POP CORNER

Lush’s first album, released in 1990 I believe, was “Gala” (“Refiguring the Lush Life,” by Lorraine Ali, May 12). “Spooky,” released in 1992, was their second album, “Split” their third and “Lovelife” their fourth. I’m always happy to see coverage on one of my favorite bands, but it’s even better when the news is accurate.

DIANNE HENDERSON

Upland

*

Sara Scribner’s sarcastic quip about “All This Useless Beauty” being Elvis Costello’s 340th album suggests that she has contempt for any artist this prolific (Record Rack, May 12).

And when she writes about Costello’s last three albums not having “the piss and vinegar” of earlier works makes me wonder if the reviewer and I are listening to the same records. Albums such as “Spike,” “Mighty Like a Rose” and “Brutal Youth” contain plenty of songs (“Deep Dark Truthful Mirror,” “How to Be Dumb” and “Just About Glad”) that reflect the anger and bitterness of his earlier works.

Thirdly, this new album contains some songs that Costello wrote for other artists, a fact not mentioned in this review.

GARY BERK

Long Beach