Goodbye 20th Century (released in 2000) is an experimental album that showcases the band’s deep dive into avant-garde and classical music. Rather than a typical rock album, this release is a bold and ambitious project that reinterprets works from the experimental composers of the 20th century, including John Cage, Glenn Branca, Steve Reich, and Yoko Ono.

The album is a tribute to the groundbreaking ideas that shaped modern music, blending these avant-garde compositions with Sonic Youth's signature noise-rock style. Each track is a sonic exploration, from the minimalist drones of “Four6” to the percussive experimentation of “Six For New Time,” offering a unique, immersive experience for listeners.

Tracks like “Pendulum Music” and “Voice Piece For Soprano” capture Sonic Youth’s fearless embrace of sound manipulation and non-traditional musical forms. The band shifts between eerie, sparse tones and chaotic noise, reflecting their deep respect for the pioneers of avant-garde music while still retaining their distinctive sonic identity.

In essence, Goodbye 20th Century is more than just an album — it’s an exploration of sound, time, and creativity, perfectly suited for both experimental music aficionados and Sonic Youth fans alike. It marks a defining moment where the band pushes their artistic boundaries, and it stands as one of their most intriguing and challenging works.

Tracklist:

Side A:
A1. Edges
A2. Six For New Time - For Sonic Youth

Side B:
B1. Having Never Written A Note For Percussion
B2. Six (3rd Take)
B3. + -
B4. Voice Piece For Soprano
B5. Pièce Enfantine
B6. Treatise (Page 183)

Side C:
C. Four6

Side D:
D1. Six (4th Take)
D2. Burdocks
D3. Piano Piece #13 (Carpenter's Piece) - For Nam June Paik
D4. Pendulum Music