Rock and Holy Rollers!

What does the Pope rock out to? Alright, I don't know the answer to that, and I probably don't want to. However, a Vatican newspaper has gotten us as close to the answer to that question as we may ever get. When I came across the news link reporting that this newspaper listed what Vatican City claims to be history's ten most essential rock albums, I couldn't resist. I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised.

Here they are listed in the chronological order of their release:
"Revolver" by the Beatles, described as more innovative than any of their successive albums.
-definitely one of their best, but Sgt. Pepper is possibly the most innovative album ever
"If I Could Only Remember My Name" by David Crosby. Its songs used experimental musical forms to express an "existential fragility," the article said.
-uh, sure
"The Dark Side of the Moon" by Pink Floyd, which the newspaper called an "amazing" and eminently enjoyable milestone in the history of rock music.
-I'm still picking my jaw off of the floor that this is a list from catholic central
"Rumours" by Fleetwood Mac, which the article said mixed the sounds of blues, pop and country.
-hell yeah!
"The Nightfly" by Donald Fagen of Steely Dan. A niche album, but "brilliant and ironical," according to the Vatican newspaper.
-Is ironical even a word?
"Thriller" by Michael Jackson. The article described this album as "the masterpiece of the king of pop" and said its original approach went against the stereotypes of black music.
-great, no doubt. I don't tend to think of it as a rock album.
"Graceland" by Paul Simon, who used South African music with his own to create a multiethnic album that marked the birth of "world music," the newspaper said.
-why did he want to be called Al?
"Achtung Baby" by U2, a disk that stands out for its music and lyrics, and remains a symbol of the '90s, it said.
-hmmm? Flip a coin with Joshua Tree
"(What's the Story) Morning Glory?" by Oasis. The group picks up the great tradition of the Beatles, but with a harder edge of punk and rock, it said.
-wtf?
"Supernatural" by Carlos Santana, seen as an avant-garde mix of blues, soul, salsa and rock.
-an extra big wtf?

Rumours I flat out agree with. The rest wouldn't make it on my personal list, but for the most part it is a pretty comprehensive list with very notable and interesting recordings. Well, for the first 8 anyway. the Oasis record is great, but the ten greatest? Even their own justification discredits it's historical merit. And Supernatural described as avant-garde? I think someone got lazy with that one. I have to admit that I was a little disappointed, given our current Pope, that there was no krautrock present. Perhaps Kraftwerk - Radioaktivitat should have taken the avant-garde spot.

I'm forming my list, but would love to hear what other people have to say. What was missed?

It's a mad, mad, world

First up. "We are the World" was a great idea. Let's pool together some real star power to draw attention to a serious problem and raise money to help the cause. When it was USA for Africa in the 80's, great. They raised some money and brought the plight of African nations into people's thoughts. Mission accomplished!
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for helping Haiti in their time of need. I just think that this effort is bewildering. In the 80's the song served the mentioned purpose. It made people aware. However, in 2010, you would have to be deaf, blind, and locked away in a sound and light proof box on a deserted island to not be aware of the tragedy that has befallen Haiti. Next comes the money. The original version happened in a day when music made real money and included artists that were as current and big as you could get. MJ, Sting, Bruce, Stevie, etc. these were artists with real selling power at the peeks of their popularity. Not only that, but you had to buy a record. You paid a handsome sum and had the record and the twelve inch glossy photo on the cover that you could look at with friends and play name that pop star. The current version is a mere $1.29 on iTunes and what do you get for it? Nick Jonas may be at the top of his game, but he is by no means in the same league as The Boss. A digital copy of an inferior version of the song with contributions from "big" stars of the disposable music era. I'm sorry, but without the original line-up and novelty of it being a new song, "We are the World" is a glorified Sunday school choir song. What perplexes me the most is that there are so many outlets to contribute aid to the cause that are easy more substantial. You can donate ten bucks by sending a text message and having the bill be part of your cell phone bill.
With that said, I do respect anyone willing to use their notoriety and talents to help those in need. There are some cool compilations and such with the proceeds going to help Haiti. For what it's worth, great! Here is a very cool song with an outstanding cast of rocks seediest characters worth purchasing. I Put A Spell On You