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Jeff Tweedy Writes Rock ’N’ Roll–Themed New York Times Crossword

The project links the Times’ new songwriters list to its Games platform.

Overview

  • The Wilco frontman’s full-size monthly bonus crossword went live Wednesday as the Times’ May puzzle for Games subscribers.
  • Titled “My Life Was Saved by Rock ’N’ Roll,” the grid nods to Lou Reed, the Velvet Underground, and other CBGB icons.
  • Tweedy called himself a longtime crossword “nut” on his Starship Casual newsletter, describing puzzles as a benign outlet for his addictive streak.
  • In a Times video with puzzle editor Christina Iverson, he said songwriting and crosswords both prize the right word, though only puzzles have a single answer.
  • Earlier this week the Times ran free five-by-five minis by Carole King, Diane Warren, and Stephin Merritt tied to its new list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters.