Opened in 1956, this 13-story tower, just north of the legendary intersection of Hollywood and Vine, is one of the city's most recognizable buildings. The world's first circular office building is often -- albeit incorrectly -- said to have been made to resemble a stack of 45s under a turntable stylus (it kinda does, though). Nat "King" Cole, Ella Fitzgerald, and Billie Holliday are among the artists featured in the giant exterior mural known as Hollywood Jazz. Look down and you'll see the sidewalk stars of Capitol's recording artists (including John Lennon). In the lobby, numerous gold albums are on display.

Not Quite SOS, but . . .  -- The light on the rooftop spire of the Capitol Records building flashes "H-O-L-L-Y-W-O-O-D" in Morse code. Really, it does.