Kool Thing


"Kool Thing" is a song by American rock band Sonic Youth, released in June 1990 in the United States 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 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, 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 ', Simple Men, Gilmore Girls, ', Once Upon a Time and Mr. Robot in addition to appearing as downloadable content for Rock Band.

Legacy

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.

Track listings

UK 7"
  1. "Kool Thing" – 4:06
  2. "That's All I Know " – 2:20
UK 12"
  1. "Kool Thing" – 4:06
  2. "That's All I Know " – 2:20
  3. "Kool Thing " – 4:15
EU CD
  1. "Kool Thing" – 4:06
  2. "That's All I Know " – 2:20
  3. "Dirty Boots " – 5:28
  4. "Kool Thing " – 4:15
US 12" promo
  1. "Kool Thing" – 4:06
  2. "Kool Thing " – 4:15

    Chart positions