I had a blast taking part in the 2023 MarchXness music essay tournament. Posting my little essay about Bob & Doug McKenzie’s one hit wonder “Take Off” was humbling. There are so many amazing writers who know far more about music than I could hope to. But I relished the chance to write about my oldest friendship, time passing, and comedy being as transformative as drama. The song didn’t stand a chance against Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax,” but that’s okay. I don’t think I could pick a song in a tourney like this that would be popular.