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.

Sound Opinions

#770: Give The Drummer Some

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? Jim and Greg focus on the contributions of drummers to rock music.

#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 Galaxy 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 and Greg 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

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