THEME: first word of phrase is spelled backwards but the word BACK is missing
GOOD ONES: Deep-sea creature, literally PMUH WHALE [humpback whale: four other theme entries are as clever]
Rock blasters AMPS [I thought TNT'S]
Apple variety IMAC
Goal for a runner SEAT [politico]
Goes out for a bit? NAPS
Unpopular spots ACNE
Fire proof ASH [two words]
Big brass TUBAS [not generals]
BTW: Blockhead SCHMO [that's a moldy oldy]
Michael Jackson, e.g. ROCK
ICON [an icon is properly a picture of an important person or thing; MJ was an idol. Marilyn Monroe's dress being blown from below is an icon; she was an idol]
Odd that
The Seven Per Cent Solution entry abuts another Sherlock Holmes entry, well, maybe not so odd as the game may be afoot.
Really, really cool EPIC [first and only time I heard this meaning of
epic was in 1992 when k.d. lang said same of Roy Orbison's lyrics --- not that I remember the date; it's from
Black and White Night CD recorded then]
Enero, no matter the Spanish clue, is not legit.
RATING:
Three grins = Loved it; Two grins = Enjoyed it; One grin = A bit bland for my taste; One teardrop = Not much fun