Between VVV Records and Oak Lawn Records, my underground dance music education began in the late 80s. While VVV intimidated my musical naivete a bit more, Oak Lawn Records on Congress held my interest with their small but well stocked collection of dance music, 12″ remixes and super-co0l imports.
I remember distinctly feeling oh-so in the know when buying CCCP’s “American Soviets” and MCL’s “New York” 12″ LPs. They weren’t overly spectacular in packaging, a bold color and white lettering only but both had ‘Oak Lawn Records’ on the label. I didn’t quite know how things worked back then but I immediately thought how great it was that I was buying something put outby OLR. On top of that, they were songs and mixes I had heard on late night radio DJ sets and out at clubs like Stark and The Cave (no, not The Wave). And no one else in my high school had this shiz. 
So, while at Half Price Books, I happened to see the CD titled Retro Club Classics. Thinking it was more C+C Music Factory, I checked it out only to find all my old faves and more in one place. Almost like the records, the CD is simply designed but upon hearing these old pre-techno classics, they still sound fresh and much more clever than many a dance song today.
I snagged the disc for a mere six bucks, dashed to the car and played that sucker and sure enough, I was back in the days of my Girbaud jeans and Robin Hood booties and it was heaven. I was kind of hoping that I had found something rare just like way back then, but alas, it’s all over the Internet. No matter. I got my copy.
LISTEN: CCCP – American Soviets
-Rich Lopez
Hint of Mint 