The Orange Spotlight

Sam Pink I Am Going To Clone Myself Then Kill The Clone And Eat It (Paper Hero Press)

I've interviewed Sam Pink, I've exchanged several e-mails with Sam Pink, I've read his stories on-line, I have read his blog and I have even read marveled at his artwork, yet as I read through his debut collection, I don't know if I know anything more about Mr. Pink then when I started. Much of his book is written in first person, but I find myself asking what person. At first glance this is a series of surface exchanges, mundane encounters filtered through a slightly damaged mind, but as the brief stories begin to build certain images repeat and develop. However, you don't know if these images are a character or the real man behind the persona.

The "I" that fills the 168 pages of Clone is lonely, angry, confused, and experiencing life at a pace and in a location that he has not chosen. You feel as though you are reading a diary or somehow ready every thought of this troubled person. Yet, you are strangely comforted by an odd sense of humor and moments so awkward that they make you smile and look around the room to see if anyone may be watching. Despite all of that you still don't know if this "I"is the writer or just a reoccurring figure in these puzzling poems.

"I AM GOING TO CLONE MYSELF THEN KILL THE CLONE AND EAT IT" was published by Barry Graham and was the first book on his Paper Hero Press imprint. It is extremely well crafted and an interesting look at the work and world of one of the most secretive writers in independent lit.

Stephen Lynch 3 Balloons (What Are Records?, March 24th)

I suppose the theory would be if you don't laugh at darkness it will swallow you whole. It's really the only logical reason for the level of decay filling the tracks and lyrics of Stephen Lynch. Yet this isn't 'lowest common denominator' fare, Lynch does display a high level of cleverness and wit in crafting ditties about the depraved individuals alive. It's an element of comedy that I never quite understood, I believe you can be humorous with delving into raunchy waters. Where most comics go straight for the vulgar giggles, Lynch does use a few more cleaver tactics.

3 Balloons is the fourth from Lynch but it is his first studio release. Lynch had this to say, "Whenever I write or perform a new song, in my head I hear pianos and drums and tubas and string sections and jug bands and children's choirs." On 3 Balloons he is finally able to add most of those elements to his sound. With tales of drug mules, transsexuals, and generally serious subjects, Lynch is able to keep the audience laughing. Lynch's first three albums have sold half a million copies combined, and his first DVD was a huge hit. Comedy Central will premier a one-hour stand-up special in late '09 before releasing an unedited DVD.

Listen to: 3 Balloons (mp3)