Yes i really think it can.
Analaog is reading a value between 0 and 5 volts.
Digital is reading either 0 or 5 volts.
With the 4051 you can use 3 digital lines to control which of 8 lines on the 4051 you are reading if you just read 0 or 5 (connect a switch to the inputs of thr 4051 in stead of a pot) it should work, you are just limiting the 4051 to work with just two "analog" levels (0 or 5 volt).
see the drawings here Arduino Playground - 4051
Somebody kick me if i'm wrong.
Otherwise read this http://www.arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/ShiftIn using the 4021 shift register
MikMo