"Kool Thing" was the first major label single from American noise rock band Sonic Youth's 1990 album Goo. It was released in June 1990 on Geffen Records. The song was inspired by an interview bassist/singer Kim Gordon conducted with LL Cool J for Spin in which the two artists clashed.[1] 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 contributes some vocals in the song.
Contents[]
Music video[edit][]
The music video for "Kool Thing" was the band's first for a major label. The video was directed by Tamra Davis. The video deals with Kim Gordon's fascination with 1960s radicalism (particularlyPatty Hearst and the Black Panthers), and features 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 style dancers. One of the Go-Go dancers is Amma Walcott. Gordon initially wanted to wear a beret and carry an Uzi, as a self-described "poseur-leftist girl lusting after Black Panthers concept." However, the higher ups at Geffen vetoed the plan.
The video was released June 4, 1990.
In pop culture[edit][]
- It is featured in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock and available as downloadable content for the Rock Band video game series.
- It is featured in the video game True Crime: New York City.
- The video features Chuck D of Public Enemy, who also appears on the song.
- The song was used in the Hal Hartley film Simple Men.
- In season six, episode 16 of Gilmore Girls, when getting ready for an event, "Kool Thing" can be heard in the background.
- Brian Molko of Placebo said that this 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.[2]
- In season one, episode 8 "Desperate Souls" of Once Upon a Time (TV series), while Emma was messing with a toaster
Track listings[edit][]
- 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 & Rock 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[edit][]
| Chart (1990) | Peak
position |
|---|---|
| Irish Singles Chart[3] | 24 |
| UK Singles Chart[4] | 81 |
| US Billboard Modern Rock Tracks[5] | 7 |