This week, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot are joined by Ratboys lead singer and songwriter Julia Steiner. The Chicago band's sixth album, "Singin' To An Empty Chair," is one of the most acclaimed releases of 2026 so far. The hosts also review the new album from Chicago rockers, Friko.
Jim and Greg review the eagerly anticipated second album from Friko, “Something Worth Waiting For.” The Chicago band has been touring relentlessly, opening for bands like Dinosaur Jr. in large arenas.
Ratboys
Jim and Greg talk with Julia Steiner, the songwriter and singer of Ratboys. After 16 years the band is going as strong as it ever has, with their album “Singin’ To An Empty Chair” continues a string of brilliant albums.
Featured Songs:
Ratboys, "Anywhere," Singin' To An Empty Chair, New West, 2026
The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967
Friko, "Seven Degrees," Something Worth Waiting For, ATO, 2026
Friko, "Guess," Something Worth Waiting For, ATO, 2026
Friko, "Alice," Something Worth Waiting For, ATO, 2026
Friko, "Choo Choo," Something Worth Waiting For, ATO, 2026
Ratboys, "Folk Song For Jazz," AOID, Topshelf, 2015
Rat Boy, "My Name Is Rat Boy," Internationally Unknown, Parlophone, 2019
Ratboys, "Elvis Is In The Freezer," GN, Topshelf, 2017
Ratboys, "Just Want You To Know The Truth," Singin' To An Empty Chair, New West, 2026
Ratboys, "Making Noises for the Ones You Love," The Window, Topshelf, 2023
Ratboys, "Burn It Down," Singin' To An Empty Chair, New West, 2026
Ratboys, "At Peace In The Hundred Acre Wood," Singin' To An Empty Chair, New West, 2026
Ratboys, "Light Night Mountains All That," Singin' To An Empty Chair, New West, 2026
Lou Reed, "Vicious," Transformer, RCA, 1972
Dear Listeners,
For more than 15 years, Sound Opinions was a production of WBEZ, Chicago's public radio station. Now that the show is independent, we're inviting you to join the band and lend a hand! We need your support more than ever because now we have to do all the behind-the-scenes work that WBEZ handled before (like buying insurance and paying for podcast hosting, ugh). Plus, we have some exciting ideas we'd like to try now that there's no one to tell us no!
Please consider becoming a Sound Opinions member by giving whatever you can via Patreon or with a one-time donation through PayPal. Thanks for listening, and thanks for your support!
