Sonic Youth – Kool Thing
Description
“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. Although he is never mentioned by name, the song’s lyrics contain several references to LL Cool J. Gordon’s lyrics that 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.
Critical reception
David Fricke of Rolling Stone referred to the song as “sexually charged,” praising Thurston Moore and Steve Shelley‘s guitar and drum work, respectively. Also from Rolling Stone, Matthew Perpetua designated the song as a “feminist anthem.” Jason Ankeny of AllMusic believed the song “teeters on the brink of a cultural breakthrough but falls just shy of the mark.” Robert Christgau praised Kim Gordon‘s performance on the song, citing “Kool Thing” as a standout track from Goo.
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.
Spin designated the video as one of the greatest music videos of 1990.
Live performances
On July 29, 1992, Sonic Youth performed “Kool Thing” on Hangin’ with MTV in New York City.
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.
“Kool Thing” has also been frequently 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.
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