Released: 03/06/22
The Whitey Album was initially seen as a collaboration between Minutemen’s Mike Watt and Sonic Youth, but it’s actually a quirky, experimental tribute to Madonna. Most of the album is by Sonic Youth, except for Watt’s solo cover of “Burnin’ Up,” a groovy, lo-fi track showcasing his voice. Sonic Youth’s “Into the Groovey” transforms Madonna’s hit into a distorted dirge, blending Thurston Moore’s lazy vocals with her samples. The album is filled with noise experiments and dance rhythms, with few tracks resembling traditional songs. Despite odd sequencing, it’s a fun, creative snapshot of Sonic Youth’s experimental peak.