Wednesday, December 30, 2009

DC Beggars: A short trip to the Rathouse

Although it is kind of late, I’ll give it a try to see if that Santa costume still fits me. Now, five days after Christmas and before breaking into the new year, I’ll try to make some grunge fanatics happy by spreading the word about another unspoken and requested band, namely DC Beggars.The band story began in 1989 after Carla Sindle left Ohio for Seattle leaving behind the punk rock band Fallen Chandaliers. A year later she became the lead singer for the just-formed band DC Beggars. The band membership included Carla Sindle on vocals, Adrian Garver on bass, Steve”Hougie” Gero on drums and Julian Gibson on guitar. In the same year the band moved into the Rathouse (19th and Denny Way, Seattle) which was actually a practice space at the Central District. Other bands that fit that crew were The Gits (they actually owend the house), Officer Down, 7 Year Bitch and Alcohol Funny Car. In 1991 DC Beggars were featured on the first Rathouse release, Bobbing For Pavement - A Seattle Compilation, the band’s contribution were two songs, Tale Of Lies and Narrow As A Sin. Other bands featured here: Gas Huffer, The Gits, Bay of Pigs, Big Brown House, Hammerbox, My Name and The Derelicts (this compilation was re-released on CD in 1994). Same year (that is 1991) the band made their second appearance which was actually the second Rathouse release You're So Pretty But You Make Me Sick 7’’.

Not much I could find on the internet about the next band’s release, that is: Love, Money, and Power 7" EP (Smiilin' Ear) in 1992. What I did find interesting was actually a little review taken from 10 Things Jesus Wants You To Know fanzine:
Finally over a year later we get another offering from this wonderful underrated punk band. Deathtrip is unlike their past stuff, it's heavy pounding with snarling vocals and very powerful. The songs on the flipside are the Beggars I remember, powerful female vocals and the guitars, bass and drums are definitely heavier. Black Moon Rising reminds me of early Siouxsic. This bands deserves an album now! --Dan
Their best release to date. A-side is an atypical Beggars tune--more melodic and less thrashy then usual, and it works really well . Great song. Flipside is more what you'd expect, showcasing singer Carla's Jello-like vocals. –Parker


From ’90 to ’93 the Beggars’ did extensive tours in USA, Canada and Europe. Finally the band was featured on another compilation called Power Flush: San Francisco, Seattle & You released by Broken Rekids and Rathouse Records featuring Seattle bands such as Alcohol Funny Car, 7 Year Bitch and The Gits. Sadly, same year, Mia Zapata is murdered, DC Beggars dissolves, and the Record Label resigns.

I would be really glad to see some comments on this post. Also if any of you have the Love, Money, and Power EP or You're So Pretty 7’’ please send me a link with them.
Now late-Santa Dan is sitting comfortable on his chair wishing you all a Happy New Year.

from Bobbing For Pavement - A Seattle Compilation

Tale Of Lies

Narrow As A Sin

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi, I got the you're so pretty single,..., bought it from a guy in Holland,...

It's great, I have the songs somewhere digitalised on my pc, do you know a way to pass them to you?

Cheers

Anonymous said...

Shit, I don't have it digital

But someday I can do it, I have exams now,...

Dan "Cluster" said...

Well, the easiest way to send me those songs would be to attach them in an email. You can email me at: myhairsprayqueen@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Luiz said...

Your blog is a Bible, so much thanks!

Anonymous said...

cand vedem si the gits pe blog?hai k nu mai am rabdare....

Brewtal Truth said...

Big Brown House, who you mention in this post, featured Ben London from Alcohol Funnycar. After BBH broke up, then Ben formed AFC. With Tommy Bonehead from Love Battery and Crisis Party.

Anonymous said...

Howdie

I will send the songs one of the next days,...

Anonymous said...

Hey, DC Beggars were a great band. I've got your fix,I just posted the "You're So Pretty" EP on my blog:

http://schizophrenicmelodies.wordpress.com/2010/07/03/dc-beggars/

Thanks for the comp. tracks! Now who has the other EP???

Carla Dreams said...

Hi Dan, got the single downloaded
http://www.box.com/s/jortf4evii9fdykfvf1x
and
http://www.box.com/s/ubyc0ldpogputvhhavgj

let me know if you can't open them, i am kind of new to this box.com sharing
~Carla

Unknown said...

I was a guest of Scott from Officer Down when I stayed at the Rathouse. I have great memories of those days. Carla and Julian were dating and lived top floor of house.Tommys Alchohol Funny Car were great,didn't know T was in Crisis Party only Love Battery ... If anyone out there was around the Rathouse back in the 90s (early) message me because I would love to reminisce

Unknown said...

Above message and this now are from Elliot. elliotcorley001@gmail.com
No Facebook just deleted it.