Time to stop the idolization?

Ann Powers drops the ball repeatedly in her article about Adam Lambert [“Cool, Calm & Eclectic,” Nov. 8] where she appears to be giving breathless support to someone releasing his album who seems more like a “Second Life” avatar, picking and choosing his persona and musical style, than a real artist.

Lambert cites Bowie, Bolan, Jagger and Prince as influences, all fabulous songwriters, yet the article lists seven other co-writers on Lambert’s album, as well as two cover tunes, one of which is “very serious.” Lambert cites a song he co-wrote about it being OK to cry -- if only it was Rosie Greer he co-wrote it with. Powers elicits several quotes from Rob Cavallo, whose hyperbole should embarrass anyone putting it in print.

Where’s Robert Hilburn when you need him?

Mike Flanagan

Silver Lake