You always hear about great first albums, but how often do heated conversations center on last albums? That's usually because by the time a band finally gives up and fades away, their records have turned into messy, barely listenable copies of what used to make them so important. If a band is smart, shrewd or careless enough, their last album can make almost as strong an impression as their debut. Some of the artists in the above gallery of the 10 Best Final Albums called it quits because they knew it was time. Other just gave up. And others died. No matter the case, these albums remain poignant reminders of greatness – even if, years and years later, a pair of these alternative rock artists actually decided to return.

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