It's a solar-powered Sound Opinions this week, as ace journalist/activist Bill McKibben returns to the show. As Bill says: “Renewable energy has suddenly become the obvious, cost-efficient choice… a very big and hopeful thing.” We provide the soundtrack: bit.ly/47BspGj

It's all happening. And couldn't be more timely.

Looking forward to the conversation with Bob Mould, followed by his solo electric set at Old Town School. Oct. 5. Ticket info here: oldtownschool.org/concerts/2025/…

Latin jazz legend Eddie Palmieri is gone, but his music still cooks. What a life, what a career. A few words about the master on Sound Opinions: bit.ly/46jVZPj

What the hell is "dad rock" anyway? Niko Stratis opens doors with some new perspective on how this maligned genre can change lives, as it did hers. bit.ly/4gg7Jpe

Redford was terrific in so many potent movies. My faves include "Three Days of the Condor," "Sneakers" and "Quiz Show." But nothing tops "All the President's Men." For us journalism students of a certain vintage, this movie helped point the way forward.

A classic, fom Mapplethorpe's cover shot to Patti's startling declaration of intent in the LP's first line. And then there's "Birdland," in which Smith pleads, “Please, take me up.” How did we get here? And how do we get the hell out? Sound Opinions: bit.ly/3Vl7T5h

Excited and honored to be the guest on today's episode of Sound Opinions discussing my book SUCH GREAT HEIGHTS and 21st century indie rock with living legends Greg Kot and Jim DeRogatis. Check it out at the link or wherever you get your podcasts: soundopinions.org/show/1034

Indie rock, we hardly knew you. Where it started & where it went. We talk with Chris DeVille, author of "Such Great Heights: The Complete Cultural History of the Indie Rock Explosion," on Sound Opinions. Some spiel here: bit.ly/4gOQufk The show: bit.ly/3IIqp4G

It’s a political movie but not a preachy one. It’s set in the now. And it’s both an entertainment and something much more. With a helluva Jonny Greenwood soundtrack. A few words about "One Battle After Another": tinyurl.com/meufdcsr

Jim Kimball (RIP) put the overdrive into Laughing Hyenas, Mule, The Jesus Lizard, and more. He also did some fine work with Duane Denison and Ken Vandermark in a completely different musical vein. A few words about a drummer supreme on Sound Opinions: bit.ly/42fkXNs

How the scene that emerged in a funky Manhattan neighborhood shaped the future of American music. Sound Opinions with author David Browne. My spiel here: bit.ly/4gVKQYx Interview with David here: bit.ly/4mRRyjT Enjoy!

Bob Mould in Chicago last night: “I’m astonished at the lack of protest music in the face of everything that’s out there today," he said, then went out and did something about it. His solo set spoke to what's happening in our streets. The review: tinyurl.com/3xd56ndw

Diane Keaton (right) in 1968 rock musical "Hair":

Arthur Baker has been crafting perfect beats since the '70s for myriad artists across multiple genres: New Order, Afrika Bambaataa, Bob Dylan, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Neneh Cherry, Al Green + many more. The Sound Opinions interview: bit.ly/4q741mz

Stunned by the death of D'Angelo at age 51. He left behind a small but powerful legacy: Three vital LPs and a series of concerts that I'll never forget. In 2000, "Voodoo" was my album of the year, and here's a bit of what I wrote about it back then: shorturl.at/JxNvB

D'Angelo, the son of a preacher man, connecting the dots between generations. In the lineage of the greats, an incalculable loss. youtube.com/watch?v=DMb8Bh…

Chicago was getting after it today. Proud of my city. Miles and miles of citizen activists. Boisterous but peaceful protest. But kings? No thanks.