10. THEATER: Silence! The Musical
Former Phantom Davis Gaines headlines an unauthorized parody of The Silence of the Lambs as Hannibal Lecter. This naughty satire features a singing chorus of floppy-eared lambs narrating the action. The snappy book by[title of show]'s Hunter Bell often outshines the score, which tries to shock with tunes like "If I Could Smell Her Cunt." Begins previews Saturday and runs through September 8 at Los Angeles's Hayworth Theatre. For more information go here.
9. MUSIC: Change The Ending, Maia Sharpe
The L.A.-based singer, who's written for Cher, Bonnie Raitt, and the Dixie Chicks, kicks off her first album in three years with the release of the poigannt single "Me After You." Look for her on tour with Raitt this fall.
8. DVD: Nate & Margaret
Nate, a 19-year-old film student, and Margaret, a 52-year-old single woman with a coffee mug addiction, are best friends in an odd, quirky, totally working kind of way ... until Nate is set up on a date with James. It's like Harold and Maude but with a gay twist. Now on DVD.
7. WEB SERIES: Hunting Season
Based on the insanely popular blog The Great Cock Hunt, this eight-episode Web series offers a real-life (and NSFW) glimpse into the world of gay Gotham 20-somethings and all the friendship, sex, lies, loyalty, and ambivalence that entails. The series will launch September 12. Watch a preview here.
6. MUSIC: 4th Street Feeling, Melissa Etheridge
The iconic performer's 12th studio album features her trademark passionate vocals and perhaps her most stirring guitar work to date. Available Tuesday. Listen to Etheridge's single "Falling Up" here.
5. FILM: From Hollywood to Dollywood
Who doesn't love Dolly Parton? Gay twins Gary and Larry Lane sure do, and they set out on the open road in a RV named Jolene to deliver a screenplay to their idol. Along the way, the boys make unexpected discoveries about themselves and a number of colorful gay people they meet on their journey.The documentary of their journey opens today in New York and September 7 in Los Angeles.
4. MUSIC: Silver Age, Bob Mould
The veteran musician, eternally beloved for the brilliant work with his alternaband Husker Du, releases his first album of new material in three years. Silver Age features 10 brand-new Mould compositions in the punishingly loud, melodically sparkling pop/rock vein of his other great band, Sugar. Watch his new video for "The Decent" below.
3. MUSIC: "Leaving," Pet Shop Boys
Elysium, the latest album from Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, was recorded in Los Angeles, and the city brings a hazy wistfulness to their new music. Although the latest single from the queer duo won't be released until September 11, listen to "Leaving" above.
2. FILM: For a Good Time Call...
Justin Long's winky portrayal of the encouraging gay best friend is but one reason out director Jamie Travis's sweetly raunchy comedy about unlikely roomies (Lauren Anne Miller and It girl Ari Graynor) who make a mint as phone sex operators. Opens in select theaters today.
1. TV: 2012 Video Music Awards
As if performances by Green Day, P!nk, Rihanna, and Taylor Swift aren't reason enough to tune in, best new artist nominee Frank Ocean (pictured), perhaps the summer's most talked about musician, will make his VMA debut. Airs live Sunday on MTV.
