Hal Moore’s Wall Street Journal crossword, “Crescendo”—Jim P’s evaluate

Our theme in the present day consists of tune titles that construct from “silence” to a “shout.” Musical notation in parentheses reinforces the rise in quantity.

Wall St Journal crossword resolution · “Crescendo” · Hal Moore · Wed., 9.7.22

• 16a. [The Four Seasons, 1964 ( )] SILENCE IS GOLDEN. Couldn’t keep in mind the tune to this one, however trying it up, sure, I’ve heard it. Alternatively, Depeche Mode’s “Enjoy the Silence” might’ve match right here.
• 26a. [George Michael, 1984 (ppp)] CARELESS WHISPER.
• 33a. [Destiny’s Child, 1999 (p)] SAY MY NAME.
• 54a. [The Beatles, 1964 (fff)] TWIST AND SHOUT.

Nice theme. I’m not musically inclined, however between the title and the musical notation, I discovered what was occurring. By the best way, (ppp) stands for pianississimo (very very quiet), (p) is piano (quiet), and (fff) is fortississimo (very very loud).

It would have been good if there was yet one more entry on the loud facet, however I can’t consider a phrase that may be between “say” and “shout” volume-wise, not to mention a tune title. Unless the “shout” entry was marked (f) and one other entry received the (fff), say Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell.” Katy Perry’s “Roar” could be higher thematically, but it surely’s an unlucky four-letters lengthy, which wouldn’t work with the left/proper symmetry on this grid.

Stacks of sevens within the corners are principally good. I particularly preferred BLUESMEN subsequent to RED TAPE in addition to CANTINA, CALTECH, MONACO, and OH DAMN [“Did that really just happen?!”], although I needed it to be “OH SNAP!” And MEDLEY deserves a shout out for being theme-adjacent. Never heard of the time period NET LEASE [Commercial realty agreement] which is a state of affairs the place the lessee pays for taxes, insurance coverage, and upkeep prices along with hire.

Clue of be aware: 17d. [Coward knighted by Queen Elizabeth]. NOEL. Nice use of the outdated “disguised proper name” trick.

Enjoyable puzzle. 3.75 stars.

Ekua Ewool’s New York Times crossword—Amy’s write-up

NY Times crossword resolution, 9 7 22, no. 0907

What a enjoyable theme! Debut constructor Ekua Ewool takes us by means of the emotional journey of a brand new solver tackling the Monday by means of Friday puzzles:

• 16a. [Newbie crossword solver’s thought on a Monday], “I’VE GOT THIS!”
• 23a. [Newbie crossword solver’s thought on a Tuesday], “WISH ME LUCK!” Getting a bit harder.
• 35a. [Newbie crossword solver’s thought on a Wednesday], “I’D LIKE SOME HINTS,” in a faintly pleading tone.
• 50a. [Newbie crossword solver’s thought on a Thursday], “WHAT IN HELL…?” Gimmick puzzles can actually throw you a curveball.
• 58a. [Newbie crossword solver’s thought on a Friday], “GOOGLE TIME!” It’s not dishonest, it’s studying. So a lot smarter to search for what you don’t know, and be taught some new issues, than to depart a puzzle unfinished. (Note: This doesn’t apply to crossword tournaments.)

So inform me: What does the beginner say when the Saturday NYT puzzle hits?

Three issues:

• 30a. [Holder of tent sales], REI. They promote tenting gear and different outside sportsy stuff.
• 18a. [“Veep” actress Chlumsky], ANNA. I lastly began (and completed!) Veep this 12 months and beloved it. 95% of the characters are basically dirtbags, egocentric and crude and inconsiderate careerists all the time on the lookout for their subsequent angle; mainly the polar reverse of The West Wing. I discovered quite a bit about how authorities works! (Do not watch this present when you don’t wish to hear astonishingly impolite, crass language.)
• 6d. [Department store chain that began as a corner grocery], KOHL’S. Did not know that! My husband most likely did, as the primary Kohl’s division retailer was in his Wisconsin hometown.

Four stars from me.