PRODIGIOUS

I know it’s unfair that music fans seem to be expecting Prodigy to “save” music, but one must understand what it’s like for people who have been disappointed with the direction of rock in the ‘90s (“Setting the World Afire,” by Robert Hilburn, June 8).

I like bands that have lots of energy, a real edge and an interesting image, but most bands in this decade have been the opposite: glum, dull and colorless.

I happened to come across MTV’s “Fashionably Loud” program a few months ago. Just when I expected to see another sleep-inducing ‘90s band, instead I saw an incredible group that blew me away so much that I had to catch the program again when it was rerun. Prodigy had all the tension and energy of punk, but they were also every bit as good as the latest dance acts. I felt that I was seeing the beginning of an exciting new direction in music, and I hope I’ll end up being right.

Whiny bands who hate being famous have worn out their welcome. It’s time for the fun to return!

TAMMY SMITH

Lakeside