FAB TWO

I picked up the guitar for many of the same reasons Noel Gallagher did, not the least of which being the influence and inspiration of the Beatles (“Absolutely Fab-ulous,” by Robert Hilburn, May 26). And I suppose I, like him, would like to be the next Lennon-McCartney songwriting dynamo. The difference is that I don’t go around claiming to be, and I’m here to say that, all gushing critical praise and commercial success notwithstanding, Gallagher ain’t it, either.

Oasis are like pop music’s version of L.A.’s Angelyne: They’re famous for having the correct components in the correct places and the ego to display them in the most audacious way imaginable. They’re famous for being famous, and millions of record buyers have taken the bait, undeterred by the whiny, nasal, barely musical singing and the wholesale pilfering of Beatles arrangements. The pity is that there are many, better pop bands out there who don’t have the good fortune to be as rude as the Gallaghers--true originals like Radiohead, Ben Folds Five and the Sugarplastic.

Will anyone be inspired by Oasis the way so many were inspired by the songs of Lennon and McCartney? I doubt it. Gallagher’s band isn’t the Beatles of the ‘90s; they’re the REO Speedwagon of the ‘90s. Enjoy the ride while it lasts, boys.

MICHAEL BABER

Studio City

*

Oasis better than the Beatles? Noel Gallagher couldn’t carry Paul McCartney’s guitar strap. Liam Gallagher is another Eric Carmen, not another John Lennon. The Beatles had originality. Oasis is another garden variety ‘90s pop band, lots of talk and other people’s riffs.

LARRY ITALIA

Seal Beach

*

Hilburn’s detailed article cleared up a lot of misconceptions about Oasis. It was obvious upon initially hearing the debut “Supersonic” single that the group was a force to be reckoned with. While some of the press reports (and their own slips of the tongue) would keep many people turned off to Oasis, they should, in the end, be judged solely by their musical output. Unfortunately, in rock ‘n’ roll personality is an essential ingredient.

It is good that Hilburn recognizes that Oasis doesn’t come close to touching the innovation of the Fab Four--they are admittedly inspired by the Beatles, yet not clones of.

Thankfully, Oasis has not been saddled with a responsibility they could never live up to. But what they can live up to are excellent songs, great spirits, new insights and high-quality performances.

FRANK BEESON

Los Angeles

*

Hilburn says that “industry insiders are watching Oasis’ progress carefully . . . it could also signal a shift in the mainstream away from the anger and alienation of ‘90s American rock.” What planet did they come from?

Have they ever heard of an American rock band called Hootie & the Blowfish? Rumor has it that their brand of optimistic, good vibes rock ‘n’ roll has helped sell 13 million-plus copies of their 1994 debut “Cracked Rear View” album.

GEORGE H. KUBOTA

Los Angeles

*

These snotty imitators don’t deserve 1/100th of the hype and press coverage they are getting, but it doesn’t really surprise me that you guys gave in to the hype. The Calendar section has never been really in touch with what is cutting edge and original in music.

MARK REBACK

Pasadena