The Best Albums of 2020 So Far
While the year is only half over, hosts 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.
Greg Kot
Host, Sound Opinions
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Cover Songs, Opinions on Jehnny Beth and RIP Jimmy Cobb
This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the roots of the term “cover song” and dig into the surprising stories behind some of rock’s most notable examples, from Elvis’s rendition of “Hound Dog” to the Feelies doing the Rolling Stones. Plus, Jim and Greg share a few of their favorites. They also review the debut solo album by Jehnny Beth of Savages.
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Listen: New Music from Sound Opinions
Looking for new music that you won’t hear on the radio or almost anywhere else? Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some recent songs they’re loving (aka Buried Treasures) that are beneath the mainstream radar. They also answer some questions from listeners in another edition of Ask the Critics.
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How Music Can Help Process Turmoil
Greg Kot reflects on the role music has played in making sense of a tumultuous world.
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Concerts That Shaped Us, They Call Me Disco & RIP Tony Allen
In a time when most independent concert venues have a doubtful future, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot relive their favorite moments they’ve experienced in live concerts. They also review Ric Wilson and Terrace Martin’s They Call Me Disco and pay tribute to recently deceased percussionist, Tony Allen.
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History in Song, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast
Sometimes musicians double as historians, documenting the world around them. This week, Jim and Greg 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.
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Listen: Let Jim And Greg Take You On A Virtual Vacation With Music
Destinations include India (Big Star), Japan (Lupe Fiasco) and Italy (Morcheeba). Plus, a tribute to Little Richard, who died last week.
The Best Albums of 2019
As 2019 comes to a close, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot reflect on the best albums of the year. They also hear from Sound Opinions producers and listeners about their favorites.
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21st Century Protest Music & Opinions on Robyn
Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot discuss the impact of protest music in the 21st century and name a few of their favorite tracks from the genre from the last 18 years. They also review Robyn’s new album, Honey, and Greg chooses a favorite song to add to the Desert Island Jukebox.
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Chess Records
Chess Records is the Chicago label that gave rise to Muddy Waters, Etta James and a force of nature named Chuck Berry, who died March 18.
