Dave Pearce is a DJ which is synonymous with classic dance as a resulted of his long standing radio show on BBC Radio 1 entitled 'Dance Anthems'. Off the back of this success he has released a long line of classics compilations. This is another installment of what has proved to be a highly successful series. The title my mis-lead, Trance Anthems 2009 may suggest to some that this is 3 CD's of the finest in brand new trance 2009 has had and will have to offer. Unfortunately though this is not really the case. On the other side as you may expect, you have 2 CD's crammed full of all of the usual tracks we've come to know and love/hate (Delete as appropriate) over the last decade. It really is quite hard to believe that some of these tracks are now coming into their 10th year, and perhaps their millionth compilation! Nevertheless, if you are new to trance, some may be, or if you are looking for a walk down memory lane and haven't bought one of these albums in a few years you may just enjoy what Dave has blended together. The albums saving grace is CD 3 which does have a more up-to-date selection of club tracks for your aural enjoyment.

For me personally, out of the 2 classic CD's, the second has to take all the plaudits. It has a more classy feel to it, where as CD 1 has the odd ropey inclusion such as Ian Van Dahl, Sash, Kontact, bordering on the really cheesier stuff. Whereas CD 2 is the more understated, classy but still anthemic tracks such as Push's epic Strange World, Gouryella and L'esperanza by Airscape. True anthems in every sense of the word. You can never tire of hearing these tracks, which is just as well as you may already have them dotted around on other trance collectives. That will be the only real downside of this album, repeat entries. Having said that, look out for some real back of the box finds like the severely forgotten Liberta by Lovechild, an absolutely huge track which is about to celebrate it's 11th birthday but still sounds as fresh today as did it then. In addition, Nebuchan, Don't Be Afraid and Floyd's uplifting Come Together are welcome inclusions which don't get hammered everytime a new trance anthems is released.

In conclusion, Trance Anthems 2009 is a nice nostalgic walk down trance memory lane, with a whirlwind review of where the genre is currently at by the end. CD3 will keep you interesting, where as the classics will keep you coming back year after year. As I mentioned previously there are much less dance compilations doing the rounds at the minute, so you must chose wisely, you could do a lot worse than investing your money in Dave Pearce, always a consistent name and an enjoyable brand.