Hilburn on Houston

Hilburn’s review of Whitney Houston was balanced and fair. I felt significant relief to see her half-emptiness defined. My bias may be hopeless. Whenever I hear Houston I hear only bombast; I lunge for the radio dial, trying to keep an eye on surrounding traffic.

As for her Super Bowl patriotics, as bombs began bursting in Baghdad air, I knew what was coming. I lunged for the channel changer and will continue to do so until Houston sneaks up on me with gentler sincerity.

KEITH FAHEY

Encino