My favorite part is probably the symmetrical musical face-off right in the middle of the grid: MONKEES vs. THE CARS! (Victory goes to THE CARS by TKO, in case you're wondering). My second favorite part of the grid was “I, ASIMOV,” mainly because … 3D: Demographic lauded in a 1965 song (“CALIFORNIA GIRLS”) — another wonderful, genuinely funny clue. … THE CARS clue was especially easy for me since “My Best Friends Girl” was playing in my car yesterday. …

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Rex Parker Does the NYT Crossword Puzzle: 1781 Mozart premiere …