Music Blog

inmemoryofjohnpeel / April 26, 2009
Re Tender Loving Empire van: I've printed some Theft notices to put around neighbourhoods if anyone wants a copy email imojp@zaphmann.com

Karen / April 26, 2009
The theft of Tender Loving Empire's van might have some unexpected positive effects. Just a few months after we moved to Portland in 2001, I heard a news story about some indie band called The Decemberists, whose vehicle and gear had been stolen. I checked them out and have been a fan ever since. So maybe TLE will receive a little extra public attention from this unfortunate event, and their bands will benefit from it? And of course the extra attention will help bring back the van.

Karen / April 26, 2009
I mean, of course *I hope* the extra attention will help bring back the van.

inmemoryofjohnpeel / April 25, 2009
FIND THE BROWN VAN!! SAVE THE TENDER LOVING EMPIRE!! A serious 'bummer' as you say here, for a rock outfit. Jared Mees and his friends at Tender Loving Empire are doing great things and I see that they've now signed Y La Bomba (Lux) who, in my opinion, could be as big as Annie Clark (St Vincent) is becoming (here is her latest interview in the UK http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2009/apr/26/st-vincent-annie-clark-interview). What was that van reg?

Jeremy Petersen / April 25, 2009
Yeah, most definitely not cool. You steal from indie-level bands, you're stealing from poor people. That basically makes you a schmuck. DETAILS: Brown 1982 Ford Clubwagon Spare tire on back and "Tender Loving Empire" vinyl sticker in the rear window License plate#: OREGON RVJ-507 I know you've always been high on Y La Bamba. I've still yet to see them live, even missed them in Austin. Chris Funk has spoken rather glowingly though of their work on the upcoming album-- really looking forward to hearing it over here!

inmemoryofjohnpeel / April 25, 2009
I've seen them 3 times. Yes I'm anticipating great things from the new (first?) Y La Bomba release. I have 20 or so demos and they remind me of the quality of those great Flaming Lips demo cd-singles. I'll find out more about the band - all the members are talented and have their own projects, the main guitarist/harmoniser (who's name escapes me) is someone who will make it very cogent. Hey - is this show a special for me? So much music I love - I'm violently happy! Bjork is still the standard bearer (have you seen the hunter video)

Jeremy Petersen / April 25, 2009
Based on everything but actually HEARING the new Y La Bamba, I'm sure they're someone we'll be pursuing for an in-studio session with in the coming months. And, wow! Never thought I'd hear those words from the king of the one star rating! :) Thanks...

inmemoryofjohnpeel / April 25, 2009
Rating systems need to be used to the full extent of their range. The narrower the range the less expression of... whatever. For instance, this song by King Khan & the Shrines, is OK maybe a three, but I don't like his voice, I think his lines are clichéd and there's a suspicion of some dubious political views in there, so 3-2-1. That Black joe Lewis has real life though - I'll request that for next time! Tanks IMOJP

Jeremy Petersen / April 25, 2009
Ha, no need to justify yourself, just giving you a hard time. Still, I think your assessment of King Khan is way off!