SATURDAY LETTERS : POISONOUS HATRED OF PAUL

Robert Hilburn takes the occasion of the appearance of the Beatles’ “White Album” on CD to express a little more of his poisonous hatred for Paul McCartney (“ ‘White Album’ CD: Beatles’ True Colors?,” Aug. 26).

It wouldn’t be possible to simply say that John wrote some great songs on the “White Album,” and Paul also wrote some great songs. No. While Hilburn will generously admit that Lennon didn’t always outshine McCartney on the album, “It is Lennon’s music that carries the most bite.” What a surprise.

It’s also no surprise that Hilburn spends most of his column space talking about lyrics and politics; he’s never quite at ease talking about music. It’s odd but true that typical rock critics find it easier to discuss lyrics than make insightful musical analysis. One would think that in rock and pop had some primacy.

Hilburn’s blind spot in regard to McCartney is undoubtedly related to his concern for lyrics over music, for McCartney dominated the Beatles’ music, as Lennon dominated their lyrics.

Well, two more Beatles albums left on CD. I will look forward to more warped Lennon propaganda in Hilburn’s treatment of these two McCartney-dominated albumes, “Get Back” and “Abbey Road.” But I take comfort in knowing that it is only McCartney’s dominance of the Beatles’ music that makes him such a threat in Hilburn’s eyes.

FERDINAND GASTELUM

Los Angeles