I am somewhat surprised to hear that the Vatican -- which until 20 some years ago still called Galileo a heretic -- has released its Top 10 album picks in an editorial in L'Osservatore Romano, the official Vatican newspaper. Here they are, in order by year of release:

1. Revolver -- The Beatles
2. If I Could Only Remember My Name -- David Crosby
3. Dark Side Of The Moon -- Pink Floyd
4. Rumours --Fleetwood Mac
5. The Nightfly -- Donald Fagen
6. Thriller -- Michael Jackson
7. Graceland -- Paul Simon
8. Achtung Baby -- U2
9. What's The Story Morning Glory? -- Oasis
10. Supernatural -- Carlos Santana

Quite eclectic, eh? I for one would never have expected David Crosby to make the list, especially when they overlooked Nash, Stills & Young completely. And Oasis? Hmmm.

Any comments?

It seems to me like the of these are easily acceptable as being "nice" albums to the general public, much the same way Shakespeare is treated with respect as a Classic even though his language sometimes easily makes the rated "R" mark for people who know how to read it and understand his language. I think that in terms of Public Relations, the eclectic nature, generally accepted greatness, and overall good message of a lot of these albums was a GREAT move. It also shows a side of the church that is okay with rebellion in the meanings of much of the music on these CDs. After all, religion has to be a rebellion at some point, just like every government and every social change. Yesterday's liberals are tomorrow's conservatives, I suppose.

All of these albums also have overarching ideas that CAN be understood as being of a very religious and/or allegorical nature, some which would take more work than others. Still, a great set of choices.

I guess you probably weren't looking for so much of a political analysis, but that's largely where my brain went, haha.

About the only one I'd disagree with is Oasis. Although I like some of their material, I never saw what all the hype was. The Crosby album is very good -- if you haven't heard it, give a listen and remember that it came out in 1970, I think. Very well done. "Graceland" is another album that some people just fail to understand except for "You Can Call Me A." I remember playing this for relatives when it first came out and they simply did not like the African singing even a little.

That's something you don't read everyday.

There are some very good albums on there. But... I guess the Vatican hasn't heard that Bono is the AntiChrist... Well, they will be very sad when they hear.