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Relevance isn't the same as popularity, though. They're relevant in the same way The Beatles are relevant (obviously to a much lesser extent). Half the band is dead. The Beatles no longer exist. They're still one of the most influential and relevant rock musicians today.
I think what's meant is whether they still affect music. And they do. Aside from indirect influence (Sonic Youth->Nirvana->Grohl->infinite chain of influence, and that's just one painfully obvious band), there are still countless bands that take direct influence from SY. Weezer does, for one. And it's not just that. Music goes through phases. SY's influence will recede and advance forever, in small or great amounts at a time. Past albums still hold relevance.
Even so, every band has a quality of influence. It's a matter of how much. I think ultimately Sonic Youth is a force to be reckoned with - maybe not these albums, but their overall legacy. However, they are not dominant in modern music as it stands right now. Today Run DMC, Public Enemy, Tupac, etc. have the market cornered.
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