You could make a strong case that Frank Black (Black Francis--the chief genius behind the Pixies) is the true helmsman of the Zietgiest of the 90's and beyond. More so even than Kurt Cobain or Paul Westerberg. Grunge is done, and though Westerberg's power-pop influence can be seen in it's saddeningly watered-down incarnations offered up by the likes of Goo Goo Dolls, and the legions of sound-alike bands--it is Black's skewed and volatile legacy that seems much more fresh and valid.

Black's post-Pixie work has seen the portly powerhouse both embrace and completely eschew his trademark sound, but on Dog In The Sand he's mostly steering his genius right down the middle. The result is his strongest work in years. Much of the quirky business that both endeared and annoyed his fans has been stripped away, leaving a brilliant rock record that pretty much sounds like The Stones in their prime. Best record of the year so far. *Only one song about aliens--pretty good for Frank.