Grammy for ‘O Brother’ a Worthy Surprise

Regarding Robert Hilburn’s Grammy analysis (“It’s Time to Nominate a New System,” A13, Feb. 28): To claim that the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack is somehow less deserving as best album than U2’s or Bob Dylan’s latest discs because of the way the Grammy voting process works is simply missing the point. The Grammys on the whole are just self-congratulatory kisses from the major-label industry to itself, and the fact that any deserving albums are nominated, let alone victorious, is always a pleasant and unexpected surprise.

NICK BISCHOFF

Venice

*

Thank goodness for the “O Brother” win. Popular music is in trouble these days, and we need to get back to our roots in order to change things. If it weren’t for the Stanley Brothers and Bill Monroe, these sorry, untalented, snotty pop “performers” would never have been able to get a chance to ruin music in the first place. I for one am all [for] exposing the musical inadequacies of Britney and ‘N Sync (and hip-hop for that matter). I hope they enjoy the ride, because in 50 or 60 years, no one will remember who they were and they certainly won’t win a Grammy.

JOHN MIDDLETON

Florida

*

“O Brother, Where Art Thou?” was the most distinguished album of the year because it got the most votes: not critics votes, not the public’s votes, not politicians’ votes, but musicians’ votes--commonly referred to as peers. Robert Hilburn seems to be confused about this as he cites the “500 U.S. pop music critics’” opinions. They can give their own awards and he can cast his vote in that contest and participate in determining how the voting should be conducted.

WILLIAM D. PHILLIPS

Montrose

*

Of the Grammy-winning CDs that I own, I was initially exposed to none of them on Los Angeles airwaves. This illustrates the sad state of music radio since the federal government, via the FCC, allowed large corporations to own most of the stations, eliminating creativity in favor of the bottom line. No longer are there small or medium owners in the business for the love of the music. Relevant music radio is over.

MARK TEMPLE

Huntington Beach

*

How could they cut short the Grammy winners’ speeches when Ray Romano was given endless time with his painful-to-watch sketch? They are so insulting to the audience’s intelligence. Well, I hope everyone associated with the Grammys, especially the producers, get a clue! And I think the public should be told if Romano actually took a gift basket home since, as he said, he’s already been blessed with so much.

TALAR TOPRAKJIAN

Los Angeles