Kool Thing

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"Kool Thing"
Sykoolthing.jpg
Single by Sonic Youth featuring Chuck D
from the album Goo
B-side
  • "That's All I Know (Right Now)"
  • "Dirty Boots"
ReleasedJune 1990 (1990-06)
RecordedMarch–April 1990
StudioSorcerer Sound Recording Studios and Greene Street Recording, New York City
Genre
Length4:06
LabelDGC
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Sonic Youth singles chronology
"Touch Me I'm Sick"
(1988) 		"Kool Thing"
(1990) 		"Dirty Boots"
(1991)
Alternate cover
UK cassette and US 12" cover
UK cassette and US 12" cover
Music video
"Kool Thing" on YouTube

"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.

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 and formats[]

  1. "Kool Thing" (LP Version) – 4:04
  2. "That's All I Know (Right Now)"  – 2:30
  1. "Kool Thing" (LP Version) – 4:04
  2. "That's All I Know (Right Now)"  – 2:30
  3. "Kool Thing" (8 Track Demo Version) – 4:13
  1. "Kool Thing" (LP Version) – 4:07
  2. "That's All I Know (Right Now)"  – 2:18
  3. "Dirty Boots" (Rock & Roll Heaven Version) – 5:26
  4. "Kool Thing" (8 Track Demo Version) – 4:13

Charts[]

Chart (1990) Peak
position
Ireland (IRMA)[8] 24
UK Singles (OCC)[9] 81
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[10] 7

References[]

  1. ^ Blanco, John (1991-03-20). "STAYING KOOL SONIC YOUTH SURVIVES A MAJOR LABEL". Phoenix New Times. Retrieved 2009-12-23.
  2. ^ Gordon, Kim (September 1989). "Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy". Spin. Retrieved 2017-11-30.
  3. ^ Brian Molko - Radio XFM - Part 4 - Takeover Show The Residency - 27.12.2009 + some Pictures on YouTube
  4. ^ Kool Thing (EU 7-inch Vinyl Single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF 81.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  5. ^ Kool Thing (UK Cassette Single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF81C.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  6. ^ Kool Thing (UK 12-inch Vinyl Single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF 81T.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. ^ Kool Thing (EU CD Single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF 81CD.CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Kool Thing". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  9. ^ "Sonic Youth: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
  10. ^ "Sonic Youth Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2021.

External links[]

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