The Closing Set

My memory of the first time I witnessed SA dance legend Derek 'The Bandit' Richardson in action is quite hazy, but the image of a man who lives, breathes, and double-drops dance music is quite clear. Sadly, after 23 full-length compilations including the authoritative 'World of Dance' series, spinning in front of 30 000 Knebworth revellers through the highs and lows of a 17 year radio career, DTB is packing away his substantial record collection.

As such, the two-disc 'The Classics – The Closing Set' album scores highly on sentiment. Paul Van Dyk's 'We Are Alive', Tiesto's 'Traffic', Miss Jane's 'It's A Fine Day' and 'Exploration Of Space' from Cosmic Gate are all certified dancefloor anthems that have featured on every compilation from 'Bump' 1 to 200 Any self-respecting rave bunny will have heard it all before.

With the glaring exception of the nauseating Warp Brothers remix of that 'Blade' banger, the rest of the lineup is equally solid. The bonus disc includes a 19-minute megamix and a fascinating interview conducted by the Bandit's former 5fm colleague Ian F, video footage and pictures, and brings a certain collector's appeal to the album.

The Bandit made his name by virtue of a keen ear for a hit and the ability to meld the commercial and eclectic seamlessly. It can't be said then that this is a fitting testament to his genius.

"The fact that all of the tracks on 'The Classics – The Closing Set' are all hits in their own right is testament to the fact that the punters made them so. What I am doing here, in collaboration with Sheer Sound, is confirm their good taste," acknowledges the unassuming DJ.

Good taste aside, it would have been great to have seen him sign off in style, and do a little more to earn the punters' cash.