tUnE yArDs: Real Live Flesh

This is Merrill’s new video. She lip-synchs with her pals. I’ve loved Merrill Garbus’ orchestral and harmonics project tUnE yArDs since I first saw her at the now-defunct Cat Call nights first incepted by singer-songwriter Abigail Lapell at Casa Del Popolo. I think that was like in the 60s 2005 maybe? Anyway, she sang a song called Top Chef, about how much she really liked this dude on the reality show Top Chef. I like that. When people just make up shit, and its reflective of their immediate surroundings… like we have a priveliged edited view of one tangent in their little lives.

I miss those nights. It’s where I broke my geeky performance cherry—a cold Cagibi night in 2006. I learned about righty tighty that night. And the importance of neon hats and cardamon pepper cookies, and dhal, and friends who clap at your nonsense. Let’s bring back all girl/girl-inspired open mic night! Somebody should get on that.


Keep Reading

The cast of All Stars 11

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 11’ is a second chance for the bracket format. Will it work this time around?

Early enthusiasm for the Tournament of All Stars last season was dampened by the back half of the season, raising the question of whether this format is viable in the long term
A flaming torch

‘Survivor’ helped me climb a volcano

Instead of training for a gruelling day-long hike, I listened to podcasts about my favourite TV show. It paid off
Michaela Coel and Anne Hathaway

‘Mother Mary’ nails how devastating a first lesbian breakup can be

In A24’s new pop star drama, Anne Hathaway captures the physicality of a tormented ex-lover aching for answers—and deliverance
The cover of Afternoon Hours of a Hermit; Patrick Cottrell

In ‘Afternoon Hours of a Hermit,’ Patrick Cottrell writes a protagonist who does everything wrong—again

The pseudo-sequel to Cottrell’s acclaimed first novel brilliantly retraces old ground
Advertisement