Elliot Caroll

@Steve L You got it, and thank you! Appreciate you sharing it here. 🫡

@Bill Wow. I have to take this opportunity to publicly avow that (1) Weird Al is my top AL, and (2) this song is actually one of my favourites of his. Rest assured I sang the chorus frequently while constructing this puzzle. Can't believe I didn't mention this in my constructor's notes. Thanks for uncovering this easter egg and for your sweet comment!

@Marshall Walthew Thanks so much for this lovely comment. My fave song of his is probably "Still Crazy After All (AL?) These Years". I've also never had an Alabama Slammer myself, but might have to tomorrow. Cheers to you!

@Vaer Thank you so much! Sadly my Beanie Babies collection retirement plan was a bust, but I still have Pinky the Flamingo in storage.

@Anita Thank you so much! I actually rewatched the Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park special just the other day, but I think I’ll throw on Paul’s tomorrow thanks to your comment.

@Eric Hougland Thanks so much!

@Justin You have great taste :)

@Joan Delighted to hear you enjoyed it! I hope so too :)

@Steve Appreciate this great comment! Admittedly, I thought I wrote a Wednesday, but I'm sure the editors are discerning. I'm so glad you were up for the slight Monday challenge all the same. (And that you included two Canadians in your great songwriters list. My roundup includes Aimee Mann and Carole King.) Thanks so much for checking out the music, and for reminding me to get to the "Defending My Life" doc on my watchlist.

@Helen Wright Thanks so much, Helen! I'm very fond of the "trash panda" as we sometimes call our unofficial mascot here, though I've spent a lot of time cleaning up after them.

@Lewis Thank you for such a kind and thoughtful comment – it's truly making my day (more)! Delighted you found the puzzle sparkly and to have garnered a "Whee!" from ya, and hope to do so again in the future. 💖

@Heidi Thanks for this kind comment and making me smile in return. I'm delighted you welcomed the modest challenge today. BAH-dum-dum-dum!

@G @Melissa M. This nostalgia enthusiast thanks you both! So glad you enjoyed the throwback Monday.

@HeathieJ Thank you so much! Hope you're having the best time, and PLEASE let me know if you manage to challenge the piano bar with this one!

@Esmerelda Thanks, and hello from TO! I'm afraid any of those unresolvable areas are pretty much where I start in with the demolition machinery, no matter how far I've gotten. It's not my favourite part 😅

@Geoffrey King Inquiring minds would like to know which Beanie Baby?

@CCNY Thank you! You're off the hook on bodyguard duty. It's the thought that counts! And @JohnWM I so appreciate that Bruce Cockburn is the 4th Canadian songwriter that's been brought up in the comments today. We've got some good ones.

@Mark Thanks for working through it! I'm glad it made you smile :)

@Ken Thank you, I appreciate it!!

@Dave Thanks so much! Glad it got some smiles :)

@Valerie Thank you!