Here's an interesting link. The Definitive 200, as defined by the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM, a charming acronym to be sure).

http://www.definitive200.com/200_list.php

As an academic exercise, I don't have a problem with such lists. They allow you to start to get a kind of handle on art. Define it in some ways. And besides, some albums really are superior to others.

Problem is, they don't list any artistic criteria for selection on the site. Though the last sentence is shamelessly revealing: "Complete your collection!"

It's an intriguing list - there were a surprising number in there that are in my collection or that I thought probably would be good purchases, but like any such list it comes down to the preferences and opinions of those compiling the list.

intriguing indeed...
200 rock and roll's....
most commercial albums....???
don't get me wrong I have a couple of the albums...
but what is Thriller doing there....
oh well...just goes to prove...
there's always a survey...a list...or some kind of statistic...
to confirm the most frivolous claims...

Thiller? -Man, because Eddie Van Halen played the solo!!!