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My top ten best final albums
Everyone knows that a band’s early work is usually their best. In college I used to dream of writing a thesis about this. When bands start out they are hungry, naive, full of hope and energy and fresh ideas. Plus most of them are not yet addicted to various debilitating substances. They get their whole lives to write their first record. But after the first one they only get a year or two to write each subsequent album, in between touring and a variety of other distractions. By the time a band reaches its twilight years, they are jaded, road-weary, exhausted, bickering and resentful of one another, and usually addicted to various debilitating substances. More often than not, the final album holds a dubious place in a band’s discography. But not all of them- some bands never lose the creative spark and go out with a bang before burning out or fading away. Here are ten that I think went down swinging. I’m only considering original studio material; no greatest hits, B sides or outtakes compilations, or posthumous live releases.
Jimi Hendrix – Electric Ladyland
While this majestic double album does contain a bit of fluff, most of it is amazing and greatly expanded on his initial work with The Experience. Can you imagine what this man would have come up with had he not died so tragically young?
The Velvet Underground – Loaded
The most commercial VU record and also one of their best. Lou quit the band shortly after finishing the album and prior to its release, apparently miffed over the final mix and jealous of Doug Yule’s increasing influence over the band.
The White Stripes – Icky Thump
I wish Mr. White would stop dicking around with mobile record stores and other corporate concerns and get back to making kick-ass rock and roll records like this one.
The Beatles – Abbey Road
This came out before Let It Be but was recorded after, making it the final Beatles recording sessions and up there among their strongest work. Currently my fave Fab Four record.
The Cramps – Fiends of Dope Island
Lux and Poison were deviants to the end, and this is a strong collection of psychobilly garage covering the usual Cramps topics- sex, drugs and satan.
The Doors – L.A. Woman
The Doors brought it back to the blues for their swan song.
L7 – Slap Happy
L7’s final record continues in the poppy direction explored on The Beauty Process without losing their fiery, homegrown L.A. sound.
Nirvana – In Utero
Nirvana’s last may be their best; less homogenized than their previous two studio albums, everything from soft acoustic to pretty pop to raging noise.
Husker Du – Warehouse: Songs And Stories
All the biographies crap on this album but I dig it. Yeah, there is some filler on side four and it would have made a killer single album instead of a double, but there are also a ton of great songs in there.
The Replacements – All Shook Down
Released in 1990 by one of the best bands of the 80s.
