It's pretty much an established fact that creativity and analytical skills spring from opposite sides of the brain. This is why many musicians shy away from writing, recording, engineering and producing their own albums: Who needs the mental breakdown or lifetime drug addiction that may follow such complex neural maneuverings?

Lucky for local singer / songwriter Zach Ziskin (and society), the dual natures co-exist harmoniously in his cranium. After all, he makes his living as a studio engineer. ''I guess I've been an engineer and an artist for so long that the two go hand in hand for me,'' he says. ``For instance, as an artist I imagine what kind of sound or effect I'm looking for in a song, and as an engineer I know how to get it, but the two aren't really separate in the thought process -- it's all one seamless thought for me. I actually don't think the two sides necessarily need to be at odds or different parts of the process.''

That's a good thing for Ziskin. Real as the Memory, his new 10-song album, proves he has no illusions about his abilities. Real has no weaknesses on the production side: It sounds like a radio-ready, professional-studio pop recording. But in reality the songs were recorded in warehouses and at home on his PC. Of course, having ace musicians perform for you helps out: drummers Brendan Buckley (Shakira) and Steve Scully (Letters for Cleo), bassist Fernando Perdomo (Fulano, DC3) and others make appearances on the album. With Ziskin's awesome guitar work (in the past he has played the ax for many local acts, including My Girlfriend, Trophy Wife, Jim Camacho, Matt Sabatella and my band, Sixo) and sweeping vocals, the CD has great playing and singing.

You'll find the same meticulous craftwork in the songwriting, resulting in some gems. ''Guess I Always Knew'' and ''Waking Hour'' make excellent pop-rock fare, catchy and crisp. The highlight is the closing track ''If the World Could Talk.'' Part Wizard of Oz, part Jellyfish, the acoustic ballad has a drama akin to a softer ''Bohemian Rhapsody.'' Colored by morose string arrangements and twinkling keys buried deep within the lonely arpeggio guitar, it's a sugary, guilty pleasure for those who like their pop extra-sweet.

Ziskin out-pops us all with his CD-release party Saturday at C-ROC (735 NW 12th Ave., Miami), with DC3 backing him up. Openers are Hashbrown and Future Ex (great bands if you haven't checked them out yet). The music starts at 11 p.m., it's free and it's an all-ages show. Though the show is free, Pet Rescue, a nonprofit that helps homeless pets, will be there to take donations. Give them three bucks if you're so inclined; Ziskin will donate half of all CD sales to help out as well. For more info, go to www.ZachZiskin.com.