A couple of months ago, in a major announcement timed to coincide with his one-year anniversary as Portland’s top cop, Police Chief Mike Reese said he was mulling over a change in the name of his band. Yeah, well… promises, promises. They’re still gigging, and they’re still gigging as the Usual Suspects.
Why am I thinking about this? The O yesterday made mention of the band’s set during the Waterfront Blues Festival on July 4. But the O also neglected to link to a YouTube video posted on the police bureau’s Facebook page.
And I didn’t think anyone who wanted to see the police chief play in a band with his handpicked civilian director of services (Mike Kuykendall, formerly of the DA’s office and Portland Business Alliance) and two retired cops (Norm Sharp, currently running Clean and Safe, and Mel Tellinghusen) should have to hunt it down on their own.
So… enjoy.
Oh, and if you’re wondering where else in the Oregonian you saw Kuykendall and Sharp’s names together this week, check out this column by Steve Duin. It’s a compelling read about a questionable prosecution, the incestuousness of public-private public safety in Portland, and the true meaning of justice.
They’re kind of right. Middle aged white men are the usual suspects for this kind of music.
Why change the name?…they’re just keeping it real.
In their defense, they wanted to name the band And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Dead, but someone pointed out that it was taken.
Holy shit, the Chief of police has a band!?! Only in Portland.