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Sound Opinions: Daily Summaries Delivered
by WBEZ Chicago
Take two nationally respected rock critics, the latest music news, personal commentary, and exclusive interviews and performances, add a huge pile of records old and new, and the result is Sound Opinions, where people who love music can come together.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 2 days agoconversational50 min5-min read
Ranking Rock Bands' Best and Worst Songs with Bill Wyman
Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reunite with their former colleague Bill Wyman, now based in Australia, to discuss his new book Bill Wyman's Rock and Roll Lists, a collection of exhaustive, opinionated rankings of songs by legendary rock acts like the Beatles, Nirvana, and Pink Floyd — not for the sake of definitive judgment, but as a vehicle for sharp cultural criticism and storytelling.
- 4 days agoconversational7 min4-min read
A Song So Great Even Muzak Couldn’t Ruin It
On a bonus episode of 'Sound Opinions,' hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Cott reminisce about music discoveries, sparked by Greg hearing a Muzak version of a classic track in a grocery store. He revisits the original — 'Back to Life' by Soul II Soul — praising its genre-blending brilliance and live performance power. The conversation meanders through musical nostalgia, Chicago quirks, and self-deprecating humor about their public appeal.
- 1 weeks agointerview50 min6-min read
Phoebe Bridgers Plus Opinions on Westside Cowboy
Phoebe Bridgers' early 2018 interview on Sound Opinions reveals the raw, introspective artistry behind her debut album Stranger in the Alps, showcasing how personal trauma, cultural references, and a defiantly honest songwriting voice coalesced into a record that would quietly redefine indie folk. Her collaboration with producer Tony Berg was combative but transformative, ultimately yielding a sound that blends melancholy, dark humor, and cinematic detail.
- 1 weeks agoconversational11 min4-min read
A Tribute and an Apology to Vic Chesnutt
On a bonus episode of Sound Opinions, Jim DeRogatis shares a deeply personal and regretful memory from a 1998 South by Southwest panel about Paul McCartney, where his flippant remarks upset fellow panelist and revered cult singer-songwriter Vic Chesnutt. The conversation pivots to a heartfelt tribute to Chesnutt’s haunting artistry, culminating in a play of his song 'Flirted With You All My Life'—a chilling meditation on death.
- 2 weeks agointerview50 min5-min read
"Soul Man" and "Hold On, I'm Comin'" Songwriter David Porter, Plus Opinions on Alabama Shakes
David Porter, a foundational figure in soul music and co-writer of classics like 'Soul Man' and 'Hold On, I’m Coming,' reflects on his Memphis roots, the church and Beale Street’s influence, and his groundbreaking partnership with Isaac Hayes at Stax Records. His memoir, Soul Man, aims to set the record straight on his legacy and the collaborative, racially integrated magic of Stax.
- 2 weeks ago7 min
Grocery Store Muzak Reminds Greg of a Great 1989 R&B Hit
In this bonus episode, Greg touts the merits of a British, late '80s hit he was reminded of when he heard the muzak version of it in the grocery store.Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9TBecome a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvcSign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/4frcVZoMake a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lUSend us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundopsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
- 3 weeks agoconversational48 min6-min read
Buried Treasures, RIP Dolly Parton
The episode of Sound Opinions pays a heartfelt tribute to Dolly Parton following her passing, celebrating her legacy not only as a country music icon but as a groundbreaking feminist songwriter and cultural force. The hosts, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot, then pivot to their signature segment, 'Buried Treasures,' spotlighting a diverse array of under-the-radar and emerging artists across global genres, from Japanese anti-idol pop to French garage psych, British jungle revival, and queer Southern storytelling in indie rock.
- 3 weeks agoconversational5 min3-min read
A Playful Post-Punk Romp
In this bonus episode of Sound Opinions, hosts Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis spotlight overlooked female post-punk bands, focusing on the Modettes and their 1980 single 'White Mice'—a fiery anthem of female sexual empowerment with a standout hand-clap breakdown. Jim champions the song as one of the era’s most vital yet underappreciated singles, celebrating its raw energy and feminist edge.
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About Sound Opinions
Take two nationally respected rock critics, the latest music news, personal commentary, and exclusive interviews and performances, add a huge pile of records old and new, and the result is Sound Opinions, where people who love music can come together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Sound Opinions daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Sound Opinions as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Sound Opinions podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
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No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by WBEZ Chicago.
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How often does Sound Opinions release new episodes?
Sound Opinions publishes every few days. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Sound Opinions cover?
Sound Opinions covers topics including History, Music, Technology, Arts, Culture, Society & Culture, Performing Arts. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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