Hilburn Says Grammys Got It Right, But Did They?

Not that I tend to agree with Robert Hilburn on much of what happens in the pop music world, but I think he is missing the mark with his commendations for the Grammy screening committee (“Bravo--This Time They Got It Right,” Jan. 5). Sure, the diversity in the album of the year category is great to see, but that alone does not mean that all is right in the Grammy world (nor that those albums selected are the “best” of the year).

I’ll pick a specific category to use as an example of my complaints: the dance recording. How is it that Lionel Richie is in this category? Does the nominating committee not understand its own categories? Considering that dance music is filled with a large and varied electronic music community with a wealth of dance recordings, how is it that Gloria Estefan would ever find her way into this category? I expected Daft Punk and Depeche Mode and can even respect Janet Jackson, but where are the club hits? Where is Basement Jaxx’s “Romeo” or Chemical Brothers’ “It Began in Afrika”? How about Madonna’s “Don’t Tell” or Groove Armada’s “Superstylin’”?

How can you have a real competition among artists if you have the wrong artists in the category?

BRETT CARVER

Los Angeles

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After reading Robert Hilburn for years, I can honestly say I am terminally bored by his incessant picks for the year’s “best.” He uses the term “right” for a subjective popularity contest like the Grammys. Doesn’t he know by now it’s all about who has the most power to grease the most palms? There is no such thing as “right” when it comes to art.

The Shammies are nothing but business and have little reflection on the best work being offered.

ADAM WHITE

Burbank