Music Monday: Andrea & Meg Edition

I will have more, a lot more, to say about the utterly lovely “Come See Me In the Good Light,” the documentary about poet Andrea Gibson’s life with their wife Megan Falley and incurable cancer. And the movie’s theme, “Salt Then Sour Then Sweet,” from Sara Bareilles and Brandi Carlile will burrow into your heart like any good poem does. And there’s a good reason for it, because it’s an unfinished love poem from Andrea to their wife. But the lyrics we see flashing over the screen, that’s Meg’s handwriting. Love truly is the reason for it all, isn’t it? Happy Monday, kittens.

Music Monday: Waitress Edition

Well, in one week the four-year (well, hopefully only four-year) shit show of the second Trump presidency begins. To have to live through TWO terms by this most manifestly unfit excuse for a human being is beyond the realm of all reasonableness. But, here we are. So please in this final week take a moment of grace for yourself and those you love. We will all need it over the next 1,461 days. May the ethereal beauty of Sara Bareilles and Rufus Wainwright feeling every note of “She Used to Be Mine” from the msuical “Waitress” together transport you to a place where the endless possibilities, disappointments and realities of our occasionally sublime, often mundane and too often painful existences wash over us. Happy Monday, and next four years and one week, kittens.

5Eva and Chill

Well, it’s been out a week so is “Girls5Eva” a hit now on Netflix or what? I did my part, binge-watching the entire new third season the day it came out. I plan a full seasons rewatch soon. I continue to be so unexpectedly thrilled that this quirky, very funny show was saved from the scrap heap to find not just another home, but a better home at that.

Now, with the first two seasons and the new third season to stream, I hope this show gets the love and kooky recognition it deserves. If you, like me could not resist and chugged the whole new season in one sitting, can we talk about how much GAYER it got? Boob desert! Pre-Friends Courtney Cox Type! If you haven’t watched it already because it was banished to Peacock before, no time like the present to 5Eva and chill this weekend. Welcome to your new Dream Streaming Girlfriend.

Netflix & FiveEva

I am so thrilled that “Girls5Eva” is returning for a third season, and on Netflix no less. I’m thrilled that more people are going to get a chance to finally discover this show (because who are we kidding, most people don’t have Peacock). Because I’m sure as soon as people watch this wonderfully ridiculous, wildly funny show (especially people who can still vividly remember the early 2000s) they’ll be hooked. I mean Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Busy Philipps and Paula Pell alone together on a show is great. But all of them together in a show from the team behind “30 Rock” (hey, Tina Fey, hey) is a maximum jokes per minute guffaw fest. And there's a lesbian in it (thanks, Paula). I know I plan to rewatch the whole series, and the new season, once it hits Netflix. Gonna be streaming, 5Eva starting March 14.

Music Monday: Winter Song Edition

Yep, it’s that time of year again. May you find your harbinger of light this winter season. Happy Monday, kittens.

Music Monday: Choose Sara Edition

Kittens, I’ve been having a tough January. And that’s following an also tough December/November. Packing all those holidays so close together like that is…whew. But I am working on being OK and determined not to sour on marriage and and love and all that other hearts and rainbows shit. So as some exposure therapy here is one of my favorite Sara Bareilles videos. Yes, I know, I’ve been on bit of a Sara Bareilles tear of late. (She is also great in "Girls5Eva," in case I haven't hinted enough that you should watch yet.) She’s just…so good. And this video is so good, and so sweet and so gay. I hope both these couples are still together, but especially the lesbians. Gotta root for the home team. Happy Monday, kittens.

Music Monday: Sara & Brandi Edition

I’ve wanted to go to Brandi Carlile’s annual Girls Just Wanna Weekend event since she started them back in 2018. I made it a goal last year to get tickets to the music festival at some point in the near future. The all-inclusive Mexican getaways always seemed like a more music-oriented, less party hardy Dinah Shore. But their hefty price tag and now lack of a dedicated traveling companion have put a pause on those plans for now. But at least we can enjoy this year’s fruits from afar, like this duet between Brandi and Sara Bareillis on her beautiful “She Used to be Mine.” This song stirs up such fierce emotions each time I hear it, and in Sara and Brandi’s hands it’s nothing short of a masterpiece. I listened to it half a dozen times in a row, which let me warn you in advance will eventually make you sob in your living room. Or maybe just me. Life is what happens when we’re making other plans. But, no matter how late, there’s still time to rewrite an ending or two for all of us. Happy Monday, kittens.

Music Monday: Winter Song Season

The first Monday in December calls for my favorite melancholy “Winter Song.” I can’t believe Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson’s truly lovely December lullabye is 14 years old (heck, almost as old as Ye Olde Blog). But each time I hear it again I feel enveloped by its evocative beauty. Admittedly this year, well, it just hits different. Is love alive? The seasons always change, so we shall see. Maybe there is still a harvester of light for me out there somewhere — and hopefully for you too. Happy Monday, kittens.

My Weekend Thanks

Goodness, kittens, you do know how to make a recently dumped gal feel less alone, less lonely. Thanks for all your kindness and care, it honestly means so much. Today is three weeks from Implosion Day, and while I still don’t feel like I’m standing on stable ground at least the shock has mostly worn off. I am not yet OK, but I think maybe someday I will be. Hopefully.

Heck, I even feel like sharing a little good news (because, well, you can’t sulk all the time, can you?)

If you’ve been around here you know I’ve raved about the zany chaos of “Girls5Eva,” the Peacock comedy starring Sara Bareilles, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Paula Pell and Busy Philipps about the 90s girl group attempting a comeback? Well, holy shit, it’s coming back for a third season AND moving from Peacock (which literally no one watches, let alone knows if they have) to Netflix (which everyone watches and chills with always). So, there. At least one good thing is happening in this world.

A megalomaniac billionaire may be taking over Twitter. MAGA nutbags may be running for office everywhere. Democracy is in peril. The fucking planet is in peril. But, hey, at least this fun little show with a stellar all-female lead cast which includes a middle-aged lesbian main character (thanks, Paula - as a middle-aged lesbian I highly approve) is coming back and will get better exposure. I’ll take the wins where I can get them these days.

Truly, it’s hard to overstate how great this move is for this show. The first two seasons are going to transfer over next year, and it’s been greenlit for a third on Netflix. So, please, if you haven’t watched already, give it a watch and get ready for some ridiculous joy. I sure know I could use some right about now. Happy weekend, all.

Back 5Eva

Hey, here’s something to look forward to in May besides the slow and inevitable march for time ever forward? Screwball girl band satire “Girls5Eva” is coming back, and soon! The Peacock comedy brings back Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Renée Elise Goldsberry and out comic Paula Pell as one-hit-wonder 90s girl group Girls5Eva. Looks like they’ll be recording a new album in the new season. I still think the fifth “Girl,” Ashley (played by Ashley Park) is going to make an appearance in the new season — outside of a hologram that is. Mostly I can’t wait for this fun little romp, which includes Paula’s lesbian character/resident dentist Gloria, to come back May 5 and make me laugh. Also, fuck, if those songs aren’t ridiculous earworms. You’ve been warned.

Music Monday: Winter Edition

The calendar shows this is the first Monday in December. So that means it’s that time of year again – time once more to settle into the beautiful melancholy of winter. And, of course, a time to share my favorite winter song, appropriately named “Winter Song.” I’d like Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson to provide my entire winter soundtrack, honestly. Grab a scarf and some hot chocolate, 'tis the season after all. Happy Monday, kittens.

Music Monday: Girls5Eva Again

Remember I also told you to watch “Girls5Eva,” like a couple times? Well, you should because it has songs like this. And if this delightful little number doesn’t convince you’re all suffering from PTSD caused by the incessant feminist dystopia called 1990s pop, well nothing will. Happy Monday, kittens.

What to Watch: Queer Lady TV Binge

So the Olympics, and all its tank tops, are over. What is a queer gal to watch now? Well, luckily, I’ve made it my (sorta) mission to watch all the new, female-fronted ensemble original series being put out right now, particularly those with queer characters/cast. No, I obviously haven’t watched them all. But, honestly, I’ve watched a lot this year. And I’m here with some recommendations because you can’t have enough shows by and about women, especially queer women.

“Hacks,” HBO Max: My love for Jean Smart and this show is well documented. If you like Jean Smart and smart, sometimes caustic women working hard to be in control of their own destinies in an unforgiving industry — this is the show for you. Also Ava/Hannah Einbinder is out and bi on the show and in real life. Definitely watch, even if the ending left us on a fairly predictable cliffhanger.

“Girls5Eva,” Peacock: I’ve also already loved all over this show. But the wonderfully chaotic comedy energy of the series, not to mention it’s spot-on satire and hilariously earworn worthy songs make it an easy weekend binge. Plus Paula Pell could not be any gayers as former “Tomboy” of their girl group.

“We Are Lady Parts,” Peacock: You’ll find hilarious, adorable nerd energy and wonderful, diverse casting in this funny and liberating look at a group of disparate young Muslim women who come together to play in a punk rock band. While I’m still waiting for frontwman Amina/Anjana Vasan to become the breakout angry rebellious queer lady heartthrob she was clearly meant to be, you’ll get the warm fuzzies from drummer Ayesha/Juliette Motamed’s unexpected crush.

“Betty,” HBO Max: Now, I haven’t started the second season, having just binge devoured the first season. But from what I have seen so far if you’re looking for a chill show that’s all vibes, occasional plot, this is for you. (And, the second half of the season does rev up the narrative drive more.) Real-life skaters were cast as the show’s female ensemble cast about a group of young women skaters who become friends while navigating the dude-heavy culture of skating. Plus, more than one out queer character! Like kinda a bunch. Which means you get to pick your type. Say, if flirty labrador retriever stoner types are your thing, you’ve got Kirt/Nina Moran. If artsy, shy types are your weakness, goodness will you be into Honeybear/Kabrina Adams. And again, I’ve only watched the first season. And, truly, I am thrilled there is a second. Because it is good, but also because I feel pretty confident more Totally Gay Shit will go down.

“Harley Quinn,” HBO Max: Yes, this is an animated series. Yes, it’s extremely violent. But, honestly, Harley Quinn may be my favorite female superhero/anti-hero/badass. I truly, truly loved the freewheeling kinetic energy of the “Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn)” movie. So fun and so smart and so well done nad did I mention fun? And while the animated series may seem like a bit of a pastiche of the movie, it’s truly its own weird and oddly wonderful grown-up beast (like, this is NOT a kiddie cartoon folks). And it’s gay! Harley is so queer, and so queer for Poison Ivy and, well, I won’t spoil it. But you’re gonna like the end of Season 2. (Yes, that’s my only grumble is it takes us two damns seasons to get there.)

Music Monday: Girls5Eva Edition

Remember when I told you “Girls5Eva” is great ans you should watch and then you should continue to watch through the credits because of the amazing original songs during the end credits of each episode? Well here is Sara Bareilles singing “I'm Afraid (Dawn's Song Of Fears)”/Your New Favorite Song.

90sGirlsGroups5Eva

If you are a product of the 90s like me, you should turn on Peacock right now and find the show “Girls5Eva.” The Peacock series is a pitch perfect (See what I did there? I’m so sorry, I’m tired.) send-up of the all-too-often superficial girl power of so many of mass-produced female acts of that day.

The series stars Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Paula Pell as ex-members of the girl group Girls5Eva. You know the sort, groups formed from an open call at an inland Florida strip mall. This show harmonizes silly fun and pointed smarts while satirizing the co-opted feminine empowerment of the era. Plus, holy shit, their songs are amazing. I mean it, one of the great joys of the series is the new song that plays over the end credits each episode.

We inhaled this series in two nights, only because we made ourselves stop half way through to make the season last longer. Plus, it’s got The Gay. Real-life lesbian comic and longtime “Saturday Night Live” writer Pell plays Gloria, the group’s closeted/unrealized lesbian. As adult Gloria her performance is somehow both comedically over-the-top yet utterly relatable, which is no small feat. Like, instead of just laughing at her romantic mishaps, I’m genuinely rooting for Gloria to find the happiness she deserves.

My only criticism, which I hope and think might be a temporary one, is that the show somehow decided to [Spoler Alert: Key plot point ahead and all that, jump ahead to the last paragraph] kill off the one Asian members of the group, Ashley (played briefly and in hologram by Ashley Park). But I think/hope that infinity pool accident was just a long-con ruse, right?

Right, have I convinced you to watch this show yet? Because if you still love all the sugary delicious girl pop of the 90s, while abhorring the messages all the mandatory baring of midriffs and underage exploitation of the time this show was written just for you. I mentioned my Fake TV/Film Wife Tina Fey produced this too, right? Anyway, *sings at an unnecessarily high note while holding an imaginary earpiece* watch.

Music Monday

So earlier this month singer-songwriter-serenader of lesbian proposals Sara Bareilles revealed she had recovered from COVID-19 and was “grateful for every breath.” Sara’s smart, empathetic songwriting continues to be a favorite. I am so glad we will be able to hear more from her in the future. And it’s a reminder that this pandemic is far from over and also does not care what political party you belong to in the least. Not wearing a mask to own the libs is perhaps the dumbest self-own in the history of humankind. Yet here we are. Sorry, now I’m getting all worked up again.

So here is Sara and the also lovely Ingrid Michaelson singing my favorite melancholy holiday song “Winter Song” together in better times when we had a real president and not a criminally corrupt and incompetent Orange Turd who is physically incapable of showing even the slightest bit of empathy as our nation hurdles toward 100,000 deaths in the span of just three months and continues to prioritize corporate profits over protecting people’s health. Sorry, sorry, I was trying to find calm. Breathe. And, enjoy. Happy Monday, kittens.

My Winter Song To You

Well, winter doesn’t officially start for another 37 days. But the weather here in California has taken a turn for the chilly. I even turned on the heat this week for the fist time. (Yeah, yeah – I know everywhere else, it doesn’t really get cold in California. But cold for us.) Plus, all the terrible smoke from the wildfires hasn’t helped either. (p.s. Climate change is real – we haven’t had significant rain here since May. MAY.) This time of year always brings along a kind of gorgeous melancholy. It’s bittersweet, the end of the growing season and beginning of a long, needed dormancy. The world becomes very still. There is a beautiful quiet about the season. Without the magnificence foliage of spring, summer and fall we are left with only the silhouettes are left. I will say I miss seeing snow. But the beauty of this state is it’s only a car ride away. And then I can drive back out, and never have to shovel out my car even once. See, other than everything being on fire, California ain’t half bad. May your impending winter bring you the same kind of calming joy. And may this, perhaps my favorite songs about winter, warm you throughout the season.

Say What You Want To Say

http://dorothy-snarker.tumblr.com/post/115834408730/source-pro-gay

Great use of this song or greatest use of this song?

Winter Song, Take 2

I know I posted this already this winter, but it really is the perfect song to get all my East Cost friends through all the snow and cold. Hope you are having a very happy blizzard. And, for everyone else in other less and/or more snowy parts of the world please accept my apologies for letting January get away from me. It has been a long winter, even if my winter is 60 degrees.

My Winter Song For You

A quick look at the calendar tells me it is that time of year again. Time for my favorite winter song. Also, pretty much all my TV shows have aired their so-called “winter finale” (that is not a real thing, stop trying to make “winter finale” happen, networks), I must resort to the comfort of song. Also, this song is just really, really pretty. May it be a long, and wonderful, December, kittens.

p.s. Though if you need to warm up, please check out my recap of this week’s “The Fall” over at AfterEllen. Never mind a yule log, all you need is the body heat between Gillian Anderson and Archie Panjabi.