Great Lake Swimmers promo CD case

This humorous bit of promotional “marketing” was uncovered inside an advance package containing the 2005 Bodies and Minds CD by Great Lake Swimmers. Undoubtedly, the folks at Misra Records, who decided to have this message printed on the promo’s tray card, merely intended to add a small amount of friendly levity to something they consider a serious issue.

Dave Alvin autographed photo

Store date: 1991-2000.

This autographed publicity photograph of Dave Alvin was a gift from the proprietors of Zydeco, a nightclub in Birmingham (it was specifically from Steven Knight, if I’m not mistaken). And it was given to the store in that frame, no less.

Ben Kweller in-store

Store date: 22 April 2004

A 23-year-old Ben Kweller visited the store while touring in support of his record On My Way. A crowd of larger-than-average size had gathered in the store to hear him play and hopefully get some face time. Ben, however, was running a little late.

When he arrived with his two-car entourage, it was revealed that the group had been enjoying a large lunch at PF Chang’s at The Summit. Bellies full of Chinese food were now slowing down the previously-scheduled pace of the day.

Business Card (20th century)

Store date: 1991-2000

“I just felt I had to write and express my complete dismay…”

Store date: 29 November 2007

After I announced the imminent closing of Laser’s Edge in an e-mail sent to the customer base on 1 November 2007, I received a flood of e-mails that I later stashed away in a folder.  Most of these form a chorus of “Say it ain’t so!” and I can easily become wistful scanning through them.  One letter, in particular, always gets me.

I remember reading this letter when I first received it in my inbox over three years ago. It moved me deeply. I don’t know that I had ever received such a heartfelt note; I certainly hadn’t received one written with such grace.