I NOTE with interest Mutabaruka's article listing his top 50 most influential Jamaica recordings. Whereas I agree with some of his selections, I can't help but point out what I consider some noteworthy omissions. His selections seems highly subjective, but how could he not include selections such as John Holt's The Tide is High and any of a plethora of hits from Beres Hammond?

The Tide is High is one of Holt's smash hits that was re-recorded by Blondie and was a big hit in Europe and the USA. For Beres, Mutabaruka could have closed his eyes and select any song and he would have been correct. In my opinion, Beres is the most prolific songwriter Jamaica has ever seen, even above Bob Marley.

Regardless of his selection I still respect Muta's opinion, but I had to take the opportunity to express mine. Long live Jamaican music.

I am, etc.,

Baldwin Francis

skirtsbgf@yahoo.com

Florida, USA