about one of the year's most surprising musical trends: the cassette comeback.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This year Sound Opinions reached the milestone of 500 episodes. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot celebrate the accomplishment by reflecting on highlights from the first ten years of the show.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Get out those sleigh bells…it's time for the 2015 Sound Opinions Holiday Spectacular. As always, Jim and Greg are joined by Christmas record collector Andy Cirzan who will share a mix of yuletide tunes you won‘t hear anywhere else. This year’s theme is rare country, bluegrass, and hillbilly Christmas music. Andy's complete 2015 holiday compilation, The Holiday Hangout at Hillbilly Holler, is available as a free download through the end of the year at christmas.soundopinions.org.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

From his studio in Memphis, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips was the first to record Elvis Presley, Howlin’ Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more. Music writer Peter Guralnick joins host Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a discussion about the pioneering rock ‘n’ roll producer. Then Jim and Greg review the new record-setting album from British singer Adele.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Moog synthesizer is every bit as important to rock history as the Fender Telecaster and the Gibson Les Paul. As the analog synth revival continues in pop music,Jim and Greg examine the history and legacy of the revolutionary instrument. Then they review the new posthumous release from Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sometimes we look forward to an artist's new release with great expectations, only to be crushed by the result. In honor of Thanksgiving, we present the annual Sound Opinions Turkey Shoot, where Jim and Greg share the biggest musical disappointments of the year. Later they review the new album from Canadian electronic artist Grimes, and Greg drops a quarter in the Desert Island Jukebox.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sound Opinions pays tribute to New Orleans pianist, producer and songwriter Allen Toussaint who died on November 10, 2015. The music legend chatted with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot in the studio in 2013 after the release of his album Songbook. Later in the show, Jim and Greg review a New Zealand import from The Chills.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Inspired by the artists of the 1950s, Low Cut Connie has dedicated itself to bringing the upright piano back to rock ‘n’ roll. The band (a favorite of President Obama) joins Jim and Greg for a conversation and performance. Then a review of the debut solo album by ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As baseball fans turn their attention to the World Series, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are eager to step up to the plate. They share their favorite examples of musical Grand Slams: four knockout albums in a row. Then they review the new album from Detroit post-punk band Protomartyr.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

With the spooky season creeping in, Jim and Greg are beginning to feel a little diabolical. In honor of Halloween, they share their favorite Songs About the Devil. Then, a more angelic sound from singer/songwriter and harpist Joanna Newsom.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chicago garage-rock band Twin Peaks formed when its members were still in high school. Now the group is playing big festivals and is poised for stardom. They join hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a special live performance and conversation. Plus a review of the new album from Jack White's band The Dead Weather.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As a keyboardist in the legendary recording studios of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Spooner Oldham wrote and played on dozens of classic hits from Aretha Franklin, Percy Sledge, and more. He joins Jim and Greg for a conversation. Then they review the new album from Janet Jackson.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

London Calling, the double album masterpiece by British punk band The Clash, recently celebrated its 35th anniversary. Jim and Greg pay it tribute with a Classic Album Dissection. Then they review the new albums by electronic duo Disclosure and rock icon Keith Richards.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alice Cooper invented shock-rock in the 1970s, sparking controversy with his ghoulishly theatrical live shows and hard rock hits like "School's Out" and "I'm Eighteen." Alice Cooper joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a career-spanning conversation.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever since they formed in 1977, experimental art-punk band Wire has had a tremendous influence on music. And unlike most first wave punks, the group continues to release challenging music into the 21st century. Wire joins Jim and Greg for a special live performance and interview.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Time to sharpen those #2 pencils. With classes back in session, it's time for Jim and Greg to present some more of their favorite Back-To-School songs. Plus, we remember the late, great neurologist and writer Oliver Sacks.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Led by singer/songwriter Alicia Bognanno, Nashville's Bully draws upon the sound of the '90s alternative era to create blistering two-minute anthems. Bully joins Jim and Greg for a discussion and live performance. Plus, the number one album from The Weeknd.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Isley Brothers have scored hits in six different decades thanks to an ever-evolving sound, stretching from doo-wop to psychedelic funk to disco. Guitarist Ernie Isley joins Jim and Greg for a career spanning discussion.Support The Show: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinionsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.