In 2013 I reviewed Vicissitude by Maps for Clash, which turned out to be my favourite album of that year. My review can be found here.

It is one of the few albums in recent years where, when I listen back, I still 100% agree with the high score that I gave it. Others that I won’t mention haven’t lasted the test of time, but this one has. I revisit the album every so often and it still stirs something up in me that I can’t fully identify, some strange cocktail of optimism and melancholia that appeals to my outlook on the world as I approach my forties.

James Chapman‘s third album had such a profound impact on me that I was inspired to write a very short piece of fiction loosely related to the track ‘A.M.A.’. I’ve written short fiction before, but never one inspired – however obliquely – by a song. You can read and download ‘A.M.A.’ below.

A.M.A. (inspired by Maps) by MJA Smith

My other short stories are no longer online. If you desperately want to read them, please get in touch.

(c) 2013 Mat Smith / Documentary Evidence