Every now and then, a crossword clue lands with such elegant precision, forcing you to rummage through the less-trodden archives of your brain, that it almost feels like a mini-education. This week, that moment arrived courtesy of a particularly groovy crossword clue. You know the type: two iconic musical acts, a collaboration of sorts, and a single, tantalizing answer just begging to be unearthed.
The clue wasn’t merely about naming a band or a track; it was about the delicious interplay of influence and interpretation. It asked for a Guess Who song, yes, but not just any Guess Who song. Oh no, this specific crossword clue demanded the one that got the full Lenny Kravitz treatment. Immediately, my mind went into overdrive. The Guess Who, that powerhouse of Canadian rock, with their unmistakable sound, and then Lenny Kravitz, the undisputed king of retro-chic rock and roll, always channeling the spirits of Jimi Hendrix and Prince. The intersection of those two worlds felt like fertile ground for a truly memorable cover.
That vexing crossword clue, initially a head-scratcher, quickly morphed into a fascinating musical treasure hunt. I started sifting through The Guess Who’s extensive catalog. “American Woman”? Too obvious, surely. “No Time”? A classic, but did Lenny ever touch it? My mental jukebox was spinning wildly, trying to match the raw energy of Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings with Kravitz’s soulful, often psychedelic rock sensibilities. What track from their golden era would Lenny, with his penchant for big guitars and a timeless aesthetic, choose to reinterpret?
The beauty of such a well-crafted crossword clue lies in its ability to send you down rabbit holes you never knew existed. It wasn’t enough to just know the bands; you had to know their
repertoires
, and more specifically, their
cover choices
. It’s the kind of crossword clue that takes you on a delightful detour through music history, making you appreciate the artistry of both the original creator and the re-interpreter. It’s a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting that a track can transcend decades and genres, finding new life in the hands of another visionary artist.
Digging into this specific crossword clue became an exercise in remembering those pivotal moments in rock when an artist pays homage to their predecessors. Lenny Kravitz is known for his deep respect for rock’s roots, so it stood to reason that his choice would be something potent, something that allowed his signature blend of funk, soul, and hard rock to truly shine. The challenge, of course, was pinning down
which
of The Guess Who’s many gems fit that bill.
And just like that, a simple crossword clue unlocked a whole new appreciation for musical connections. It highlighted not just a song, but a shared lineage, a passing of the rock and roll torch from one generation of iconoclasts to the next. If you’ve wrestled with a similar crossword clue, or simply have a penchant for uncovering those lesser-known musical intersections, you know the satisfaction I’m talking about. This particular crossword clue wasn’t just a challenge; it was an invitation to explore a fantastic piece of musical synergy. Let’s dive into the story behind this epic connection.
Available Answers:
AMERICANWOMAN.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Washington Post Crossword -Wednesday’s Daily By John Harrington / Ed. Patti Varol