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Literary Mixtape Vol. 18

Side A:

Side B:


August 25, 2024


When I go through Major 7th submissions, I sometimes come across pieces that have their original titles – as in, not a song title – indicating that the author didn't write it specifically for M7. They had a piece hanging around, slapped a song title on it, and sent it my way.


I don't say this irritably. The odd time I'll get something that doesn't fit at all with our sub guidelines (say, genre work) but for the most part, I'm always pleased with the thought that goes into repurposing a work while retitling it with a song.


It's also a little thrill to hear that a piece has landed with M7 after a long time on sub. I like that folks find a home here, and I'm continually impressed with the variety of interpretation on the music theme that comes through the inbox. I asked for slice of life; you give it.


On that note, your Volume 18 contributors brought all kinds this month.


"Still Crazy After All These Years" seats us on a barstool next to an old professor in the throes of a mid-life crisis, lamenting soured love and language.


"Thunder Road" clinks frosty beer bottles in the front seat of a pickup after a long day at work and bears witness to a heartfelt conversation carried between lines.


"Try Not to Breathe" walks the tense tightrope between two adolescent friends teetering between love and hate, fighting to discern who's at the wheel of the relationship.


"With or Without You" careens through the night on a joyride, has us hanging out the window hollering the only words we know.


"Please Please Me" finds a quiet moment in the kitchen at a house party, tending bar and private thoughts in the disco-lit din of the crowd.


"What Won't You Do for Love" is a loving look at caregiving and marital teamwork, flicking paper footballs, sketching portraits, and whirling us through a kind slow dance.


There's so much good here, pals. Hope you find something that hits today.


xo,

Kirsti





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