Greg KotEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this bonus episode of Sound Opinions, Jim shares a Kot-esque pick from a band named after someone very dear to him. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot have been writing about Chicago and music for a long time. Greg was the rock music critic at the Chicago Tribune from 1990 to 2020. Jim spent 15 years as the music critic at the Chicago Sun Times . Both have written several great books - Greg's published books include Wilco: Learning How to Die, I'll Take You There Mavis Staples and Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music. Jim's titles include Let It Blurt: The Life and Times of Lester Bangs, Staring at Sound: The True Story of Oklahoma's Fabulous Flaming Lips and Soulless: The Case Against R. Kelly. But they may be best known for the long-running podcast Sound Opinions which celebrated its 1,000th episode in 2025. We loved getting the chance to talk shop with Jim & Greg about what it has been like to cover music for so long, how things have evolved over the years and what they like (and dislike) about Chicago. As a disclaimer - Jim's views on Chicago pizza are his alone and do not reflect the opinions of No Wristbands (and he's clearly wrong!). https://www.gregkot.com/ https://jimdero.com/ Time stamps: 3: What's the biggest misconception people have about being music journalists? 10: What are some of your greatest music discovery moments you've experienced in Chicago? 14:30: What has changed throughout your time as being a music journalist? 17:45: With the rise of online music publications, did that have any impact on how you wrote and/or talked about music? 28: People should get paid to be music journalists. 32: Who are some bands/artists from Chicago that you felt like never hit as big as they should have? 35:25: What makes Chicago such a good and unique music scene? 45: What keeps you going with Sound Opinions? 48:44: Thick or thin crust pizza fans? 51:45: What are some of your favorite venues to see shows at in Chicago?

One conversation is not enough! Greg Kot is back by popular demand. We hop into the time machine and discuss what was happening in Wilco world thirty years ago this summer. We discuss the break-up of Uncle Tupelo, the recording of AM, and the eventual recording of Being There. Greg also shares a song he wishes Wilco would cover. The answer might just surprise you. Greg Kot was the former rock critic at the Chicago Tribune for 30 years and is cohost of "Sound Opinions" -- "the world's only rock 'n' roll talk show" -- an independently produced podcast that airs on more than 150 public-radio stations nationwide. Listen here: soundopinons.org . Kot is also the author of seven books, including "Wilco: Learning How to Die," which is available at numerous on-line outlets and independent bookstores, including "Exile in Bookville" in Chicago: https://www.exileinbookville.com/ . --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/shovingwilco/support

In this episode of Shoving Wilco, Todd visits with the venerable rock critic and author Greg Kot to unpack his phenomenal book, "Wilco: Learning How to Die." In this thought-provoking episode, Greg Kot, known for his insightful commentary on music and culture, shares his firsthand experiences and unique insights into the world of Wilco. "Learning How to Die" isn't just a book about a band; it's a journey through the evolution of Wilco's sound, the struggles they've faced, and the artistry that has defined their career. _____ Greg Kot was the former rock critic at the Chicago Tribune for 30 years and is cohost of "Sound Opinions" -- "the world's only rock 'n' roll talk show" -- an independently produced podcast that airs on more than 150 public-radio stations nationwide. Listen here: soundopinons.org . Kot is also the author of seven books, including "Wilco: Learning How to Die," which is available at numerous on-line outlets and independent bookstores, including "Exile in Bookville" in Chicago: https://www.exileinbookville.com/ .

Mike and Chris are joined by former Chicago Tribune rock critic, author, and the man behind the liner notes for the 1998 Cheap Trick reissues, Greg Kot as they look back at "Stiff Competition" from the band's 1978 album, HEAVEN TONIGHT.

"People ask us, 'What's your favorite record?' Our answer is 'The one we're going to hear next week.'" That anecdote on today's show from Greg Kot is why he and his Sound Opinions co-host Jim DeRogatis have inspired legions of music journalists for decades: Between emotional reactions to pop music and intellectual analysis of art-rock, they consistently remain curious. As former critics at the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times respectively, they have seen weird fads, legendary careers and physical media come and go, documenting it all -- whether in print, via the web or on the air. On this episode, Greg and Jim dive into their own early obsessions with vinyl, whether or not we can truly judge someone by their record collection, and why music criticism shouldn't be a solo project. Find Sound Opinions wherever you hear podcasts, or at soundopinions.org .

Elephant 6 was more than a record label, it was an artistic movement that included the bands Neutral Milk Hotel, Apples in Stereo and Olivia Tremor Control among many others. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Adam Clair about his book on Elephant 6, "Endless Endless." Plus Jim and Greg also review new albums by Jack White and Sharon Van Etten. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Send us a Voice Memo: Desktop: bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Mobile: sayhi.chat/soundops Featured Songs: The Apples in Stereo, "Seems So ," Tone Soul Evolution, spinART, 1997 Jack White, "Taking Me Back," Fear Of The Dawn, Third Man, 2022 Jack White, "What's The Trick?," Fear Of The Dawn, Third Man, 2022 Jack White, "Hi-De-Ho (feat. Q-Tip)," Fear Of The Dawn, Third Man, 2022 Jack White, "Shedding My Velvet," Fear Of The Dawn, Third Man, 2022 Sharon Van Etten, "I'll Try," We've Been Going About This All Wrong, Jagjaguwar, 2022 Sharon Van Etten, "Anything," We've Been Going About This All Wrong, Jagjaguwar, 2022 Sharon Van Etten, "Darkness Fades," We've Been Going About This All Wrong, Jagjaguwar, 2022 Sharon Van Etten, "Far Away," We've Been Going About This All Wrong, Jagjaguwar, 2022 Sharon Van Etten, "Headspace," We've Been Going About This All Wrong, Jagjaguwar, 2022 Sharon Van Etten, "Come Back," We've Been Going About This All Wrong, Jagjaguwar, 2022 Neutral Milk Hotel, "Two Headed Boy," In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, Merge, 1998 Olivia Tremor Control, "Define A Transparent Dream," Music from the Unrealized Film Script: Dusk at Cubist Castle, Elephant 6, 1996 Neutral Milk Hotel, "Holland, 1945," In The Aeroplane Over The Sea, Merge, 1998 The Music Tapes, "Saw Pingpong and Orchestra," Music Tapes for Clouds and Tornadoes, Merge, 2008 Neutral Milk Hotel, "Engine (Live)," Engine (Live), N/A, N/A Circulatory System, "Yesterday's World," Circulatory System, Cloud, 2001

Welcome back to the Rock 'n Roll Ghost Podcast . On this week's episode, the Ghost speaks with Greg Kot , creative director of The Coda Collection , a streaming music film channel available for Apple, Android and more. Kot, the former Chicago Tribune music critic and current co-host, along with Jim DeRogatis , of the music-focused radio show Sound Opinions , discusses his role at The Coda Collection . He also discusses the recent deaths of musicians Mark Lanegan and Taylor Hawkins , as well as the upcoming music festival season, how he keeps up with current music and being an active part of youth basketball with Over the Edge Hoops . Links: Greg Kot The Coda Collection Sound Opinions Over the Edge Hoops

Author Dawnie Walton talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about what inspired her debut novel, The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, a fantasy rock history about a fierce black singer in the 1970s. Plus Jim and Greg talk with Merry Clayton, whose iconic performance on "Gimme Shelter" still didn't make her a household name. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Record a Voice Memo: https://bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Featured Songs: Merry Clayton, "Southern Man," Merry Clayton, Ode, 1971 Material, "Bustin' Out," Bustin' Out, Celluloid, 1981 Talking Heads, "Slippery People (Live)," Stop Making Sense, Sire, 1984 Betty Davis, "Dedicated To the Press," Nasty Gal, Island, 1975 Betty Davis, "They Say I'm Different," They Say I'm Different, Just Sunshine, 1974 The Rolling Stones, "Gimme Shelter," Let It Bleed, Decca, 1969 Bobby Darin, "Who Can I Count On?," You're the Reason I'm Living, Capitol, 1963 Elvis Presley, "Happy Ending," It All Happened At the World's Fair (Original Soundtrack), RCA Victor, 1963 Ray Charles, "I Won't Leave," A Portrait of Ray, ABC, 1968 Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Sweet Home Alabama," Second Helping, MCA, 1974 Merry Clayton, "Touch The Hem Of His Garment," Beautiful Scars, Ode Sounds & Visuals, 2021 Merry Clayton, "A Song For You," Merry Clayton, Ode, 1971 Merry Clayton, "Deliverance," Beautiful Scars, Ode Sounds & Visuals, 2021 Lil Nas X, "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)," Montero, Columbia, 2021

As a co-founder and executive at I.R.S. Records, Miles Copeland found success in the 1980s with a roster of artists ranging from R.E.M. to The Police to the Go-Go's. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Miles about his influential career and his new memoir. Plus, Jim and Greg review some new music from Brandi Carlile & Parquet Courts. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Record a Voice Memo: https://bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Featured Songs: R.E.M., "The One I Love," Document, I.R.S., 1987 Brandi Carlile, "Right On Time," In These Silent Days, Elektra, 2021 Brandi Carlile, "Broken Horses," In These Silent Days, Elektra, 2021 Brandi Carlile, "Mama Werewolf," In These Silent Days, Elektra, 2021 Brandi Carlile, "Stay Gentle," In These Silent Days, Elektra, 2021 Parquet Courts, "Plant Life," Sympathy For Life, Rough Trade, 2021 Parquet Courts, "Walking At A Downtown Pace," Sympathy For Life, Rough Trade, 2021 Parquet Courts, "Marathon Of Anger," Sympathy For Life, Rough Trade, 2021 Parquet Courts, "Pulcinella," Sympathy For Life, Rough Trade, 2021 R.E.M., "Begin the Begin," Life's Rich Pageant, I.R.S., 1986 Siouxsie and the Banshees, "Hong Kong Garden," The Scream, Polydor, 1978 The Police, "Roxanne," Outlandos d'Amour, A&M, 1978 Buzzcocks, "What Do I Get?," What Do I Get? (Single), United Artists, 1978 Buzzcocks, "Why Can't I Touch It?," Everybody's Happy Nowadays, United Artists, 1979 Sting, "Desert Rose (feat. Cheb Mami)," Brand New Day, A&M, 1999 The Bangles, "Walk Like An Egyptian," Different Light, Columbia, 1986 Sydney Sprague, "object permanence (feat. Danielle Durack)," maybe i will see you at the end of the world, Rude, 2021

Following up the guitar masterpiece of OK Computer, Radiohead threw the music world for a loop with Kid A. More than twenty years after it's release hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Steven Hyden about how the album was made and its lasting impact. Plus Jim and Greg talk with author Paul Gorman about the subversive life of Malcolm McLaren, the manager of the Sex Pistols. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Sign up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3eEvRnG Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Record a Voice Memo: https://bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Featured Songs: Radiohead, "Idioteque," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000 Radiohead, "How To Disappear Completely," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000 Radiohead, "Subterranean Homesick Alien," OK Computer, Parlophone, 1997 Travis, "Writing To Reach You," The Man Who, Independiente, 1999 Autechre, "Rae," LP5, Warp, 1999 Radiohead, "Fake Plastic Trees," The Bends, Parlophone, 1995 Radiohead, "Everything In Its Right Place," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000 Radiohead, "Kid A (Live)," Unreleased, N/A, 2001 Radiohead, "Kid A," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000 Radiohead, "Treefingers," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000 Radiohead, "The National Anthem (Live)," Unreleased, N/A, 2001 Radiohead, "15 Step," In Rainbows, Parlophone, 2007 Radiohead, "The National Anthem," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000 Sex Pistols, "Anarchy In the U.K.," Never Mind the Bullocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, Virgin, 1977 Sex Pistols, "God Save the Queen," Never Mind the Bullocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, Virgin, 1977 Sex Pistols, "Pretty Vacant," Never Mind the Bullocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, Virgin, 1977 Bow Wow Wow, "I Want Candy," The Last of the Mohicans, RCA, 1982 Malcolm McLaren, "Buffalo Gals," Duck Rock, Virgin, 1983 Dawn Richard, "Bussifame," Second Line, Merge, 2021

Host Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot interview authors Jeff Chang and Davey D about their new edition of "Can't Stop Won't Stop," the essential hip hop history first published 16 years ago. Plus Jim and Greg review new albums by Dry Cleaning and Dawn Richard and hear what song got Beach Bunny inspired to pursue music as a career. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3sivr9T Become a member on Patreon: https://bit.ly/3slWZvc Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/3dmt9lU Record a Voice Memo: https://bit.ly/2RyD5Ah Featured Songs: Dawn Richard, "Boomerang," Second Line, Merge, 2021 Dawn Richard, "Bussifame," Second Line, Merge, 2021 Dawn Richard, "Mornin Streetlights," Second Line, Merge, 2021 Dawn Richard, "Jacuzzi," Second Line, Merge, 2021 Dry Cleaning, "Her Hippo," New Long Leg, 4AD, 2021 Dry Cleaning, "Scratchcard Lanyard," New Long Leg, 4AD, 2021 Dry Cleaning, "More Big Birds," New Long Leg, 4AD, 2021 E-40, From The Ground Up (feat. Too $hort and K-Ci and JoJo), "E-40," The Element Of Surprise, Jive, 1998 Rapsody, "12 Problems," 12 Problems (Single), Roc Nation, 2020 Kendrick Lamar, "Alright," To Pimp A Butterfly, TDE, 2015 Young M.A., "Ooouuu," Her-story, M.A. Music, 2016 Tyler, the Creator, "I Ain't Got Time!," Flower Boy, Columbia, 2017 LL Cool J, "I Need Love," Bigger and Deffer, Def Jam, 1987 Living Legends, "Loose Cannon," Angelz Wit Dirty Faces, Outhouse, 2000 The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, "Language of Violence," Hypocrisy Is the Greatest Luxury, Island, 1992 Kanye West, "Roses," Late Registration, Roc-A-Fella, 2005 Beach Bunny, "Cloud 9 (feat. Tegan and Sara)," Cloud 9 (feat. Tegan and Sara) (Single), Mom+Pop, 2021 Grimes, "Kill V. Maim," Art Angels, 4AD, 2015 Heart, "Crazy On You," Dreamboat Annie, Mushroom, 1975

Black women haven't been celebrated enough in rock music. Author Dawnie Walton talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about how that inspired her debut novel, The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, a fantasy rock history about a fierce black singer in the 1970s. Plus Jim and Greg talk with Merry Clayton, whose iconic performance on "Gimme Shelter" still didn't make her a household name. Join our Facebook Group: https://bit.ly/3rozD7u Become a member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/soundopinions Make a donation via PayPal: https://bit.ly/36zIhZK Record a Voice Memo: https://bit.ly/2PaahgL Featured Songs: Merry Clayton, "Southern Man," Merry Clayton, Ode, 1971 Material, "Bustin' Out," Bustin' Out, Celluloid, 1981 Talking Heads, "Slippery People (Live)," Stop Making Sense, Sire, 1984 Betty Davis, "Dedicated To the Press," Nasty Gal, Island, 1975 Betty Davis, "They Say I'm Different," They Say I'm Different, Just Sunshine, 1974 The Rolling Stones, "Gimme Shelter," Let It Bleed, Decca, 1969 Bobby Darin, "Who Can I Count On?," You're the Reason I'm Living, Capitol, 1963 Elvis Presley, "Happy Ending," It All Happened At the World's Fair (Original Soundtrack), RCA Victor, 1963 Ray Charles, "I Won't Leave," A Portrait of Ray, ABC, 1968 Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Sweet Home Alabama," Second Helping, MCA, 1974 Merry Clayton, "Touch The Hem Of His Garment," Beautiful Scars, Ode Sounds & Visuals, 2021 Merry Clayton, "A Song For You," Merry Clayton, Ode, 1971 Merry Clayton, "Deliverance," Beautiful Scars, Ode Sounds & Visuals, 2021 Art d'Ecco, "Tv God," Tv God (Single), Paper Bag, 2021

Welcome to Roadcase, a podcast exploring the live music experience!! Greg and Jim are the hosts of Sound Opinions and are two of the most renowned rock critics out there. It was a real treat to interview them about the role and influence of live music in rock criticism, some of their favorite shows, the dying independent venue, and how Live Nation is ruining local music. Enjoy!! For more information: http://www.roadcasepod.com or http://lnk.to/roadcase To support Roadcase on Patreon, please visit: http://www.patreon.com/roadcasepod Contact: info@roadcasepod.com Theme music: "Eugene" (Instrumental) by Waltzer Roadcase is produced by Josh Rosenberg and Soothsayer Media Contact: info@soothsayer.media

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with bassist Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s about her book All I Ever Wanted: A Rock 'n’ Roll Memoir. They discuss her independent childhood, finding her musical family with the Go-Go’s and more. Plus, Jim and Greg review new music from Shamir and Shemekia Copeland. Greg also bids farewell to Eddie Van Halen.

Sarah Shook is an artist expertly bridging the worlds of punk grime and honky tonk played on sawdust floors. But it's her smart, pithy lyrics about love that grip listeners and don't let go. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot chat with country singer-songwriter Sarah Shook about her musical journey, activism and her latest record, Years. Also, Greg will return from the South By Southwest music conference with a report on some of his new favorite bands.

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Emmy-winning music supervisor Susan Jacobs. Over her 30 year career, she's worked with directors like Spike Lee, David O. Russell and Robert Altman on placing music within movies. Most recently, she made the jump to television with HBO's Sharp Objects and Big Little Lies. Jim and Greg talk to Susan about the effects of great music on screen and how she convinced Led Zeppelin to let her expertly use the band's music in Sharp Objects. They'll also review new albums from Prince and singer-songwriter Sam Phillips.

As the lead guitarist of the groundbreaking political rock band the MC5, Wayne Kramer experienced both the highs of recognition and the sting of defeat. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Kramer 50 years after the band's iconic debut Kick Out the Jams. They chat about his new memoir, the '60s Detroit rock scene and discuss his experiences with overcoming drug abuse and jail time. Jim and Greg will also review the new album from hip hop artist Noname and pay tribute to the late Chicago blues legend Otis Rush.

PJ Morton is an indie soul artist that just happens to be in Maroon 5, one of the biggest pop groups in the country. But his solo sound is light years away from Top 40 R&B, blending his New Orleans gospel roots with strains of Stevie Wonder. PJ joins Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and performance. Plus, Jim and Greg discuss the cultural zeitgeist which is rapper Drake's latest album.

Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with two members of the Spanish women rock band Hinds about their unique take on punk rock and how they've reached fans in America and the U.K. Also, with an influx of new releases, it’s time for a review round-up! Jim and Greg give their opinions on new albums from Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Neko Case and Parquet Courts.

On his debut record, The Autobiography, Vic Mensa raps about his life growing up on the South Side of Chicago. With a confessional tone, he explores topics like community, violence, drugs, and racism. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with Mensa about his influences, his struggles and the experience of growing up “five blocks from the projects and five blocks from Obama’s house." Plus, they review the latest album from tUnE-yArDs and Jim pays tribute to the late Dolores O'Riordan of The Cranberries and Greg bids farewell to South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela.

As creator, writer, and star of the critically acclaimed TV comedy Difficult People, Julie Klausner not only crafts the show's jokes but also guides its soundtrack. This week, she joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a hilarious discussion of the show's music and her own musical tastes, and she even attempts to win them over to musical theatre. Plus, Jim and Greg review a new album from Beck and a collaboration between Courtney Barnett and Kurt Vile.

Episode #72: As long as there’s been music, there have been music critics. Like many professions, music review has been indelibly changed by the Internet. For a while, a numerical rating on Pitchfork could make or break a band. Blogs and social media emerged, and suddenly, truly everyone was a critic. On this episode, we hear from music critics about their role today and more. We’re joined by Sound Opinions’ (WBEZ) Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis, Julianne Escobedo Shepherd (Jezebel), Bob Ham (Paste), and former New York Times critic, Ben Ratliff. Subscribe to The Future of What on iTunes: http://apple.co/1P4Apk0 Follow us: Twitter: http://bit.ly/2gOYMYM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefutureofwhat/ Instagram: http://bit.ly/1L6T8fl

The proverbial Desert Island Jukebox is filled with songs that hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot would want with them if they were marooned on a remote isle. This week, Jim and Greg hand quarters out to guests like Mary J. Blige, Sleater-Kinney, and Rush to select the tracks they can't live without. Plus, an interview and performance from the Brooklyn rock band Sunflower Bean.

With an eclectic all-instrumental blend of rock, jazz, dub, electronics, and the avant-garde, Tortoise emerged as the leading band of Chicago’s so-called “post-rock” scene in the 1990s. On its seventh album The Catastrophist, the group has introduced a radical new element: vocals. Tortoise joins hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a conversation and performance. Jim and Greg also explore the history and legacy of the post-rock movement. Plus, a tribute to Alan Vega of Suicide and a review of the new album from British soul musician Michael Kiwanuka.

It’s not a political rally without a crowd-pumping and uplifting playlist. But political campaign teams are not always great music tastemakers. NPR’s National Political Correspondent Don Gonyea talks with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about hearing the same songs over and over on the campaign trail. Then Jim and Greg play campaign managers and make a list of better campaign theme songs. Plus, a review of the long-awaited second album from Australian electronic group The Avalanches.

From his studio in Memphis, Sun Records founder Sam Phillips was the first to record Elvis Presley, Howlin’ Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more. Music writer Peter Guralnick joins host Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot for a discussion about the pioneering rock ‘n’ roll producer. Then Jim and Greg review the new record-setting album from British singer Adele.

Sound Opinions pays tribute to New Orleans pianist, producer and songwriter Allen Toussaint who died on November 10, 2015. The music legend chatted with hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot in the studio in 2013 after the release of his album Songbook. Later in the show, Jim and Greg review a New Zealand import from The Chills.

At the dawn of the twenty first century, the music business looked forward to its sixth decade of monopolistic dominance of the sale and manufacture of recorded music. An industry that once had dozens of labels competing for consumer dollars had become, thanks to a series of mergers, controlled by a small handful of international conglomerates by the late nineties. Similar trends had played out in the commercial-radio and concert industry sectors of the industry. The net result was massive profits for these multinational corporations, and rising prices for compact discs and concert tickets for consumers. Yet as Chicago Tribune music critic Greg Kot ably and acerbically shows in his page-turning Ripped: How the Wired Generation Revolutionized Music(Scribner, 2009) the landscape of the industry had been utterly transformed within a decade. In 1999, the introduction of the Napster peer-to-peer file sharing service made it possible for anyone with an Internet connection and a computer to download and create a huge music library, all without paying a cent to artists or their labels. The creation of such digital networks also allowed artists to market and sell their music directly to consumers, thereby bypassing the industry’s label system. This digital revolution likewise rendered compact discs, once the driver of industry profits, on the path to obsolescence and made the iPod as essential to music consumption as the phonograph had been for much of the twentieth century. Through his illuminating interviews with key figures drawn from all sectors of the industry, Kot skillfully makes sense of this dizzying era of change, one that has seen long established notions of copyright, profit, and creativity in the music business all called into question. Greg Kot has been the Tribune ‘s music critic covering pop, rock, and hip-hop since 1990. He is the author of three other books, including Wilco: Learning How to Die (Three Rivers Press, 2004), and hosts the nationally syndicated radio program Sound Opinions , “the world’s only rock ‘n’ roll talk show,” which can be heard on over one hundred stations nationwide. His next book, I’ll Take You There: Mavis Staples, the Staple Singers and the March up Freedom’s Highway , will be published by Scribner in January 2014. He can be reached through his personal blog, gregkot.com , and via Twitter @gregkot . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/music

Greg Kot of The Chicago Tribune, Co-Host of Sound Opinions, and author of Learning How To Die joins the show this week. We talk about his history in Chicago, Sound Opinions, Wilco, and more. Live Show Wednesday November 9th 8 P.M. at The Upstairs Gallery.