Sly and Robbie were at the forefront of producing cutting edge studio material, some of which can even be considered progressive decades after it's original release.

Reggae Music itself is predominantly a studio music: even most of the live performances (read: sounds and dances) include pre-recorded material.

And so, you will find that live Reggae albums are kind of exceptional. They're there, but not in big amounts. Superb live albums can even be a rare species: when you found one, you surely have something quite unique.

This is where Tear it Up demands it's place. Yes, a superb album indeed. 

Originally released in 1982, the disc contains a recording from a concert they did in London a year earlier. 

Performing raw, militant versions of tracks from "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner" and "Sinsemillia", Sly & Robbie lead the band as they back up the Michael Rose-led vocal trio.

Long parts of live Dubbing and even a great drum solo by Sly Dunbar, add to this album what can usually not be found on a studio recording. 

Without being bored by too much sound from the actual audience, the album captures the great vibe of the concert almost as if you're there yourself.