Counting on a Hit

Welcome to YEGwords! Each issue will feature a creative, fun crossword by an Edmonton-based puzzle constructor. For the first while, that constructor will be me - but eventually, I’d love to publish puzzles by other local folks!

Without further ado, let’s get into today’s puzzle - an 11×11 “midi” puzzle with a musical theme. Discussion (and spoilers!) below the break.

Play

Discussion

A lot of my trivia knowledge tends to be around music, so for better or worse, you’re in for a lot of music-related themes and clues! This one is an homage to Feist’s fantastic, singable tune.

And hey, if Sesame Street thinks it’s good, it’s good.

Today’s Theme

The circled letters form ONE TWO THREE FOUR, the title of FEIST’s (31A) hit featured in an iconic IPOD NANO (29D, 30D) commercial.

Tricky Clues

12A. I challenge anyone to look graceful as they WADE IN to a body of water.

15A/21A. A cheeky reference to the quotable Monty Python and the Holy Grail - if you didn’t recognize this quote immediately, go watch it!

36A. Might get some flack from the fruitcake lovers in the building. Your first thought might have been NO THANKS but let’s cut the pleasantries and tell us how you really feel.

1D. This one is for all the chess-heads out there. [The only time a king can move two spaces…] is when performing a CASTLE.

27D. [Jam from Seattle] isn’t asking for a berry sort - it’s pulling on Seattle’s famous grunge-rock roots with PEARL JAM.

I hope you enjoyed this puzzle! Please consider subscribing and telling a friend. You’ll get fresh, fun puzzles delivered to your inbox - and have someone to talk about them with :)

Until next week-ish,

Brandon