□ Producer: Danny Elfman, Steve Bartek, John Avila.

□ Top Cuts: "Skin," "Out Of Control," "Flesh 'N Blood."

□ Summary: Yes, there is post-"Bat-track" life for Danny Elfman. Back with the Boingo boys, he has written all the songs for this progressive, dangerously hip LP—a project which occasionally lurks in the pop/crossover alley. Songs like "Skin” and "Is This" are contemplative and vivid, tailor-made for college radio. Other cuts like "Out Of Control” and "Flesh 'N Blood" ooze with mega-hit potential. Dark is anything but that. It's bright, colorful and beautifully produced. Expect nothing less from music's top chameleon.

Last issue's cover boys, Oingo Boingo, recently returned to the states following a triumphant tour of Brazil, during which the band played to 18,000 fans in Sao Paulo and 38,000 fans in Rio de Janiero [sic]. Apparently, the band's second biggest market outside of Los Angeles is Brazil. The band is now embarking on an ambitious cross-country U.S. trek. No L.A. dates have been announced.