Ratboys & Opinions on Friko
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.
Something Worth Waiting For 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
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