IF THIS BE AMBITION ...

Thank you, Robert Hilburn, for once again displaying your searing insightfulness into a subject you’re far removed from: underground music (“A Gem From L.A.’s Rock Master,” Aug. 16). The very notion that “an experienced, commercially minded record producer could help steer Thelonious Monster in a more ambitious direction” is not only absurd but saddeningly bombastic. I guess that makes Journey the most ambitious band on the scene. I’ll look for them at Raji’s next week.

DAVE LOUAPRE

Sierra Madre