Challenge of Eminem

Re “ ‘Stan’ Carries the Night” (by Robert Hilburn, Feb. 22):

In order to begin to appreciate Eminem’s work, the listener must hear past the offensive language to detect the self-mockery and rampant emotions expressed in his songs. Those willing to do this (mostly adolescents) can enjoy the songs as wonderfully expressive and funny recordings. In a way, his colorful language helps to filter out the listeners who are unwilling to face the heat.

Beyond the lyrics, however, is yet another level that challenges and piques the avid listener. In “Stan,” the background accompaniment remains static while the tension in the song is built almost solely on Eminem’s vocal performance and lyrics. In other tracks, Eminem uses compositional techniques similar to the tone clusters used by Penderecki and Nono coupled with “stream of consciousness” lyrics to express the artist’s feelings of rage.

As someone with a degree in music, I think that Eminem might be one of the most significant musical artists of the day.

CYNTHIA MORRIS

Van Nuys

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Since when have kids not liked this kind of material? “Stan” reminds me of “Tell Laura I Love Her,” a ‘50s disc about a teenage girl who dies in an automobile. We hear what sounds like a real car crash as a part of the song.

Eminem follows Dylan, whose early phrasing and narrative drive were quite similar. Better we should ban “‘Oedipus Rex” and the Book of Revelations than Eminem.

LANCE JENCKS

Costa Mesa

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Let me get this straight: If you are a male “musician” you can “sing” about how much you hate gays and lesbians and tell the world you think they should be killed.

However, if you happen to be a female radio talk-show personality and you even hint that being gay or lesbian is not “normal,” you can be picketed, jeered and shredded by gay and lesbian activists.

Eminem makes no apologies for his “music” and yet Dr. Laura is forced to issue a public apology, then when she does she is told that her apology “isn’t enough.” I guess in America the issue of free speech only applies when referring to musicians. Can this be true?

JUDITH CHIMITS

Irvine