So what are we doing in Holland, well one of our reviewers is a regular visitor and being a big fan of Euro House and Trance decided to search out some shops in Utrecht and Midtown Records is one of two he found.

Situated about 5 minutes from Utrecht Central Station in what can best be described as the old town is this goldmine of a shop, Mid-Town. Mid-Town is best known to people in the UK as the home of Blue Records who in their time have turned out some huge records including one of the biggest tracks of last year, Lock n Load's - Blow ya Mind. This is one of several shops Mid-Town have, others being in Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

If you stumble on this shop what can you expect, a trip worthwhile basically. They stock just about everything, music wise you will find Euro House, Trance, Hardhouse, Rotterdam or Hardcore and Gabba all on vinyl of course.

Try the Dutch mix cd's where you will find such regular compilations as Club Delicious (now on vol 4), DJ Jean (now on the Winter Collection) and Trance Energy (now on vol 1 2001). On the whole I have found that the mixing is technically better than the UK ones such as the Ministry or Cream series. Musically you will find the tracks that usually find there way on to the ones back here plus lots of tracks that you won't know.

They also sell all sorts of merchandise, the usual record bags & boxes and slipmats etc and tickets for some hot gigs. You will also find tee-shirts, jackets and baseball caps. Mid-Town also stock a selection of mixers and cartridges making the shop a good one-stop source.

Inside a large shop on one floor you will find 4 listening posts equiped with the usual SL1200's that also come complete with stools to relax on. The service is top class, all the guys know their stuff and they all speak fluent English.

So if you find yourself in Utrecht make sure you hunt this shop out and you'll come back home with a large wad of new tunes and as most of them cost NLG 18,95 (about £5.00) you'll save a lot of money as well.