CLUB REVIEW : A Haven for Romantics

If you’re in the mood for amor, Club Love is the ideal aphrodisiac. Although the new venture, which takes place at the Burgundy Room on the first and third Saturday of each month, is in the heart of Hollywood, it’s not for the whips ‘n’ chains crowd. Featuring the sweetest, sexiest soul music from the early ‘70s, Club Love is a haven for hopeless romantics who swoon to each song as if it’s spinning just for them.

Selecting tracks from the pre-funk, pre-rap era, deejay Victor Rodriguez takes many of his listeners back to their junior high school dances.

But unlike the old days, when you quaked in fear that the pimple-faced geek across the room might ask you to dance to the extended version of Earth Wind & Fire’s “Reasons,” when the track comes on at Club Love everyone simply grooves on it together.

With an inordinate number of songs including the L-word in the title--Atlantic Starr’s “When Love Calls,” Enchantment’s “Silly Love Song” and the Isleys’ “At Best You Are Love” are just a few examples--the club couldn’t be more aptly named. A microphone is even set up to allow clubgoers to make dedications, which is one reason Rodriguez maintains a deep collection of passionate faves from such artists as the Stylistics, the Isley Brothers and the Dramatics.

* Club Love at the Burgundy Room, 1621 1/2 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood. Every first and third Saturday. 21 and over, no cover. (213) 465-7530.