You can`t go wrong with any recording by Carlos Gardel, the king of tango, and Astor Piazzolla, a contemporary artist who integrates tango classics with jazz. Another best bet is any recording by Mariano Mores`
Argentine orchestra. Among the record stores carrying a selection of tango music is Rose Records, especially the store at 3259 N. Ashland Ave., which has the heftiest collection; Pan American Records Inc., 3751 W. 26th St. and other locations; and Peaches Records and Tapes, 959 W. Diversey Pkwy. and other locations.
ON THE RADIO
— WOJO (105 FM). This station has a variety of musical programs featuring Spanish and Latin music. Music requests are welcomed at 869-8900 or 591-4020.
— WBEZ (91.5 FM). Mambo Express, hosted by Victor Parra, features Latin and Cuban music from 1 to 4 p.m. every Saturday. During February at 8 p.m. on Saturdays, Bill Zayas hosts a program of folk music from Mexico, South America and Puerto Rico. Some tango will be featured.
— WCRW (1240 AM). ”Variedad Musical” features a mixed bag of Latin music from 5 to 7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Among the tango classics played lovingly by host/tango-lover Carlos Arroyo are works by Agustin Magaldi and Alberto Gomez.
DANCE LESSONS
Surrender to the tango by taking dancing lessons. Check the yellow pages under ”dance” for names and addresses of studios nearest you that teach ballroom and Latin dancing. Classes are also offered at the Discovery Center, 2930 N. Lincoln Ave., 348-8120, and the Learning Annex, 8 E. Delaware St., 280-7575.
WHERE TO TANGO
— The Blue Moon, 1900 Larkin Ave., Elgin, 697-0464. The bill of fare is live music and dancing to the Top 40 sounds. But when the Vito Buffalo Orchestra appears, tango is on the menu. Phone for specific dates.
— Chevy Chase Clubhouse, 1000 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, 537-2930. Tango lessons are mixed with cha cha every Wednesday evening during January and February. Lesson included with cover charge.
— Dancers` Delight, 1623 W. Melrose Ave., days 878-7700; evenings 935-4767. Tango party and lessons scheduled for next Saturday. Phone for information.
— Glendora House, 10225 Harlem Ave., Chicago Ridge, 425-3686. Ballroom dancing to big band orchestras every Friday evening. Exhibition of tango dancing scheduled for Feb. 7.
— Holiday Ballroom, 4847 N. Milwaukee Ave., 283-9040. Exhibition of tango dancing scheduled for Jan. 31. Tango lessons available.
— Latin Village Supper Club, 2528 N. Lincoln Ave., 472-6166. Dancing to live music with a variety of orchestras that honor tango requests.
— Tania`s, 2659 N. Milwaukee Ave., 235-7120; Tania`s on the Lake, 400 E. Randolph St., 861-0255. Depending on which band is playing when, tango requests will be honored.
— Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs. 839-1000. A full schedule of ballroom dancing resumes in February. Tango music is included in musical sets. —
