Say Yes to Artistry

I found it ironic that Robert Hilburn should write an article on hype in the music industry (“When You Can Believe the Hype,” April 21). The pop/rock industry has been artistically gutted by profit-driven hype perpetrated by record companies, radio stations and publications like yours.

For example, how could you possibly allow an article about Britney Spears or ‘N Sync to appear on anything other than the children’s page? I understand the profit motive; however, what is inexcusable is the total lack of hype for the very few artists whose talent and bodies of work deserve it.

A prime case in point is Yes--by all artistic and musical measuring sticks the greatest rock band of all time. No band can match the quality and quantity of their compositions, their instrumental talents, and certainly only a few performers can even approach the incredible live performances of Yes. And I’m speaking of what they have done recently. They have been touring brilliantly, producing new studio music and have released groundbreaking DVDs.

None of this covered by your paper nor other mainstream media.

Rick Wakeman has rejoined Yes, and they are touring this summer. Yes is, as they always have been, a cutting-edge band. And they have sold over 40 million records without the hype.

DEAN PAULOS

Pasadena