Sound Cat Records

It’s been a while since I’ve been here (maybe back when it was called Paul’s) but I remember this place standing out as far as record shops go. It was super organized with easy to browse cards in place of the actual discs (for some, not all). I remember getting a lot of good stuff here. The selection is pretty deep. Next time I’m back in Pittsburgh I’ll definitely come back!

I don’t think this is the best record store I’ve ever been to, but I can call myself a fan of this location. The layout is pretty nifty and even though it’s just a small shop amidst other small shops, it still has some character to it.
I gives off a rock vibe, twinged with blues. The LPs and cds are in the center in one big table with each name popping out at you. This is where my disappointment comes into play: there weren’t nearly enough alternative bands to make me want to go back. They had a huge section dedicated to new releases by alternative artists, but these artists don’t have their own place in the center. It was a little confusing and misleading to me. As if they were trying to sell the genre to appeal to some individuals walking in the store.
I can appreciate the old school rock that was in the center, but a lot of the other bands seemed really obscure, perhaps because they weren’t the type of genre I was looking for in the first place.
It’s a nice place if you’re just browsing but I was a little disappointed by the selection. Overall, three stars. The staff seemed nice and I would come back again if I was in the area.

I have been shopping here for 15 years and this place is absolutely amazing. It was formerly known as Paul’s and it was a great store back then but I think Sound Cat is even better. They have a really good pulse on just about every music genre so the selection is very well curated. This store is a vital part of the community and with record stores closing left and right we should not take a place like this for granted. Cancel your Spotify account and support people who put their hearts and souls into keeping music alive.

Love this spot, it’s been around since I was a teen, and the faces haven’t changed. A Pittsburgh staple!

Superb selection of used vinyl and a well curated new vinyl selection as well. Loved the quasi pontification of the store clerk as well. Everything you expect from a record store and then some. A gem.

They didn’t have a huge selection but the store was clean and super easy to navigate. A miss this time, but will most likely stop back again.

I have been buying records from this building for the last 20 years. I was so happy when I heard that Karl Hendricks was taking over the space. I feel like the selection has gotten even more fine tuned. They have a wonderful selection of obscure vinyl. And every one in the store is always so helpful. Every time I go there I see one of my friends!!! I love this place.

The best selection of new LPs at a great price. The used selection is curated well and very affordable. I love the vibe and I am so happy to have this store in my neighborhood.

Soundcat Records is a great shop with a well curated new LP section. The prices are spot on as well. What I love about this store is learning something new everytime in enter it. The owner and employees provide a wealth of knowledge and suggest great music.

One of the great independent record stores, Karl Hendricks runs his business just like he plays: with passion and creativity.

update: Paul’s is turning into Sound Cat.
While I’ve only been here a couple of years, I find that Paul’s consistently has the best selection of new CDs if you have vaguely discriminating music tastes (non-​mainstream). Very wide array of indie music. Not just your standard indie pop/​rock, but also avant-​garde, ambient, etc. My purchases are ~70% planned, plus a bunch that I spotted while browsing. Sometimes I’ll even see an album here that I wasn’t previously aware of and check it out online, then go back and buy it. Every time I’ve been here, my reaction is «Ooooh I can’t believe they actually have this» at 10+ albums; then I have to consider my budget and only buy 2 or 3 at a time.
Will definitely continue to go when it’s Sound Cat Records. Strongly recommend.

Paul’s is my favorite record shop in town!
As others have noted – it’s not a big place, but it is chock full of (well-​organized!) stuff! They have a wide variety of music and the staff is very knowledgeable and friendly. They know about *music,* not just one variety and they’ve never been condescending or rude. If they don’t have something you’re looking for in stock, they’ll gladly order it for you, and they were very helpful when I was trying to find out whether an old jazz record had been reissued on CD.
If I can’t buy my CDs straight from the band, Paul’s is where I go.

It’s so small, so compact, and full of everything you could desire really. Great selection. Knowledgable staff. It’s truly one of the best things bloomfield and pittsburgh has to offer

One of the first things I did when I had a little free time after moving to PIttsburgh was to locate a good CD store. Paul’s definitely fits the bill. A small but extremely orderly (re: alphabetized!) shop. I knew what I was looking for, otherwise I could have spent an hour browsing. Genre sections are clearly labeled and easy to find. Right when you walk in, you’ll find a rack of the newest releases on your right hand side.
After I had acquired my bounty of Wolf Parade and Stephen Malkmus discs, it was time for the final test… having a chat with the staff. The experience was good — they are friendly and very knowledgeable, and I can look forward to asking them for recommendations.

One of two places to check out whenever I’m in Pittsburgh. For such a small space, Paul’s is incredibly dense. They have this unique carding procedure where they keep all the new CDs behind the counter and you bring the card up to the counter to get it. They usually have an amazing used CD selection as well. Plus, they have MOJO and UNCUT magzines flown in from the UK and you can usually get them about a month before Borders does! On most days Paul himself will be there. They are also very plugged into the local scene, as far as what they carry. I rarely leave here without a few amazing finds!

sound cat’s is awesome.
it’s real organized and there’s space to move. i think it’s mostly new cds but theres a small used section. some vinyl too.
they also sell concert tickets for shows at mr small’s. and garfield artworks. and 31^st street pub. and maybe some others.
theres this boxish thing near the register that fuuull of 7 inches and some odd cds. they have the most awesome artwork and i like to look through them. but i never buy any cause i’ve never heard of any of the bands…