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.

In the music world, record stores are important economically, but also as community hubs. We talk with the directors of the documentary "Other Music" as well as record store owners in North Carolina and Ohio about how they're adapting to coronavirus times. Plus they talk with music loving comedian Hannibal Buress about his drive in theater tour.

#774 Hannibal Buress & How Record Stores Are Adapting

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot dissect Yes's 1977 masterpiece album Going For the One. They talk about the progressive rock band's history, the rich music and they interview lead singer Jon Anderson about the making of the record. Jim and Greg also review the latest from Detroit rock band Protomartyr.

#773 Yes' Going For The One & Protomartyr Review

Nothing in the world can stop great music from being created. Even now there are songs coasting under the radar, not being enjoyed by enough people. We have a new batch of buried treasures to share. Plus, we talk with venue owners, activists and politicians working to save American stages that have been shut down due to the global pandemic.

#772 Buried Treasures & the Future of Music Venues

Oftentimes the best way to celebrate a new venture is with great music, and we could all use a fresh start right about now. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite songs about new beginnings. They also review new records from country singer-songwriter Margo Price and the late Chicago rapper Juice Wrld.

#771 Songs About New Beginnings

What role do drums play in Rock? Should they be keeping the beat or leading from the front? Who are some of the greatest drummers in rock music? The beat goes on as Jim and Greg focus on the contributions of drummers to rock music with drummer Joe Wong. Wong also hosts a podcast on drummers called The Trap Set.

#770: Give The Drummer Some

The Replacements never had a hit song, but few bands have inspired such a deep connection with their fans. Bob Mehr, author of the biography Trouble Boys, talks with Jim and Greg about the band. Plus we revisit our interview with Mission of Burma.

#769: The Replacements & Mission of Burma

Jim and Greg explore the background and influence of the Velvet Underground’s debut with a classic album dissection.

#768 The Velvet Underground & Nico

Jim and Greg talk with Galaxie 500’s Damon Krukowski about the value of analog listening in an increasingly digital world. They’ll also review new albums from Neil Young and the mysterious Sault.

#767 The New Analog & Opinions On Neil Young

Jim and Greg chat with Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz about his new book, Remain In Love. The book tracks the bands commercial success and internal strife. Plus, they dig into some of their favorite tracks by the 'Heads’ and Tom Tom Club.

#766 Chris Frantz and Talking Heads

From Curtis Mayfield to Minnie Riperton, Jim and Greg explore the Chicago Soul scene. They’ll examine how the music tells the story of political and cultural change in Chicago. Plus, they look at the movement’s lasting impact.

#765 Chicago Soul

In these confusing and anxious times, we could all use the occasional helping hand. This week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share their favorite songs about helping. Then they help a listener find new music to soothe her grandmother.

#764 Songs About Help and the Rock Doctors

It's time for another edition of Buried Treasures, where Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis share some under-the-radar new music you need to hear. Plus, we hear from the singer-songwriter Caroline Rose about the song that got her interested in making music.

#763 Buried Treasures & Caroline Rose

Bill Withers is beloved for classics like Lean On Me, but Greg contends that Withers’ best album is Live at Carnegie Hall. Jim and Greg honor Withers’ life with a classic album dissection of that record and review the latest from Phoebe Bridgers.

#762 Bill Withers' Live at Carnegie Hall & Opinions on Phoebe Bridgers

Sometimes current events inspire urgent art. Jim and Greg share their favorite instant commentary tracks, songs that were published in a hurry in hopes of affecting change. Plus we review the latest from Bob Dylan.

#761 Instant Commentaries & Opinions on Bob Dylan

While the year is only half over, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot couldn’t wait until December to share their favorite albums. This week, Jim and Greg share their picks for the Best Albums of 2020 so far.

#760 Best Albums of 2020...So Far

Jim and Greg discuss the value of cover songs and dig into the surprising stories behind some of rock's most notable examples. Also, they review the debut solo album from artist Jehnny Beth and remember drummer Jimmy Cobb.

#759 Cover Songs, Opinions on Jehnny Beth & Remembering Jimmy Cobb

Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some recent songs they're loving that are beneath the mainstream radar. They also answer some questions from listeners in another edition of Ask the Critics.

#758 Buried Treasures & Ask The Critics

In a time when most independent concert venues have a doubtful future, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot relive their favorite moments experienced at live concerts. They also review the new EP by rapper Ric Wilson and pay tribute to percussionist, Tony Allen.

#757 Concerts That Shaped Us & Opinions On They Call Me Disco

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite tracks about historical figures, events and places. Plus, a conversation with Best Coast's Bethany Cosentino about sobriety and how it has affected her music.

#756 History in Songs & Best Coast

Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot take a virtual vacation via music! Tour guides including Kraftwerk, Spoon and A Tribe Called Quest will take you to Japan, India, Italy and more. Plus, they go on a real trip to Seattle to interview Mudhoney. And they remember Little Richard.

#755 Virtual Vacations, Mudhoney in Seattle, & RIP Little Richard

This week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk about the history of women in hip-hop, and how amazing MCs have been chronically undervalued since the beginning of the art form. They also review new records from Jason Isbell and Chicano Batman.

#754 God Save the Queens: Women in Hip-Hop, Opinions on Jason Isbell & Chicano Batman, Hamilton Bohannon

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot review the new records from Fiona Apple, The Weeknd and more. They’ll hear how the Boston Red Sox's organist is keeping busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus, we bid farewell to Bill Withers.

#753: Review Roundup, Bill Withers & the Red Sox Organist

With nothing but time on our hands, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are back with a new batch of Buried Treasures. They're always on the lookout for great new music beyond the FM dial and this week they share their latest finds. Plus we'll hear a live performance and interview with singer and violinist Sudan Archives.

#752 Buried Treasures & Sudan Archives

Back in the 1950s, artists like Little Richard and Liberace found unique ways to present their sexuality within the “acceptable” boundaries existing in society, and in many ways, pushed them. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have a discussion about sexuality in music. They also review new albums by pop artist Dua Lipa and indie acts Waxahatchee and Melkbelly.

#751 Rocking the Closet: Sexuality in Music, Opinions on Dua Lipa, Waxahatchee & Melkbelly

This week Sound Opinons welcomes prolific singer, songwriter, and producer Raphael Saadiq. Perhaps most widely known as a member of the 1990s R&B band Tony! Toni! Toné!, he's also released five critically acclaimed solo albums, all the while producing notable work for others, including "Lady" by D'Angelo, and "Cranes In The Sky" by Solange. Plus, Jim and Greg bid farewell to legendary songwriter John Prine.