#744 Songs About Time, Ask the Critics Pt. 2

Let's "Rock Around the Clock" like Bill Haley told us to! 2020 is another leap year, Daylight Savings is around the corner and this week, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot explore their favorite Songs About Time. They also answer more listener questions for another edition of Ask the Critics, ranging from their personal experiences making music to their biggest disagreements.

#743 Buried Treasures & Briston Maroney

It's time again for hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot to share their latest buried treasures: recently released, under-the-radar albums you need to hear! Plus, Jim takes a trip to the desert island jukebox to play a song he can't live without. Then, they hear from musician Briston Maroney about the song that got him Hooked On Sonics.

#742 Ask the Critics, Hologram Tours & Opinions on Wire

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot answer listener questions in a segment called Ask the Critics! They’ll give responses on subjects like musical taste, disagreements with each other and what it’s really like to be a professional critic. Plus, they’ll talk to music journalist Mark Binelli about the rise of deceased musician hologram tours. They also review the new album from English art rock band Wire.

#741 King Crimson, R.I.P. Andy Gill of Gang of Four

King Crimson is a legendary progressive rock band that has evolved through the decades in innovative, and sometimes surprising ways. This week, Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis explore the constant evolution of the classic band that refuses to rest on its laurels. Plus, Jim and Greg pay tribute to Gang of Four guitarist Andy Gill, dead at the age of 64.

#740 Best Film Acting Performances By Musicians, Host of Slow Burn on the Muders of Tupac & Biggie

Over the years, several notable musicians have tried their hand at acting in movies, whether it’s playing a character or playing themselves. While the results are mixed, there have been a handful of great, pitch perfect performances. With the Oscars looming, Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot share some of their favorite acting performances by musicians in film. They’ll also talk with Joel Anderson, host of the third season of the podcast Slow Burn, which focuses on the murders of the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur.

#739 Mary Wilson of The Supremes, Opinions on Drive-By Truckers & Torres

Motown Records helped create the soundtrack for a generation. And no group at that famous label was more iconic than The Supremes, both for their sound, and for their groundbreaking glamour. This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to Mary Wilson of The Supremes about her days at Motown, and how the group became international ambassadors representing an entire community. Jim and Greg also review new records from the Southern rock band Drive-By Truckers and indie singer-songwriter Torres.

#738 The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds, R.I.P. Neil Peart & Opinions on Beach Slang

Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys elevated pop music to new artistic heights with the band's 1966 masterpiece Pet Sounds. With its ingenious orchestrations and earnest lyrics, the album remains an enormous influence to this day. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot present a Classic Album Dissection of Pet Sounds. They also review the new album from punk band Beach Slang and bid farewell to Neil Peart of Rush.

#737 Buried Treasures & Folk Singer-Songwriter Joan Shelley

A new year calls for new tunes. 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. These artists might not be household names, but they're definitely worth adding to your collection. They'll also talk to folk singer-songwriter Joan Shelley about recording her latest album in Iceland and how her Louisville, Kentucky heritage manifests in her music.

#736 Songs About Pot, Rock Doctors & Angie McMahon

As of January 1, 2020, Illinois joins several states in legalizing recreational marijuana. Hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot acknowledge the numerous songs about weed and share some of their favorites. Plus, Jim and Greg are the rock doctors, finding walk up music for a martial artist. They also find out what unique song got singer-songwriter Angie McMahon hooked on sonics.

#735 Albums of the Decade, Greg's Mixtape, Juice WRLD & Roy Loney

This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot close out 2019 and the 2010s by sharing some of their best albums of the decade. Then, Greg will share his annual mixtape and the hosts will discuss musicians the world lost this year, including rapper Juice WRLD and Flamin' Groovies lead singer Roy Loney.