1001 Albums (401-415): If I Should Fall From Grace With God - Infected

Note: Back by popular demand, we get a wide variety of acts and sound here especially at the top of the list. I think Snake will have plenty to write about from this group.


The Good

If You Can Believe Your Eyes and Ears (1966) by The Mama’s and The Papa’s

Jon Phillips song writing ability melded with the unique harmonizing vocals, which was the staple of the group. The hippie aura, fat Mama Cass, hot Michelle Philips, they are still part of pop culture lore. This album features hits “Monday, Monday,” “California Dreamin’”, and “Go Where You Wanna Go.”

Ill Communication (1994) by Beastie Boys

A turning point for the Boys as they transitioned from a young strictly party group to a group of guys trying to say something. Jumping off this album is “Sabotage” that, along with its classic video, became one of the biggest, most important tunes of the 1990s. Definitely an album that belongs on this list!

Imagine (1971) by John Lennon

Probably the biggest post-Beatle album, Imagine is an all-star cast, No. 1 blockbuster. The title track is the probably the singular song people think about when they here Lennon’s name. It’s his mantra, his biggest idea. “How” and “Jealous Guy” are the two other tracks that hit it really big as singles.

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (1968) by Iron Butterfly

Most people would say that one song does not make an album, but in this case their wrong. Without the 17 minute title track, Iron Butterfly likely would never be talked about again. While I don’t know if people need to own this album, they do need to hear it once or twice in their life. It’s an experience like no other. “Hey Marge, we used to make out to this hymm.” I had to sneak that in.

I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You (1967) by Aretha Franklin

Possibly one of the most important female albums of the century, it hits right away with the cover of Otis Redding’s “Respect.” From there, Franklin mixes in covers with self wrote, self-accompanied tunes that displayed the freedom Atlantic records gave her.

The Middle

I’m A Lonesome Fugitive (1967) by Merle Haggard

Haggard saw Johnny Cash play at San Quentin and realized that there was a big market with former convicts singing country songs. Haggard, an ex-convict released a string of albums focused on his past, this being the height of his self-exploration.

I’m Your Man (1988) by Leonard Cohen

Cohen is a poet that decided to sing his poem. I haven’t made it through many of his songs, but he has a signature voice and his lyrics (always strong) usually are dripping with either sexuality or humor (often both). I am not familiar with these songs, but might be worth looking up.

In A Silent Way (1969) by Miles Davis

This is a stepping-stone to the later high point of Davis’ career “Bitches Brew.” This album features two 20-minute songs that use silent moments as part of the effect. Also appearing are Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea.

The Best of the Rest

If I Should Fall From Grace With God (1988) by The Pogues

A nine-piece Irish band sounds like it might be fun to listen too. It’s kind of fun, drinking kind of music.

The Rest

If You’re Feeling Sinister (1996) by Belle and Sebastian

Well these two Scots were a big mystery in the UK as they refused to make appearances often sending friends in their sted. They also used a former boxer (Stuart Murdoch) as their vocalist. Yet, the two barely-out-of-high-school kids seemed to make decent music.

I Had Too Much to Dream (Last Night) (1967) by The Electric Prunes

Here’s the best band name of the week. A group of teenagers plucked from their garage by a real estate agent, provided professional song writers that released an album that later inspired some punk bands in the 70s.

Illmatic (1994) by Nas

Here’s a rap album that unlike its contemporaries exposes the realities of the streets and gang life rather than trying to glorify them. Also infused with jazz to add depth.

Immigres (1984) by Youssou N’Dour

A Senegal star is born. I guess there are four songs here on a 34-minute album. That’s something to talk about.

Imperial Bedroom (1982) by Elvis Costello and The Attractions

Well it’s been awhile since we had an Elvis Costello album. Once again, here’s a simply amazing album that apparently no one really liked but critics. Maybe it’s good, I don’t know.

Infected (1986) by The The

Apparently this angry Brit, didn’t like Ronald Reagan, capitalism or AIDS. So he made this album with this silly, stupid band name.