What’s Old Is New?

What is the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences thinking (Pop Eye, Nov. 29)? Including veteran recording artists in this season’s list of nominees up for the best new artist Grammy? No offense to Lucinda Williams and Massive Attack, but new artists they are not.

When NARAS first changed the rules in this category, at least some progress was made in nominating critically acclaimed artists over lesser acclaimed or novelty acts. This new rule is a slap in the face to artists who’ve released their debut recordings during the Grammy eligibility period--which I believe defines the category best new artist.

As for Lauryn Hill’s eligibility, remember Jody Watley in 1987? An artist going solo from a group is a legitimate new-artist entry. A solution to the new rule is this: an artist’s debut recording or an artist who releases a commercial breakthrough recording not exceeding two years from his or her’s debut recording shall be eligible.

If NARAS applies this rule, it should keep them from any further embarrassment.

FRANK RODRIGUEZ

Los Angeles

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Regarding the Grammy Awards and their definition of a “new” artist, let’s face reality: The Grammys have absolutely no credibility and no integrity. I’m sure NARAS President Michael Greene would disagree, but I can support this statement with two words: Milli Vanilli.

GLENN LANGDON

Garden Grove