"Kool Thing" is a song by American rock band Sonic Youth, released in June 1990 in the United States (as a promotional single) and September 1990 in Europe, as the first single from their sixth studio album Goo. The song was inspired by an interview bassist/singer Kim Gordon conducted with LL Cool J for Spin.[1][2] Although he is never mentioned by name, the song's lyrics contain several references to LL Cool J. Gordon's lyrics make reference to several of the rapper's works, including the single "I Can't Live Without My Radio" and the album Walking With a Panther. She also repeats the line "I don't think so", which appears in LL Cool J's "Going Back to Cali". Chuck D also contributed spoken vocals to the song.
| "Kool Thing" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Sonic Youth featuring Chuck D | ||||
| from the album Goo | ||||
| B-side |
| |||
| Released | June 1990 | |||
| Recorded | March–April 1990 | |||
| Studio | Sorcerer Sound Recording Studios and Greene Street Recording, New York City | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 4:06 | |||
| Label | DGC | |||
| Songwriter(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) | ||||
| Sonic Youth singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Alternate cover | ||||
 UK cassette and US 12" cover | ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Kool Thing" on YouTube | ||||
Music video
The music video for "Kool Thing", released on June 4, 1990, was the band's first for a major label. The video was directed by Tamra Davis. The video focused on Gordon's fascination with 1960s radicalism (particularly Patty Hearst and the Black Panthers), and featured the band wearing glam style clothing. The video was stylized after LL Cool J's "Going Back to Cali" video, down to the black-and-white camera and go-go dancers. Gordon initially wanted to wear a beret and carry an Uzi, as a self-described "poseur-leftist girl lusting after Black Panthers concept". However, Geffen vetoed the plan. Chuck D appeared in the video.
In pop culture
"Kool Thing" was featured in TV shows, films and video games including Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Simple Men, Gilmore Girls, True Crime: New York City, Once Upon a Time and Mr. Robot in addition to appearing as downloadable content for Rock Band.
Legacy
Brian Molko of Placebo said that "Kool Thing" was the first song he ever heard by Sonic Youth, adding that if it were not for them, his own band would never have existed.[3]
Track listings
UK 7" (GEF 81)
- "Kool Thing" – 4:06
- "That's All I Know (Right Now)" (Richard Hell, Tom Verlaine) – 2:20
UK 12" (GEF 81T)
- "Kool Thing" – 4:06
- "That's All I Know (Right Now)" (Hell, Verlaine) – 2:20
- "Kool Thing (8 Track Demo Version)" – 4:15
EU CD (GEF 81CD)
- "Kool Thing" – 4:06
- "That's All I Know (Right Now)" (Hell, Verlaine) – 2:20
- "Dirty Boots (Rock & Roll Heaven Version)" – 5:28
- "Kool Thing (8 Track Demo Version)" – 4:15
US 12" promo (PRO-A-4123)
- "Kool Thing" – 4:06
- "Kool Thing (8 Track Demo Version)" – 4:15
Chart positions
| Chart (1990) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Irish Singles Chart[4] | 24 |
| UK Singles (OCC)[5] | 81 |
| US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[6] | 7 |
References
- ^ Blanco, John (1991-03-20). "STAYING KOOL SONIC YOUTH SURVIVES A MAJOR LABEL". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved 2009-12-23.
- ^ Gordon, Kim (September 1989). "Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy". Spin. Retrieved 2017-11-30.
- ^ Brian Molko - Radio XFM - Part 4 - Takeover Show The Residency - 27.12.2009 + some Pictures on YouTube
- ^ "Search the charts". irishcharts.ie. Irish Recorded Music Association. Archived from the original on July 21, 2011. Retrieved January 16, 2013. N.B. User must define search parameters by entering either "Sonic Youth" into Search by Artist and clicking search or "Kool Thing" into Search by Song Title and clicking search.
- ^ "Sonic Youth: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 7 August 2017.
- ^ "Sonic Youth Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 7 August 2017.