Beach Sloth

As Adam by Michael O’Brien

                ‘As Adam’ is an ambitious debut in a myriad amount of ways. UP literature has been playing the alt lit game for a while. First it was cute poems about fuzzy bunnies. Then somehow it became about bestiality and incest. Things change. Other forms have been taken up by UP. Interviews have sprung up. Video pieces presented themselves as adorable, heartfelt valentines to anonymous readers like you and me. Gorgeous pieces of art adorn each issue. While every issue is wonderful I wondered when UP would get to that next level in any alt lit publication, from anthologies or collections to an outright chapbook-releasing power house. 

                I wonder no more. This video presents the work of one Michael O’Brien. ‘As Adam’ is read. The English countryside passes by as Michael reads in a clear, commanding voice. Let me admit this now: I’m a little jealous of his voice. My voice sounds lazy. Of course it would, I’m a sloth, but still. Michael knows how to time himself well. Listening to it I’m really excited about what it will ultimately look like. I’m expecting something beautiful because it sounds beautiful. His use of repetition and the way every line lingers is encouraging. 

                The towns and places he passes by in what I assume is his car look cute. How can alt lit even afford automobiles? Sometimes I stare at cans of soup in the supermarket and say ‘Nope not today’ as I search for free sample carts. Most of my calories come from whatever free food people deem unsuitable. I don’t care. I’m a sloth I barely even need calories anymore. Usually I just hang upside down in a tree and blog. I’d recommend that life to anybody, well anybody but Michael O’ Brien. 

                Michael O’Brien’s release on the 30^th has me tickled 50 shades of pink. I’m happy that UP has chosen Michael to be the inaugural chapbook release. This is a move in the right direction. Every time UP comes out with an issue I stop everything I’m doing and I hunker on down. Now that they are doing this on a case by case, person by person basis it means only one thing: that the quality of UP is going to be increasing in value, in heartfelt thanks. Wonder how UP will get its hands on yummy pieces of art? Who is going to do the next UP cover? 

                ‘Get jacked up’ is what a wise man once said. Now he might have been talking about a number of things, but I think the phrase applies here. Check out the video. Ready yourself for the latest incarnation of UP.