Web Sighting (4)

It was a great idea in theory. But it’s the surprises in the National Association of Recording Merchandisers’ list of the “Definitive 200” albums, www.definitive200.com, that prove confusing. In a smart stroke of co-branding, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame “presents” the list, which is topped by the Beatles’ “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” (perfect!), U2’s “The Joshua Tree” at No. 5 (right!), Metallica’s “Metallica” at No. 13 (really?) and Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” at No. 21 (huh?). What gives? Music retailers determined the rankings. So Santana’s “Supernatural” (No. 13), Creed’s “Human Clay” (No. 95) and Celine Dion’s “Falling Into You” (No. 97) may have been awarded for big sales more than artistic merit. Strange, since the NARM’s aim was to remind people why they should still buy full albums. Here’s our reason: Van Morrison’s “Astral Weeks” (which didn’t make the list).