THE SAINTS always, always (1981)

album : the monkey puzzle The Monkey Puzzle, the Saints’ first full-length album after the departure of founding guitarist/songwriter Ed Kuepper, is quite different from the first three Saints LPs -- which were all different from each other anyway -- but holds up well to the test of time. Instead of the abrasive punk or Memphisy sound of earlier records, Monkey Puzzle’s jangly rock hints at the direction bands like . took mid-’80s college rock. Lead singer Chris Bailey’s distinctive, resonant voice shines on the gorgeous “Let’s Pretend,“ the very Byrdsy “Always,“ and the incendiary “Simple Love.“ The Australian version also includes the classic B-side, “In the Mirror,“ with its highly memorable bass intro and astounding hooks, and a wonderfully sloppy and loose cover of Larry Williams’ “Dizzy Miss Lizzy.“ Elsewhere, the fare is more conventional rock, albeit with chiming guitar, great songs, and singing. Barrington Francis&#