L’ Osservatore Romano, the Holy See's official newspaper on the top 10 rock and pop albums of all time

The Vatican is full of surprises. This article dictates that the Holy See's official newspaper, L’ Osservatore Romano, just released a top 10 list of the greatest Rock and Pop albums of all time.


Within its lineup, we see listed such greats as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Michael Jackson, U2 and even the (un)verbose Oasis.


However, I must speculate. The very nature of some of these albums listed are, in my opinion, far outside the boundaries of Christian thought and doctrine. And while I may count myself as something of a liberal when it comes to music, and I may stray into the fringes of music, I cannot help but beg the question: Why?


I must take into account that I do not have a good understanding of the qualifications of this list, or how deep the authority of the Roman Catholic Church actually stretches. Obviously, the newspaper does not have the authority to write or produce encyclicals or papal allocutions. However, I must speculate.


Now, to my speculation.


Has anyone heard (What's the Story) Morning Glory? My gosh. The Gallagher brothers. We all know of their fighting, and we all know of their breakups and makeups. But how about the album itself? Drugs, drugs, drugs.


A bizarre collection. How culturally relevant of the Vatican.


Lastly, the paper's comment of Bob Dylan's omission from the list frustrated me:


"Dylan was excluded from the list despite his 'great poetic vein' because he paved the way for generations of unprofessional singer-songwriters who have 'harshly tested the ears and patience of listeners' with their tormented stories."


That is presuming that he had anything to do with said singer-songwriters' unprofessionalism, or even the content of their writing. Bizarre.

Thoughts on Portland

This last weekend my wife and I spent our free time in Portland, with our friends and our family. The entirety of the weekend was in some capacity spent under those grey, rainy skies; with disregard to Monday morning, of course.


My dear uncle and his family had the two of us over for dinner Friday evening, and we all shared pizza and hilarious conversation. We had the opportunity to share with them our future plans, as well. My beautiful cousins are all grown up, and Kelsey has really developed into quite a woman. I am very proud.



Side note: Kelsey's brother, Kory, is the drummer for a metal/hardcore outfit tucked away in the crevices of Beaverton. After dinner, he retired to the upstairs to practice, and I was amazed at what I heard. He seems to be a very talented drummer, from a family full of pianists.
Call Us Forgotten


kory | MySpace Video


The rest of the weekend was spent in joyful abundance with my friends in Portland. My good friends, Kyle and Kailey, showed us the ins-and-outs of the city, and let us stay with them while we were in town. To them we are so thankful.


Kyle, Greg and I shared some pretty entertaining moments together. I have them to thank for the trips around Portland, late into the evening. It was such fun.


Also, Whitney Walters was particularly lovely to talk to this past trip, as she always dictates the world to me in such style, and with such pursuit.


Thanks again, good friends and family, for our time spent in Portland. We love you all, and we are most anxious to be there soon.