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Big B’s CDs & Records 4761 S. Maryland Pkwy.(in Univeristy Square Plaza), 702/732-4433. The coolest record store in Las Vegas, that’s all. Finding what you want is easy: every CD — new and used — sits in neatly labeled sections, divided and sub-divided (within “Country” lies “Americana”). Their stack of vinyl is eclectic in the extreme, mixing new DJ promos with classic Blue Note. Used discs are priced according to popularity in a graduated scale - that old Soundgarden will cost less than that new Chenical Brothers - and a listening station is thoughtfully provided. The terrific staff actually knows what the hell they’re talking about, and are more than willing to help you find what you’re looking for — a refreshing change from the standard point-and-grunt method employed by most record store employees.

Da Joynt 616 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 702/474-9890. This downtown hip-head shop stocks what may be the most choice selection of hip-hip, trip-hop, soul, funk, techno and house vinyl in the state, as well as T-shirts, hats and assorted other funky paraphernalia. Proprietor Eloff Perez is almost always on hand to help you out.

Famous Video & Music 2555 E. Tropicana Ave., 702/433-4003. This CD and video dealer pays good cash for secondhand discs, sells them at reasonable prices and rents video titles on the cheap. The secondhand disc racks are somewhat disorganized and overwhelming, but a patient soul can dig up more than a few treasures. The selection of new discs isn’t bad either.

J-Mars Records 2620 S. Maryland Pkwy., 702/796-6366. One of Vegas’ oldest secondhand vinyl dealers, J-Mars still pulls a good find out of its hat every now and again, and its selection of discs and cassettes is fairly good.

Odyssey Records 1600 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 702/384-4040. Nibbling at the feet of the Stratosphere Tower, Odyssey Records is the only place in this 24-hour town that serves up the old licorice pizza 24 hours a day. The selection has softened up considerably since Wherehouse Entertainment bought Odyssey out several years ago; if you’re looking for LPs or indie label stuff, don’t bother.

Record City 101 S. Rainbow Blvd., 702/258-1229; 3300 S. Decatur Blvd., 702/364-1070; 300 E. Sahara Ave., 702/735-1126; 553 E. Sahara Ave., 702/369-6466; 4555 E. Charleston Blvd., 702/457-8626; 4157 S. Maryland Pkwy., 702/731-1191. The CD selection at this buy-sell-and-trade is fair, but the real news is in the vinyl racks. A veritable mountain of secondhand LPs await you, much of it priced to move. Found recently in the stacks: a copy of Black Flag’s “Damaged,” a vintage Burns and Allen radio show, some cool Bjork mixes and a whole bunch of Stockhausen records, some of which we left behind for you. Trades are welcome.

Sound Barrier 4800 S. Maryland Pkwy. #K, 702/228-2763. Located in the space so recently occupied by the beloved Benway Bop, Sound Barrier makes more than good on the promise of their predecessors. Stocking punk and indie, big beat and and hip hop, hardcore and cowpunk in every format from new vinyl 45 to secondhand CD, this store is a welcome addition to the U-district, and pushes Sin City that much closer to hip. Plus: their space is one of the coolest in town, practically built to accomodate in-store performances, which it often does.

The Underground 1164 E. Twain Ave., 702/733-7025. A true original. The Underground has served the needs of punk and alternative Vegas since the Huntridge was just a movie theater. The store boasts a good stock of punk, ska, and garage CDs, LPs and singles by local and national artists, with an eye toward independents and small labels. The store has also stocked genre posters, T-shirts and stickers for years — long before those items shifted curiously upscale by way of Hot Topic.

Virgin Megastore 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. North (inside the Forum Shops), 702/696-7100. Trumpeted as Virgin’s flagship, the Las Vegas outpost of Richard Branson’s megastore is impressive indeed, if difficult to reach through the close-quartered “Atlantis” wing of the Forum Shops. Their selection of European imports is the best in Vegas, hands down — and they cost A ghastly-lit coffee bar on the second level offers a welcome respite from the teeming masses below.

Wax Trax Records 2909 S. Decatur, 702/362-4300. Not to be confused with the seminal techno/industrial independent label of the same name, Wax Trax Records is a small — but crammed — boutique of rare LPs and music collectibles. Call ahead for hours.

WOW! Superstore 4580 W. Sahara Ave., 702/364-2500. This combination Tower Records/Good Guys store is the first of its kind and looks it. This joint is big enough to float the Queen Mary, for crying out loud. Inside the city of WOW! is literally everything you need to keep yourself occupied - audio and video components, DVDs, compact discs, cassettes and 12-inch vinyl, not to mention one of the most extensive selections of computer hardware and software in town. Once inside, expect to spend an hour just trying to figure out where the hell you are. The coffee counter provides much needed java for shopping stamina; sip slowly, check out new releases at one of the listening bars, and try not to stare at the massive video display. Preserve your vision.