Emily Biegas and Sala Wanetick, friends from the Detroit area, co-founded Block Party Press, a company focused on publishing crossword books. Their latest collaboration, a Sunday crossword puzzle, was created after a lengthy process that began in 2023. The pair described their experience as challenging, likening it to “that ex you keep going back to,” with Wanetick adding, “except this puzzle isn’t toxic!”
In his print introduction to the puzzle, Will Shortz emphasized the nostalgic and enjoyable theme, which encourages engaging with trivia that remains timeless. This marks the duo’s fourth collaboration for The New York Times crossword. The puzzle features six examples of its theme located at specific Across clues: 23, 34, 43, 93, 103, and 116. These entries are arranged around a central band of interrelated phrases, culminating in a revealed theme clue at 69-Across.
Each of the clues presents well-known song titles from various decades, turning the puzzle into a nostalgic Name That Tune exercise. Notable entries include 23-Across, where the clue is [“Gonna Make You Sweat” (1990)], referring to a hit by C+C Music Factory known for its catchy opening line, “EVERYBODY DANCE NOW.” The 43-Across clue is [“Single Ladies” (2008)], which leads to the memorable line, “PUT A RING ON IT” from Beyoncé’s chorus. According to the puzzle, the title’s iconic rhythm is challenging to represent in crossword form.
Another entry, 103-Across, features the song [“This Must Be the Place” (1983)] by the Talking Heads, which recognizes the compelling lyrics of the beloved track. Instead of a direct lyric, the puzzle includes the descriptor NAIVE MELODY, which appears in the song’s title. This addition exemplifies the creativity behind the puzzle’s construction.
The Sunday puzzle, which blends musical nostalgia with engaging wordplay, reflects the dedication and collaborative spirit of Biegas and Wanetick. Wordplay enthusiasts looking to try their hand at the puzzle can find it available through the affiliated platforms on its release date.
