Vatican hails Beatles, Oasis, Jackson

The Vatican's official newspaper has listed its top ten pop albums of all time.

The "semi-serious" piece from L'Osservatore Romano included records from The Beatles, U2, Oasis and Michael Jackson among others.

The newspaper hailed the "terrible" Gallagher brothers of Oasis for the mix of punk rock with the The Beatles on their "masterpiece" (What's The Story) Morning Glory?

Of Bob Dylan's absence from the top ten despite his reputation as a "poetic visionary", it added: "His great fault is, however, is giving the green light to generations of songwriters - 'fine words and three notes'.

"All over the world - but especially in Italy - that harshly tested the ears and patience of listeners, thinking that their tortured meanderings might interest somebody."

The chronological list from L'Osservatore is as follows:

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