And round three of Frank Black's post-Pixies career begins. Now under Rick Rubin's wing, he's released The Cult of Ray. It's not quite as rockin' as his self-titled debut, and not as poppy and insidiously smart as 1993's Teenager of the Year, but the new record packs its own substantial punch. Ray has a very extra- terrestrial- oriented message, with the mystery figure, Ray, being Ray Bradbury. In fact, most of the songs on the disc are stories of a Bradbury- esque nature. For example, the first single, "Men in Black," is about a guy who's got home videos of UFOs, with the MIB on their way. "Punk Rock City" is a futuristic vision of parents who alter their fetus' DNA and send them to a planet of freaks.

All is sacred while riding on the X-Files wave.

But some songs here keep their roots firmly planted in the Earth. "I Don't Want To Hurt You (Every Single Time)" would more likely be found in the Romantic Comedies section of your local video store than next to Star Wars. "You Ain't Me" and "Jesus Was Right" are teen angst standards, which, 'cause Black is so damn old now, is an area covered better by Nirvana.

On The Cult of Ray, Frank covers all possible dimensions... Not only of sight and sound, but of mind. And though he's not wanted in some of them, he's still doing what he does best: Genius Rock.

-Ryan Schreiber