7. Titus Andronicus, The Most Lamentable Tragedy [Merge]
No matter who you are, releasing a double CD/Triple LP of narrative rock music — especially good narrative rock music — is a terrible idea. Critics stuck with a scant set of precedents invariably compare such works to Tommy or The Wall or possibly, despite its lack of a plot, London Calling — hardly the lowest bars to pole vault over. But removed from its high-concept ambitions and self-referential esoterica (which I, admittedly, never paid much attention to), The Most Lamentable Tragedy abides as an ass kicker of tremendous regard. While the hardcore clobberings delivered via “Dimed Out,” and “(S)HE SAID/(S)HE SAID,” should never be understated, tracks like “Mr. E. Mann” summon the swagger and pomp of The New York Dolls’ better material, in a year that was otherwise pretty hurting for swagger and pomp.