Kool Thing
"Kool Thing" | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Single by Sonic Youth | ||||
from the album Goo | ||||
B-side |
| |||
Released | June 1990 | |||
Recorded | March–April 1990 | |||
Studio | Sorcerer Sound Recording Studios and Greene Street Recording, New York City | |||
Genre | ||||
Length | 4:06 | |||
Label | DGC | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | ||||
Sonic Youth singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
Alternate cover | ||||
Music video | ||||
"Kool Thing" on YouTube |
"Kool Thing" is a song by American
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.[5] Also from Rolling Stone, Matthew Perpetua designated the song as a "feminist anthem."[6] Jason Ankeny of AllMusic believed the song "teeters on the brink of a cultural breakthrough but falls just shy of the mark."[7] Robert Christgau praised Kim Gordon's performance on the song, citing "Kool Thing" as a standout track from Goo.[8]
Music video
The
Spin designated the video as one of the greatest music videos of 1990.[9]
Live performances
On July 29, 1992, Sonic Youth performed "Kool Thing" on Hangin' with MTV in New York City.[10]
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.[11]
"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
- "Kool Thing" (LP version) – 4:04
- "That's All I Know (Right Now)" – 2:30
- 12" vinyl[14]
- "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[15]
- "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.[16]
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
- engineering, mixing
- Nick Sansano – additional engineering
- Dan Wood – assistant engineering
- John Herman – assistant engineering
- Judy Kirschner – assistant engineering
- mastering
Charts
Chart (1990) | Peak position |
---|---|
Ireland (IRMA)[17] | 24 |
81 | |
US Alternative Airplay (Billboard)[19] | 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.
- 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.
- 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