Sound Opinions

Sound Opinions with Tame Impala

Break out your paisley shirt: psychedelic rockers Tame Impala are live in the studio! Kevin Parker and co. perform tracks from their latest album Lonerism. And later, Jim and Greg review the debut album from buzzed-about post-punk band, Savages.

Sound Opinions on Nick Drake

Decades after his death, UK songwriter Nick Drake gets his due. Jim and Greg talk legacy and tribute albums with Drake producer Joe Boyd. And later, they review the new album from Canadian shoegazers The Besnard Lakes.

Sound Opinions with Roger Ebert

Jim and Greg remember a friend and critical hero: Roger Ebert. In 2006, the three critics sat down to talk music movies and Ebert's own rock 'n' roll past.

Sound Opinions Celebrates Musical Grand Slams

This Week, Jim and Greg let the sports metaphors fly. They celebrate baseballs Opening Day by running down musical Grand Slams: four knockout albums in a row. Plus, have New Yorkers The Strokes hit it out of the park on album number five?

Sound Opinions with David Bowie producer Tony Visconti

Bowie is Back! Jim and Greg talk with longtime Bowie producer Toni Visconti about "Space Oddity," glam, and swinging London. Then they review David Bowies new album The Next Day, re-igniting their decades-long debate over the pop chameleons musical legacy.

The Sound Opinions World Tour: Sweden

Jim and Greg rack up the frequent flyer miles. They kick off the Sound Opinions World Tour with a musical voyage to Sweden. DJ Stefan Wermelin is our guide through Swedish Pop history from ABBA to Robyn.

Sound Opinions with Jimmy Cliff

Fresh off a Grammy win for Best Reggae Album, Jimmy Cliff is our personal guide through reggae history. Plus Jim and Greg review guitar great Richard Thompson's latest effort, and Jim sends the late Troggs singer Reg Presley off in style.

Sound Opinions with The dB's

The dBs werent ever big sellers, but theyre power pop royalty. This week, the bands live in the Sound Opinions studios. And later in the show, Jim and Greg review the new EP from Beyonces kid sister, Solange.

Sound Opinions: The Best Satirical Songs

With tongues planted firmly in cheek, Jim and Greg share their picks for the Best Satirical Songs in rock n roll. Later Greg and our own "Son of Jersey" Jim DeRogatis review the new record from Hobokens Yo La Tengo.

A Sound Opinions Genre Dissection: Shoegaze

Jim and Greg dive into the influential UK genre known as shoegaze. It might have made your ears bleed, but you loved every second of it! But first, they play "Ask the Critic" and answer some listeners nagging questions.

Sound Opinions on Supergroups

Jim and Greg explore the history of the Supergroup. Plus they review the new album from "Girl on Fire" Alicia Keys.

The Best Albums of 2012

Theyve made their lists and checked em twice. Now the big moment has arrived: Jim and Greg reveal the Best Albums of 2012 and hear some of your nominations.

A Big Star Double Classic Album Dissection

Jim and Greg celebrate power pop innovators Big Star. Plus they review King Animal, the new record from grunge godfathers Soundgarden.

Sound Opinions with John Cale

John Cale co-founded the Velvet Underground with Lou Reed, but he hasn't been sitting on his laurels. This week, the inveterate art rock experimenter is live in the Sound Opinions studio.

Sound Opinions 2012 Halloween Special: Monster Songs

"Monster Mash" not quite cutting it with the jaded trick-or-treaters in your neighborhood? Well you're in luck. On this year's Sound Opinions Halloween Special, Jim and Greg share some Monster Songs sure to send chills up the kids' spines.

Sound Opinions with Michael Angelakos of Passion Pit

Jim and Greg host Passion Pit frontman Michael Angelakos at the Sound Opinions studios. Michael opens up about his production style and mental health struggles, and gives one of our favorite stripped-down live performances ever.

Sound Opinions Live with Japandroids

Canadian garage rockers Japandroids join Jim and Greg onstage for a special taping of Sound Opinions Live at Chicagos Lincoln Hall. And later Jim and Greg review new releases from Green Day and The xx.

Sound Opinions Unearths Buried Treasures

Jim and Greg share some of their favorite music under the mainstream radar in the latest installment of Buried Treasures. Later, they review the debut album from indie supergroup Divine Fits.

Sound Opinions on the Elephant 6 Collective

Jim and Greg revisit their conversation with The Apples in Stereos Robert Schneider about the Elephant 6 recording collective. Plus, they review Anastasis, the new record from longtime 4AD band Dead Can Dance.

Sound Opinions on 1977: The Year Punk Broke (Part 2)

In part two of our series on 1977: The Year Punk Broke, Jim and Greg look at the punk movement stateside with music writer Ira Robbins. Then they review the new record from Brooklyn afrobeat band Antibalas.

Sound Opinions with Jack White

Jim and Greg sit down with the hardest working man in rock, Jack White, at Third Man studios in Nashville.

Sound Opinions Dissects Ziggy Stardust

Forty years after its release, David Bowies The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars gets the Classic Album Dissection treatment. And later in the show, Jim and Greg review the much-anticipated debut by R&B star Frank Ocean.

Sound Opinions Summer Record Reviews

Jim and Gregs inboxes having been filling up with new releases. Tune in as they review albums by Best Coast, Patti Smith, and Bobby Womack during our Summer Record Review Roundup. Plus, Billboards Joe Levy talks rock n roll cruises.

The Best Albums of 2012 (So Far)

Jim and Greg love lists so much, they cant wait until the end of the year to make them. Tune in as they run down the Best Albums of 2012...So Far. And later, they review Americana, the new album from rock legends Neil Young and Crazy Horse.

Sound Opinions on Electronic Dance Music

This week, Jim and Greg break out the glow sticks. Tune in for a primer on electronic dance music (EDM) with Control Voltage writer Philip Sherburne. Plus, a review of the new album from nineties alt-rockers Garbage.

Sound Opinions: Disco Doesn't Suck

Jim and Greg go Disco. Tune in to hear their thoughts on Donna Summer, Robin Gibb and why this oft-dissed genre deserves more respect. Plus, reviews of new releases from Beach House and Killer Mike.

Sound Opinions: Songs for Mom

Sound Opinions: The Return of the Rock Doctors

Paging the Rock Doctors! Jim and Greg offer up another round of musical healing for some patients in our audience. They also remember Levon Helm and review the solo debut from Jack White.

Sound Opinions with Alabama Shakes

They're making waves in the music world. Now you can hear the Alabama Shakes perform their take on southern soul and rock live in our studio. And Nicki Minaj has gone to #1, but is the album worth your hard-earned dough?

Sound Opinions with The Kills

They're gritty, they're grimy, they're bluesy. It's The Kills! Tune in for Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince performing in the studio. Plus, after three decades does Madonna still have it?

Sound Opinions with Nick Lowe

Jim and Greg talk to English singer, songwriter and producer Nick Lowe about his long career—from the punk and new wave scenes in the ‘70s to his most recent album The Old Magic. Plus, they review the new album from controversial Irish singer...

Sound Opinions with Fred Armisen

Put a bird on it! Comedian and musician Fred Armisen of Saturday Night Live and Portlandia talks about making it as a punk musician, Gadhafi the rock star, and spoofing SXSW. Plus, Jim and Greg review the new Springsteen and remember Monkees...

Sound Opinions: 1967 Part 2 - Monterey Pop

Tune in for Part Two of our exploration of the year 1967. This time: Monterey Pop and the Music Industry Grows Up Plus, David Lee Roth is back with Van Halen. How's the band sound almost three decades later?

Sound Opinions on 1967: The Album as Art

Go back in time to 1967. Jim and Greg explore this watershed year and discuss the birth of the album as art.

Sound Opinions: Short But Sweet Songs

Call them short, petite or brief, but our favorite under two minute tracks are some of rock's best. Tune in for Short But Sweet. And stick around for Jim and Greg's review of Hold Steady frontman Craig Finn's first solo effort.

Reviews of The Black Keys, GBV, Common & More

We've got big new releases coming out of our ears! Tune in to find out if the latest by Common, Guided By Voices and more get a Buy It, Burn It or Trash It.

The 2011 Desert Island Jukebox Special

About ready to escape to a desert island this winter? Some of our favorite guests have got the music covered. Tune in as members of Slayer, Wild Flag and LCD Soundsystem add songs they can't live without to the Sound Opinions Desert Island Jukebox.

The Best Albums of 2011

Jim and Greg present The Best Albums of 2011 and hear some of your favorites.

Rock Doctors with Paul Krugman

The Rock Doctors clinic is open for business. And this time Jim and Greg are assisting their first Nobel Prize-winning patient. Tune in to hear them talk music with economist and New York Times columnist Paul Krugman. Plus, they review new...

Sound Opinions with Wild Flag

They put the super in supergroup: Wild Flag is live in the studio! Plus, Jim and Greg review another supergroup of sorts, Lou Reed and Metallica.

The 2011 Sound Opinions Halloween Special

Tune in for this year's Sound Opinions Halloween Special. Get your dose of spooky, creepy and scary songs to greet the trick-or-treaters. Jim and Greg also review the new album from a Halloween all-star: Tom Waits.

Sound Opinions: Hero Worship

Hero Worship – Jim and Greg play a collection of songs that name-check great artists from the history rock and roll. And later they review new albums by R&B singer Van Hunt and metal group Mastodon.

Sound Opinions with Legendary Producer Bob Ezrin

Get ready to rock...Jim and Greg are joined by super-producer Bob Ezrin, the man behind albums by Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, Kiss and more. And they review the debut record by hip hop act Das Racist.

Sound Opinions with Bootsy Collins

Funkmaster Bootsy Collins walks Jim and Greg through a history of the genre. And later they review the new solo release by Fleetwood Mac's Lindsey Buckingham.

Sound Opinions on Songs About Work

Take a load off, and tune in to our Labor Day special featuring Songs About Work. Plus, are the new albums by the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lil Wayne worth your hard-earned paychecks?

Sound Opinions Unearths More Buried Treasures

Jim and Greg have a trove of Buried Treasures to play, and they review the new record by songwriting veteran John Hiatt. What's in your Buried Treasure chest? Call 888.859.1800.

Sound Opinions with The Swell Season

Despite the heat, it has been a "Swell Season." Sorry, we couldn't resist. Nor could we resist an opportunity to bring back one of your favorite interviews. Tune in for Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova of The Swell Season, plus reviews...

Sound Opinions with Bob Mould

Bob Mould spills all--from the Husker Du break-up to going solo. Plus, all you "Brian Eno" drinking game players get ready for this week's review.

Sound Opinions on Wax Trax! Records

Whether you are reliving your days on Lincoln Avenue or are new to the scene, tune in to hear Jim and Greg remember the great Wax Trax! Records. They'll be joined by label mates Chris Connelly and Paul Barker. Later...4 albums in, does...

Sound Opinions with Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil

Every wonder who is behind the classic pop songs you hear on the radio? This week Jim and Greg talk to the famed songwriting duo of Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. They tell the stories behind the songs "You've Lost That Loving Feeling,"...

Sound Opinions Celebrates Father's Day

Father's Day is right around the corner, so Jim and Greg decide to dedicate this show to the Dads out there. Later they review the new album by R&B singer Raphael Saadiq.

Sound Opinions with Mike Watt of The Minutemen

Mike Watt of the Minutemen takes us through the band's influential 1984 album Double Nickels on a Dime. And later Jim and Greg review new albums by Lady Gaga and Death Cab for Cutie.

Sound Opinions on the legacy of Riot Grrrl

It put the "Grrr" in Girl. Jim and Greg talk about the history of the Riot Grrrl movement with Sara Marcus, author of Girls to the Front. Later, they review new albums by '80s hit makers The Cars and Seattle folk rockers Fleet Foxes.

Sound Opinions on Bob Dylan: Going Electric

This week Bob Dylan starts to rock! Jim and Greg examine Dylan's electric years with legendary music figure Al Kooper.

Sound Opinions with Butch Vig

What's it like to spend hours in the studio with Kurt Cobain, Billy Corgan and Shirley Manson? Super-producer Butch Vig tells all. Plus, Jim and Greg review new records by the Foo Fighters and Paul Simon.

Sound Opinions: The Early Years of Bob Dylan

Jim and Greg kick off their birthday celebration for Bob Dylan. The rock legend turns 70 this spring, so Jim and Greg look back to how it all began. Plus, they review the new album by Swedish singer Lykke Li.

Sound Opinions Talks Sampling in Music

Call it art...call it stealing...sampling has become as important to modern music as the human voice. This week Jim and Greg pick some of their favorite sample-based tunes, and they talk to Kembrew McLeod about his documentary Copyright Criminals.

Sound Opinions with Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman

Elektra Records Jac Holzman takes Jim and Greg through the history of the great American label, which was home to Love, The Stooges and The Doors. And later they've got reviews of new albums by Adele and Lucinda Williams.

Sound Opinions looks at the legacy of The Monkees

Hey, Hey it's The Monkees! Jim and Greg dive into the story of the original made-for-TV band. Plus, reviews of PJ Harvey and Drive-By Truckers.

Sound Opinions with Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan

Duo Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan sit down with Jim and Greg for a conversation and live performance. Plus reviews of the North Mississippi Allstars and Destroyer.

Sound Opinions with Superchunk

Jim and Greg welcome indie rock pioneers Superchunk. Plus, The Decemberists say The King is Dead.

Sound Opinions Unearths Buried Treasures

If you made a New Year's resolution to get some new music, this is the show for you. Jim and Greg dig up their first batch of Buried Treasures for 2011. Later they review the debut album by breakout rapper Nicki Minaj.

A Classic Album Dissection: Songs in the Key of Life

With 21 songs, Stevie Wonder's Songs in the Key of Life is not just an epic album, but a classic one. Tune in for Jim and Greg's Classic Album Dissection of the 1976 release. Later they review new releases, and Greg drops a quarter...

The Best Albums of 2010

It's the best time of the year...the end! That means that music critics and fans have been furiously making note of their favorite albums of the year. Now Jim and Greg reveal theirs. Listen for the Best Albums of 2010.

The Sound Opinions Annual Turkey Shoot

Aid your turkey digestion by letting out a little Thanksgiving frustration during our annual Turkey Shoot. Jim, Greg and some listeners call out the year’s most disappointing albums. Later Jim and Greg review new releases by Bruce Springsteen...

Sound Opinions: The Rock Doctors Return

Paging the Rock Doctors! Jim and Greg provide a dose of new music to their latest patient. They also review new albums by Cee Lo Green and Brian Eno, and then Greg pops a quarter in the Desert Island Jukebox.

Sound Opinions Plays More of Our Favorite Scary Songs

It’s time for another Sound Opinions Halloween Special. Jim and Greg have once again scoured the dark underbelly of rock and roll to find the creepiest songs for the season. Plus they hear what tunes give the heebie jeebies to listeners from...

Sound Opinions with Slayer

This week we bring the rock: Slayer visits the studio. Plus, just what is Hurley doing on the cover of a Weezer album? Jim and Greg scratch their heads and review the record.

Sophomore Success Stories

The Sophomore Slump: Every artist dreads it, and few avoid it. But this week we focus on some noteworthy second albums that meet or beat the debut. Plus, Jim and Greg review Grindermans own sophomore release.

Sound Opinions Traces The Career of U2

U2: Dublin art-punks...stadium giants...and now Broadway babies? Tune in as Jim and Greg trace this unique evolution. Plus, a Future of Music Summit recap and reviews of new albums by Neil Young and Black Mountain.

Sound Opinions Looks at the History of the Moog

In anticipation of next weeks Moog Fest, Jim and Greg have their own synthesizer celebration. They talk to Moog historian Brian Kehew about the instruments history and legacy. Plus, they review the new album by Band of Brothers Kings of Leon.

A Classic Album Dissection: Pink Floyd's The Wall

It's over-the-top, larger-than-life and full of neuroses. No wonder The Wall remains a masterpiece today. Jim and Greg conduct a Classic Album Dissection of Pink Floyd’s The Wall and review the new Ben Folds/Nick Hornby collaboration.

Sound Opinions with Michael Rother of Neu!

Find out why Neu! truly deserves it’s ! Tune in to hear Jim and Greg’s conversation with German rock pioneer and Neu! co-founder Michael Rother. And stay tuned for reviews of the latest from Swedish pop singer Robyn and American indie rockers Superchunk.

Sound Opinions with White Mystery

Jim and Greg are joined by one of their favorite emerging bands—garage rock duo White Mystery. Plus they review the new joint effort by The Roots and John Legend.

Sound Opinions Fall Record Reviews

Katy Perry's Teenage Dream has hit #1. But is it a Buy It? Jim and Greg answer that question and review new albums by Mavis Staples, Of Montreal and more.

A Sound Opinions Classic Album Dissection: T-Rex's...

You were dancing when you were 12. Now bang a gong (and get it on)! Tune in for our Classic Album Dissection of T. Rex’s Electric Warrior. Plus, reviews of the new album by John Mellencamp and the soundtrack to Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World.

Sound Opinions looks at the History of Chess Records

Trace a line through the history of rock and roll, and you'll end up back at Chess Records. Jim and Greg discuss the history and legacy of the great Chicago blues label. Plus, they review the long-awaited collaboration between Danger Mouse,...

Sound Opinions with Stephen Street

This one’s for you, Britpop fans! We’ve got record producer Stephen Street talking about his work with The Smiths, Morrissey, Blur and more. Plus, Jim and Greg review the new record by pop provocateur M.I.A., and Jim adds a song to the Desert...

The Rock Fan's Guide to Country Music

Think you don’t like country? This is the show for you. Jim and Greg are joined by country music journalist Chrissie Dickinson for the Rock Fan’s Guide to Country. Later they review new releases by hip hop group The Roots and disco pop band...

Sound Opinions with Chrissie Hynde

Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders stops by the studio to debut her new project: JP, Chrissie & The Fairground Boys. Tune in to hear Chrissie talk about everything from her decades-long career to vampires. Plus, Jim and Greg review the Billboard...

Sound Opinions Lists The Best Albums of 2010 (So Far)

Big music fans start making their Best-Of lists early. Tune in to hear Jim and Greg’s selections for the Best Albums of 2010...So Far. Plus, they wonder what happens when rock meets Broadway.

Sound Opinions with Phoenix

Re-experience one of Jim and Greg’s favorite interviews of the year: Phoenix. Plus, what happens when veteran soul singer Betty LaVette tacks on the British rock canon? And, Greg adds a track he can’t live without to the Desert Island Jukebox.

Sound Opinions with The xx

Jim and Greg sit down with emerging British trio The XX and review the second album by Jack White side project The Dead Weather.

Sound Opinions with K'Naan

Jim and Greg welcome Somali-born rapper and poet K’Naan and review the new album from the new lineup of The Hold Steady.

Sound Opinions with Beach House

Escape to the dream-pop world of Beach House, and hear what Desert Island Jukebox song Greg can't live without. Plus, a review of the new record by Erykah Badu.

Sound Opinions with the Vivian Girls

Rock trio The Vivian Girls stop by for a conversation and live performance. Plus Jim and Greg review the latest album from R&B superstar, Usher.

Sound Opinions explores Synth-Pop

Get your Flock of Seagulls hairdo ready and tune in to hear Jim and Greg’s discussion of Synth-Pop. Plus they talk to OK Go front man and YouTube champion Damian Kulash.

Sound Opinions plays our favorite Songs About Radio

Video may have killed the radio star, but it can’t kill our love of the medium. Jim and Greg discuss the impact of radio on the music industry and their lives and play their favorite radio-inspired tracks. Plus, they review the new covers record...

Sound Opinions with Rivers Cuomo of Weezer

Rivers Cuomo lets Jim and Greg play producer: They pick the songs, they pick the band, and he performs his heart out. Plus, they review the new album from Yeasayer.

Sound Opinions with The Rock Doctors: Couples Therapy

There’s a healin’ going on: Jim and Greg once again become Rock Doctors to provide two listeners musical couple’s counseling. And later they review the new album from quiet storm queen, Sade.

Sound Opinions with Black Francis of the Pixies

Jim and Greg celebrate a landmark record of the indie-era with one of its creators: Black Francis aka Frank Black aka Charles Thompson. The Pixies singer and songwriter visits the show for a Classic Album Dissection of the band’s 1989 record...

Sound Opinions with Kid Sister

Jim and Greg welcome Chicago hip-hop artist Kid Sister for a conversation and live rap performance. Plus they review new albums from Vampire Weekend and Alicia Keys.

The Sound Opinions Desert Island Jukebox Special

Jim and Greg have handed Desert Island Jukebox quarters over to some of their favorite guests. Tune in to hear what music members of Franz Ferdinand, The Hold Steady and more say they cannot live without.

Sound Opinions lists Our Favorite Albums of 2009

The time has come! Jim and Greg reveal their favorite albums of the year. They also talk to listeners about their #1 albums.

Sound Opinions loads up for Our Annual Turkey Shoot

Sound Opinions’ Annual Turkey Shoot: It’s time to put those musical turkeys out of their misery...and ours. Tune in to hear Jim and Greg’s biggest musical disappointments of 2009. Then they'll review new albums from Rihanna and Julian Casablancas.

Sound Opinions Dissects Progressive Rock

You asked, and we deliver: An entire show dedicated to the larger-than-life world of Progressive Rock! Plus, Jim and Greg review the latest from Weezer, and then it’s Jim’s turn to drop a quarter into the Desert Island Jukebox.

Sound Opinions lists our Favorite Scary Songs

Celebrate Halloween with Sound Opinions. Jim and Greg will play their favorite Scary Rock Songs and hear some of your picks.

Sound Opinions with Ani DiFranco

Punk-folk singer Ani DiFranco visits the studio to talk about her independent music model, the hazards of touring and motherhood. Later, Jim and Greg review a surprising release from Bob Dylan.

Sound Opinions talks Music & Videogames

Jim and Greg discuss the phenomenon of rock video games with Greg LoPiccolo of Harmonix. Plus they review the latest from The Flaming Lips and the major label debut by The Gossip.

Sound Opinions looks the present, past, and future of U2

Love 'em or hate 'em, Bono and U2 are one of the biggest forces in music today. Tune in to hear Jim and Greg trace their path from Dublin kids to stadium giants. Later they review the new album from heavy metal band Anvil.