The Dishrags
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1976 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada |
| Headquarters | Vancouver , Canada |
| Products | Punk rock music, EPs, compilation albums |
The Dishrags—also referred to as Dee Dee and the Dishrags—were a pioneering Canadian all-female punk rock ensemble originating from Vancouver, British Columbia during the late 1970s. Acknowledged as Vancouver's first prominent punk outfit, their sound was shaped by influences such as the Ramones, playing a crucial role in shaping the local punk movement.[1] Their contributions include a track on the seminal compilation Vancouver Complication (1979), two EP releases, and additional recordings issued after their breakup.
History
Established in 1976 in Victoria, British Columbia, the group originally featured high school students Jill Bain (known as Jade Blade; lead guitar and vocals), Carmen "Scout" Michaud (drums), and Dale Powers (bass). Upon moving to Vancouver’s burgeoning punk scene, they performed at the city’s inaugural punk concert alongside the Furies at Japanese Hall on July 30, 1977.[2][3] They continued performing sporadically while finishing high school and served as an inspiration for other female punk acts such as the Visitors, Devices, and Zellots.[2]
In 1978, the Dishrags intensified their activity in Vancouver, including a significant appearance at the Commodore Ballroom where they opened for the Clash in January 1979.[4] Their first recorded song was "I Don't Love You," featured on Vancouver Complication (1979). Music critic Stewart Mason highlighted it as a notable punk track on par with UK second-wave bands like the Slits.[5]
The band’s debut EP, Past Is Past—containing three songs—was released in 1980 through Modern Records. Prior to recording their second EP in London, Powers departed and was succeeded by Kim Henriksen (bass) and Susan MacGillivray (guitar), both formerly of Devices. Produced by Chris Spedding, Death in the Family (June 1980) marked a shift toward a more pop-influenced style. The group dissolved soon after; the original trio later reunited under the name Raisenettes to explore Motown-inspired music.[2][5]
On January 28, 2006, Other People's Music issued Love/Hate, a comprehensive compilation encompassing all previously released tracks along with demos, live recordings, and the unreleased song "Bullshit" (also included on the reissued Vancouver Complication). The Dishrags briefly reunited for a tour that year. In 2008, Jem Records issued There's No Dee Dee, a collection of singles.[2]
The band was featured in Susanne Tabata’s 2010 documentary Bloodied but Unbowed.[6][7]
EPs
- Past Is Past – Released by Modern Records (MR1) in 1979
- Death in the Family – Independently issued in 1980
Compilation albums
- Love/Hate – Issued by Other People's Music (OPM-2112) in 1996
- There's No Dee Dee – Published through Jem Records in 2006
- Past Is Past – Distributed by Base Records (BASE-019) in 2008
- Three – Released under Supreme Records (SE-07) in 2015
- ↑ "Punk days captured on film". Burnaby Now, April 4, 2012.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "THE DISHRAGS". thepunkmovie.com. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ↑ Dillion, Charlotte. "Dishrags – Biography". allmusic.com. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ↑ Penontin, Michael. "Past Is Past EP". canuckistanmusic.com. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Mason, Stewart. "Love/Hate – Review". allmusic.com. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ↑ "Bloodied but Unbowed traces Vancouver's punk history". Georgia Strait, May 5, 2010
- ↑ "Vancouver Complication" Canuckistan Music, Michael Panontin