Any assumption that price is indicative of quality would suggest that this compilation, and indeed any other in the "no.1" dance music series, is sub-standard produce. This is very much not the case. This magical 4 CD set complies with few omissions almost every classic hardcore anthem of the post-2001 revival, right through from shamelessly cheesy chavcore to some of the edgier freeform productions.
This is quite definitely the best hardcore retrospective on offer. It's quality is inarguable even when money is no object, but the fact that it will set you back little over a fiver means that it is way ahead of the pack in every single way. Such is the quality of the track-listing that this album is perfect for everyone, whether first getting into the hardcore scene or already hooked, compiling a truly definitive selection of euphoric anthems.
Although an unmixed CD may at first seem like corner-cutting, it is in fact a wonderful blessing in a cheap disguise. It allows you to enjoy the tracks in their pure un-violated state, whilst also saving you from assault by the egos of hardcore, and relieving you from tracks that spend so much time beat-matching in from the previous that you are only allowed to enjoy 30 seconds of music before it starts to fade out again. Besides if you are the sort of cantankerous chump who worries about a seamless mix, you are probably slick enough to be wanting to mix it all together yourself anyway, so we all win.
In summary, 5 stars: Best compilation on the market. If you like hardcore but for some reason do not own every track on this flawless album, rectify the situation immediately.