The Pope Loves Michael Jackson? The Vatican Newspaper Tries Music Criticism

No. This is not the start of a really bad or tasteless joke. Recently, the Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano came out with a list of the ten best rock/pop albums. And the results may be surprising. In no particular order they are:Michael Jackson - Thriller Oasis - (What's the Story)...

By Sarah Ventre

February 19, 2010

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No. This is not the start of a really bad or tasteless joke. Recently, the Vatican's newspaper, L'Osservatore Romano came out with a list of the ten best rock/pop albums. And the results may be surprising. In no particular order they are:

Michael Jackson - Thriller
Oasis - (What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Beatles - Revolver
Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon
U2 - Achtung Baby
Fleetwood Mac - Rumours
Donald Fagan - The Nightfly
Carlos Santana - Supernatural
Paul Simon - Graceland
David Crosby - If I Could Only Remember My Name

Um. Okay. (Breath.) But -- how the fuck?? Who thought that... Wait. Seriously? Is this really the list?

Really though, it does make you wonder.

Question #1: Who the fuck came up with this list?

I doubt the Pope sat down and said, "Okay guys. I've been thinking about this for a while, and I think it's time we put our seal on it and make it official. And yeah - Achtung Baby really needs to be on the list. Screw the Joshua Tree. I always thought Achtung was a way better album."

So maybe it was all of the Cardinals having a meeting? Can you imagine them sitting around with cups of coffee and packs of cigarettes until late into the night, bickering and rearranging until they had the final list?

Cardinal #1: "Well boys, we're gonna have to settle this, and soon."
Cardinal #2: "Come on -- you can't be serious, though. David Crosby? Could we at least compromise and throw a CSNY on there?"
Cardinal #3: "No, no! Leave it on! We already put Pink Floyd AND Oasis on there, and those were your choices. No one else wanted Oasis, man. Just you."
Cardinal #2: *sigh* "Okay, fine. Do whatever you want. You know our main man would agree with me. But, whatever. Just so you know, I'm gonna blog about this later."

(We won't get into the Donald Fagan choice.)

Question #2: Isn't some of the content, not entirely, uh, "Papal-approved"?

Sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. And that's just the beginning. Come on -- the title track off of (What's the Story) Morning Glory? about snorting blow. Rumours ?? All about having premarital sex with all of your band mates. Michael Jackson? Thriller may be a great album, but his personal past is sketchy at best. (I realize that there's an obvious comeback about the Catholic Church, so please don't feel obligated to make it.)

Question #3: WHY???

I mean, it's kind of cool that the Church is trying to be up on "modern" issues. But does anyone see any actual relevance of this?

Rumor has it that the Pope himself was considering making his own blog. Wonder if he'd have his own rockin' music list. Go ahead, have at it. What in the world do you think about this??

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