He Writes the Songs

Guys, give me a break will ya!

Sure, I’m just a songwriter and supposedly impervious to pain and insult, but, please, could you spare me some unnecessary aggravation?

It was hard enough having written a song on Sheena Easton’s ill-fated album and having to go through more than a year and a half of indecision by her label, management and producers as to the status of the song, but publishing a review of an album that was never released because it stunk and then saying it stinks is kinda like shooting a critic even after they’re dead (Pop Eye, by Patrick Goldstein, Jan. 10). Hmmm! And, for reviewer Connie Johnson to mention my song in particular, ugh!

Listen, Johnson’s assessment of the album and my song were accurate--it’s just that I’m tired of having the merit of my songs judged on versions I can barely listen to myself. The song sounded just “OK” because the production was just “OK” and, as Johnson pointed out, so was Sheena’s vocal.

Have a nice day.

DANA MERINO

Burbank