Words: 16
Average Length: 4.88
This is the last MMM, for a while at least. I’m going to start a new series of midi puzzles after New Year’s. To wrap up the MMMs, I included a pun I’ve been kicking around for months and have finally decided to inflict upon you (10 Across) as well as a nod (4 Down) to the greatest music mockumentary ever, “This Is Spinal Tap” (narrowly edging “A Mighty Wind”).
Words: 20
Average Length: 5.00
If two great Russian composers, two legendary British musical artists, two creative heavyweights of R&B, and a beloved talk show host made a puzzle, this would be it. I’ve saved them the trouble of getting together, which is good because the majority of them are no longer with us.
Words: 24
Average Length: 4.67
Welcome to the antepenultimate MMM. I’ve decided to start something different with my mid-week puzzles after I’ve reached 30 of these, so stay tuned for further news.
“Spanning the globe,” to quote the old Wide World of Sports intro, this week’s MMM includes musicians from the US, England, Scotland, and Russia, and song titles from Japan and the Middle East, with a nod to Brazil as well. If you solve it, you can enjoy the “thrill of victory”; fortunately, you can reveal any answers that stump you and thus avoid the “agony of defeat.”
Words: 20
Average Length: 5.13
This week’s MMM may be a bit more challenging than usual. I worked in a French composer many of you probably haven’t heard of, who wrote what I think is the most beautiful flute sonata of the 20th century. In addition, I was forced into 6 Down, who’s a not-very-well-known rapper and thus gets a perhaps less-than-helpful alternative clue after the music-related one.
Here’s a link to the flute sonata, which is filled with sinuous, gorgeous lines and delightfully dissonant harmonies.
Words: 24
Average Length: 4.67
White Rabbit (see clue for 8 Across) is perhaps the best psychedelic rock song ever. Using imagery from Alice in Wonderland and a structure reminiscent of Ravel’s Bolero – including a mesmerizing drum part and a slow, steady crescendo – the song captures the spirit of late ‘60s San Francisco in a bit more than two minutes. Here’s a link.
Words: 20
Average Length: 5.10
Two listening notes: First, “The Weight” (clue for 1 Across). I’m partial to songs that are filled with allusions and weird characters and seem like they mean something, even if that meaning is not apparent. That’s why I’m a wholly commited Dylan fan; I know his songs express profound truths, even if I’m not sure what they are. “The Weight” grabs me from the first line: Nazareth and the terrific lyrical conceit of “feeling ‘bout half ___ dead.” The original version by The Band remains my favorite – Robbie Robertson is a certified songwriting genius and Levon Helm and Richard Manuel are soulful singers – but some of the covers are terrific as well, including those by Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Joe Cocker, and Weezer.
Second, “The Letter,” by 5 Across. This is one of the best bubblegum pop songs ever. It rocks hard and hammers the imperative to “get back to my baby once more.” Plus, it’s yet another song with a brilliant, bluesy Joe Cocker cover.
I’M HAVING ISSUES UPLOADING AN ONLINE VERSION – IF I CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT’S WRONG I’LL AMEND THIS POST TO INCLUDE AN ONLINE LINK.
Jeff's Puzzles