Synopsis

The Go-Go's perform their playful remake of "Cool Jerk" in a colorful, highly stylized music video. The band members combine choreographed dance moves with performance shots, turning the song's boastful lyrics into a tongue-in-cheek showcase. Belinda Carlisle takes the vocal lead while the other members receive moments of attention, including instrumental spotlights and deliberately exaggerated dancing. The bright, slick presentation gives the clip a distinctly early-1990s pop feel, contrasting with the band's more natural pop-rock image.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video promotes the Go-Go's 1990 re-recording of "Cool Jerk," which was made for the compilation album *Greatest*.

• The band had already recorded the song for their 1982 album *Vacation*. The later version was produced by David Z, whose production work also included collaborations connected with Prince and Fine Young Cannibals.

• "Cool Jerk" was originally a 1966 hit for the Capitols. The Go-Go's version was one of the band's few prominent recordings built around a cover rather than an original composition.

• The promotional video was issued in late 1990, while some databases list the music video under a 1991 release date.

• The polished dance-oriented production was a departure from the Go-Go's established organic pop-rock sound. The song and its heavily produced arrangement received mixed reactions from fans and members of the band.

• The clip is remembered less for a conventional storyline than for its colorful presentation and the band's knowingly awkward dance routines, especially the comic challenge of Gina Schock dancing while also handling the drums.