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			{{Infobox song
	{{Refimprove\|date=September 2010}}
			\| name = Kool Thing
	{{Infobox single
	\| ~~Name~~ = ~~Kool Thing~~		\| cover = Sykoolthing.jpg
	\| ~~Cover~~ = ~~Sykoolthing.jpg~~		\| alt =
	\| ~~Artist~~ = ]		\| type = single
	\| ~~from Album~~ = ]		\| artist = ]
			\| album = ]
	\| B-side = "That's All I Know (Right Now)", "Dirty Boots (Rock and Roll Heaven version)", "Kool Thing (8-track demo version)"
	\| ~~Released~~ = ~~June 1990~~		\| B-side = {{flatlist\|
			* "That's All I Know (Right Now)"
	\| Format = ], ], ]
			* "Dirty Boots"
	\| Recorded =
	\| Genre = ], ]
	\| Length =
	\| Label = ]
	\| Writer = ]
	\| Producer =
	\| Last single = ]<br/>(1989)
	\| This single = "Kool Thing"<br/>(1990)
	\| Next single = "]"<br/>(1990)
	}}		}}
			\| released = {{Start date\|1990\|06}}
	"'''Kool Thing'''" was the first major label single from ]'s 1990 album '']''. It was released in June 1990 on ]. The song was inspired by an interview bassist/singer ] conducted with ] for '']'' in which the two artists clashed.<ref>{{Cite web\|url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1991-03-20/music/staying-koolsonic-youth-survives-a-major-label/\|title=STAYING KOOLSONIC YOUTH SURVIVES A MAJOR LABEL\|publisher='']''\|author=Blanco, John\|date=1991-03-20\|accessdate=2009-12-23}}</ref> 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 "]" and the album '']''. She also repeats the line "I don't think so", which appears in LL Cool J's "]". ] also contributes some vocals in the song.
			\| recorded = March–April 1990

			\| studio = Sorcerer Sound Recording Studios and Greene Street Recording, ]
	==Track listing==
			\| venue =
	#"Kool Thing" (LP version) - 4:06
			\| genre = {{flatlist\|
	#"That's All I Know (Right Now)" - 2:20
			* ]<ref>{{cite web\|last=Pearis\|first=Bill\|date=July 2, 2020\|title=Sonic Youth have 'Goo' masks & t-shirts for LP's 30th anniversary (vintage posters, too)\|url=https://www.brooklynvegan.com/sonic-youth-have-goo-masks-t-shirts-for-lps-30th-anniversary-vintage-posters-too/\|access-date=December 31, 2021\|website=]}}</ref>
	#"Dirty Boots" (Rock and Roll Heaven version) - 5:28
			* ]<ref>{{cite web\|last=Leas\|first=Ryan\|date=August 1, 2018\|title=30 Essential Grunge Songs\|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2007171/30-essential-grunge-songs-playlist/lists/ultimate-playlist/\|access-date=December 31, 2021\|website=]}}</ref>
	#"Kool Thing" (8-track demo version) - 4:15
			\|}}
			\| length = {{Duration\|m=04\|s=06}}
			\| label = ]
			\| writer = {{flatlist\|
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			* ]
			\|}}
			\| producer = {{flatlist\|
			* ]
			* ]
			\|}}
			\| chronology = ]
			\| prev_title = ]
			\| prev_year = 1988
			\| next_title = ]
			\| next_year = 1991
			\| misc = {{Extra album cover
			\| header = Alternate cover
			\| type = single
			\| cover = Kool Thing alternate.jpg
			\| border =
			\| alt =
			\| caption = UK cassette and US 12" cover
			}}{{External music video\|type=single\|{{YouTube\|SDTSUwIZdMk\|"Kool Thing"}}}}
			}}
			"'''Kool Thing'''" is a song by American ] band ], released in June 1990 in the ] (as a ]) and September 1990 in ], as the first single from their sixth ] '']''. The song was inspired by an interview bassist/singer ] conducted with ] for '']''.<ref>{{cite web\|last=Blanco\|first=John\|date=March 20, 1991\|title=STAYING KOOL SONIC YOUTH SURVIVES A MAJOR LABEL\|url=http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1991-03-20/music/staying-koolsonic-youth-survives-a-major-label/\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216125915/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/1991-03-20/music/staying-koolsonic-youth-survives-a-major-label/\|archive-date=February 16, 2015\|access-date=December 23, 2009\|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine\|last=Gordon\|first=Kim\|author-link=Kim Gordon\|date=September 1989\|title=Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=PK1uLUXpAzoC&pg=PA50\|magazine=]\|volume=5\|issue=6\|page=50\|access-date=November 30, 2017}}</ref> 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 ]'s works, including the single "]" and the album '']''. She also repeats the line "I don't think so", which appears in LL Cool J's "]". ] also contributed spoken vocals to the song.

			==Critical reception==
	"That's All I Know (Right Now)" is a cover of a Neon Boys song, an early ] project.
			] of '']'' referred to the song as "sexually charged," praising ] and ]'s guitar and drum work, respectively.<ref name="Fricke">{{cite magazine \|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/goo-252759/ \|title=Goo \|magazine=] \|date=August 9, 1990 \|access-date=April 17, 2013 \|last=Fricke \|first=David \|author-link=David Fricke}}</ref> Also from ''Rolling Stone'', Matthew Perpetua designated the song as a "feminist anthem."<ref>{{Cite magazine \|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-lists/sonic-youth-three-decades-of-dissonance-11679/making-the-nature-scene-19927/ \|title=Sonic Youth: Three Decades of Dissonance \|first=Matthew \|last=Perpetua \|magazine=Rolling Stone \|date=March 28, 2012 \|access-date=April 22, 2022}}</ref> Jason Ankeny of ] believed the song "teeters on the brink of a cultural breakthrough but falls just shy of the mark."<ref name="Ankeny">{{cite web \|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/goo-mw0000308187 \|title=Goo – Sonic Youth \|website=] \|access-date=April 17, 2013 \|last=Ankeny \|first=Jason}}</ref> ] praised ]'s performance on the song, citing "Kool Thing" as a standout track from '']''.<ref>{{cite book \|last=Christgau \|first=Robert \|author-link=Robert Christgau \|year=2000 \|chapter=Sonic Youth: Goo \|chapter-url=http://www.robertchristgau.com/get_album.php?id=3212 \|access-date=April 17, 2013 \|title=Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s \|title-link=Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s \|publisher=] \|isbn=0-312-24560-2}}</ref>

	==Music video==		==Music video==
	The music video for "Kool Thing" was the band's first for a major label. The video was directed by ]. The video ~~deals~~ ~~with ]~~'s fascination with 1960s radicalism (particularly ] and the ]), and ~~features~~ the band wearing glam style clothing. The video was stylized after ] "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~~.		The ] for "Kool Thing", released on June 4, 1990, was the band's first for a major label. The video was directed by ]. The video focused on Gordon's fascination with 1960s radicalism (particularly ] and the ]), and featured the band wearing glam style clothing. The video was stylized after LL Cool J's "]" video, down to the black-and-white camera and ]. Gordon initially wanted to wear a beret and carry an ], as a self-described "]-leftist girl lusting after Black Panthers concept". However, ] vetoed the plan. Chuck D appeared in the video.

			'']'' designated the video as one of the greatest music videos of 1990.<ref name="spin2">{{cite magazine \|last=\|first=\|title=Albums of the Year \|magazine=] \|volume=6 \|issue=9 \|page=54 \|publication-date=December 1990}}</ref>
	The video was released June 4, 1990

	==~~Singles~~ ~~chart~~==		==Live performances==
			On July 29, 1992, Sonic Youth performed "Kool Thing" on ''Hangin' with MTV'' in New York City.<ref name="pitchfork">{{cite web\|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/679-invisible-hits-sonic-youths-live-legacy/\|title=Invisible Hits: Sonic Youth's Live Legacy\|last=Wilcox\|first=Tyler\|date=February 23, 2015\|work=]\|accessdate=April 24, 2022}}</ref>
	{\| class="wikitable"

	! Year
			==Legacy==
	! Single
			] of ] 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.<ref>{{youtube\|ZSzmOuENvFI\|Brian Molko - Radio XFM - Part 4 - Takeover Show The Residency - 27.12.2009 + some Pictures}}</ref>
	! Chart

	! Peak
			"Kool Thing" has also been frequently featured in TV shows, films and ]s, including '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']'', in addition to appearing as downloadable content for '']''.

			==Track listings and formats==
			*'''7" vinyl and cassette single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes\|title=Kool Thing\|others=Sonic Youth\|year=1990\|type=European 7-inch vinyl single liner notes\|publisher=DGC\|id=GEF 81}}</ref><ref>{{cite AV media notes\|title=Kool Thing\|others=Sonic Youth\|year=1990\|type=United Kingdom cassette single liner notes\|publisher=DGC\|id=GEF81C}}</ref>
			#"Kool Thing" (LP version) – 4:04
			#"That's All I Know (Right Now)"  – 2:30

			*'''12" vinyl'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes\|title=Kool Thing\|others=Sonic Youth\|year=1990\|type=United Kingdom 12-inch vinyl single liner notes\|publisher=DGC\|id=GEF 81T}}</ref>
			#"Kool Thing" (LP version) – 4:04
			#"That's All I Know (Right Now)"  – 2:30
			#"Kool Thing" (8 track demo version) – 4:13

			*'''CD single'''<ref>{{cite AV media notes\|title=Kool Thing\|others=Sonic Youth\|year=1990\|type=European CD single liner notes\|publisher=DGC\|id=GEF 81CD}}</ref>
			#"Kool Thing" (LP version) – 4:07
			#"That's All I Know (Right Now)"  – 2:18
			#"]" (Rock & Roll Heaven version) – 5:26
			#"Kool Thing" (8 track demo version) – 4:13

			==Credits and personnel==
			Credits and personnel are adapted from the ''Goo'' album liner notes.<ref name="album">{{cite AV media notes\|others=Sonic Youth\|title=]\|year=1990\|type=CD liner notes\|publisher=]\|id=9 24297-D2}}</ref>

			'''Sonic Youth'''
			* ] – guitar, ]
			* ] – guitar, vocals, production
			* ] – vocals, bass guitar, production
			* ] – drums, percussion, production

			'''Guest musicians'''
			* ] – additional vocals

			'''Technical'''
			* ] – production, recording, additional percussion
			* ] – production, ], ]
			* Nick Sansano – additional engineering
			* Dan Wood – assistant engineering
			* John Herman – assistant engineering
			* Judy Kirschner – assistant engineering
			* ] – ]

			==Charts==
			{\| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
	\|-		\|-
	\| 1990		!scope="col"\|Chart (1990)
			!scope="col"\|Peak<br>position
	\| "Kool Thing"
	\| Modern Rock Tracks
	\| No. 7
	\|-		\|-
			{{singlechart\|Ireland2\|24\|song=Kool Thing\|rowheader=true\|access-date=June 14, 2021\|refname="irl"}}
	\| 1990
			\|-
	\| "Kool Thing"
			{{singlechart\|UKsinglesbyname\|81\|artist=Sonic Youth\|rowheader=true\|access-date=June 14, 2021\|refname="uk"}}
	\| UK Singles Chart
			\|-
	\| No. 81
			{{single chart\|Billboardalternativesongs\|7\|artist=Sonic Youth\|rowheader=true\|access-date=June 14, 2021\|refname="air"}}
	\|}		\|}

	==In pop culture==
	*It is featured in the video game '']'' and available as downloadable content for the '']'' video game series.
	*It is featured in the video game '']''.
	*The video features ] of ], who also appears on the song.
	*The song was used in the ] film '']''.
	*In season six, episode 16 of '']'', when getting ready for an event, "Kool Thing" can be heard in the background.
	*] of ] 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.<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSzmOuENvFI</ref>

	==References==		==References==
	{{Reflist}}		{{Reflist}}

			==External links==
			* {{YouTube\|SDTSUwIZdMk\|"Kool Thing" Music video}}

	{{Sonic Youth}}		{{Sonic Youth}}

			{{Authority control}}

	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
			]

	]		]
			]
	]
	]
	]

Latest revision as of 16:54, 7 April 2024

1990 single by Sonic Youth

"Kool Thing"

Single by Sonic Youth

from the album Goo

B-side

"That's All I Know (Right Now)"
"Dirty Boots"

Released

June 1990 (1990-06)

Recorded

March–April 1990

Studio

Sorcerer Sound Recording Studios and Greene Street Recording, New York City

Genre

Length

4:06

Sonic Youth singles chronology

"Touch Me I'm Sick"
(1988)

"Kool Thing"
(1990)

"Dirty Boots"
(1991)

Alternate 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. 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.

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.

Track listings and formats

7" vinyl and cassette single

"Kool Thing" (LP version) – 4:04
"That's All I Know (Right Now)" – 2:30

12" vinyl

"Kool Thing" (LP version) – 4:04
"That's All I Know (Right Now)" – 2:30
"Kool Thing" (8 track demo version) – 4:13

CD single

"Kool Thing" (LP version) – 4:07
"That's All I Know (Right Now)" – 2:18
"Dirty Boots" (Rock & Roll Heaven version) – 5:26
"Kool Thing" (8 track demo version) – 4:13

Credits and personnel

Credits and personnel are adapted from the Goo album liner notes.

Sonic Youth

Thurston Moore – guitar, production
Lee Ranaldo – guitar, vocals, production
Kim Gordon – vocals, bass guitar, production
Steve Shelley – drums, percussion, production

Guest musicians

Chuck D – additional vocals

Technical

Nick Sansano – production, recording, additional percussion
Ron Saint Germain – production, engineering, mixing
Nick Sansano – additional engineering
Dan Wood – assistant engineering
John Herman – assistant engineering
Judy Kirschner – assistant engineering
Howie Weinberg – mastering

Charts

Chart (1990)	Peak position
Ireland (IRMA)	24
UK Singles (OCC)	81
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)	7

References

Pearis, Bill (July 2, 2020). "Sonic Youth have 'Goo' masks & t-shirts for LP's 30th anniversary (vintage posters, too)". BrooklynVegan. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
Leas, Ryan (August 1, 2018). "30 Essential Grunge Songs". Stereogum. Retrieved December 31, 2021.
Blanco, John (March 20, 1991). "STAYING KOOL SONIC YOUTH SURVIVES A MAJOR LABEL". Phoenix New Times. Archived from the original on February 16, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2009.
Gordon, Kim (September 1989). "Meaty Beaty Big and Bouncy". Spin. Vol. 5, no. 6. p. 50. Retrieved November 30, 2017.
Fricke, David (August 9, 1990). "Goo". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
Perpetua, Matthew (March 28, 2012). "Sonic Youth: Three Decades of Dissonance". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
Ankeny, Jason. "Goo – Sonic Youth". AllMusic. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
Christgau, Robert (2000). "Sonic Youth: Goo". Christgau's Consumer Guide: Albums of the '90s. St. Martin's Griffin. ISBN 0-312-24560-2. Retrieved April 17, 2013.
"Albums of the Year". Spin. Vol. 6, no. 9. December 1990. p. 54.
Wilcox, Tyler (February 23, 2015). "Invisible Hits: Sonic Youth's Live Legacy". Pitchfork. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
Brian Molko - Radio XFM - Part 4 - Takeover Show The Residency - 27.12.2009 + some Pictures on YouTube
Kool Thing (European 7-inch vinyl single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF 81.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
Kool Thing (United Kingdom cassette single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF81C.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
Kool Thing (United Kingdom 12-inch vinyl single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF 81T.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
Kool Thing (European CD single liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. GEF 81CD.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
Goo (CD liner notes). Sonic Youth. DGC. 1990. 9 24297-D2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
"The Irish Charts – Search Results – Kool Thing". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
"Sonic Youth: Artist Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved June 14, 2021.
"Sonic Youth Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved June 14, 2021.

External links

"Kool Thing" Music video on YouTube

v t e Sonic Youth
Thurston Moore Kim Gordon Lee Ranaldo Steve Shelley Bob Bert Anne DeMarinis Richard Edson Mark Ibold Jim O'Rourke Jim Sclavunos
Studio albums	Confusion Is Sex Bad Moon Rising EVOL Sister Daydream Nation The Whitey Album Goo Dirty Experimental Jet Set, Trash and No Star Washing Machine A Thousand Leaves NYC Ghosts & Flowers Murray Street Sonic Nurse Rather Ripped The Eternal
Extended plays	Sonic Youth Kill Yr Idols Master-Dik 4 Tunna Brix Whores Moaning TV Shit Silver Session for Jason Knuth
Live albums	Sonic Death Walls Have Ears Hold That Tiger Live at the Continental Club Battery Park, NYC July 4th 2008 Smart Bar Chicago 1985 Live in Brooklyn 2011
Compilations	Screaming Fields of Sonic Love The Destroyed Room: B-Sides and Rarities Hits Are for Squares
Other albums	Made in USA In the Fishtank 9 Demonlover In/Out/In
SYR series	SYR1: Anagrama SYR2: Slaapkamers met slagroom SYR3: Invito al ĉielo SYR4: Goodbye 20 Century SYR5: ミュージカルパ一スペクティブ SYR6: Koncertas Stan Brakhage prisiminimui SYR7: J'Accuse Ted Hughes SYR8: Andre Sider Af Sonic Youth SYR9: Simon Werner a Disparu
Singles	"Death Valley '69" (feat. Lydia Lunch) "Flower"/"Halloween" "Flower"/"Satan Is Boring" "Starpower" "Teen Age Riot" "Silver Rocket" "Touch Me I'm Sick" "Kool Thing" "Dirty Boots" "100%" "Youth Against Fascism" "Sugar Kane" "Drunken Butterfly" "Bull in the Heather" "Superstar" "Sunday"
Video albums	Goo Screaming Fields of Sonic Love Corporate Ghost: The Videos: 1990–2002
Books	Goodbye 20th Century Girl in a Band: A Memoir Sonic Life: A Memoir
Side projects	Body/Head Chelsea Light Moving Dim Stars Free Kitten Harry Crews Gate
Related articles	Discography No wave 1991: The Year Punk Broke
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