The last time Flipside magazine issued an...

The last time Flipside magazine issued an alternative-rock compilation album was 1991 with a collection featuring then-unknowns Green Day, Offspring and L7. Now Flipside is releasing a new one, “RAFR,” including tracks from potential stars Wax, D-Generation, New York Loose, Permanent Green Light, Satan’s Cheerleaders and Japan’s Teen-generate. . . .

Chicago with Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry on a ‘40s big-band number? That’s one of the things planned for Chicago’s upcoming album of big-band standards, done in the group’s horn-driven pop style. Other guests set for the album, due at the end of May from Giant Records, include the Gipsy Kings, Jade and Paul Shaffer. Chicago has also just reissued its first 16 albums on CD through its own new label. . . .

David Was is finishing up his first album after the split of his group Was (Not Was), tentatively titled “Heaven Is Five Degrees Cooler Than Hell.” Among the guests on the project are guitarists Rev. Horton Heat and Robben Ford and drummer Eric Bobo, the son of jazz great Willie Bobo. Was hasn’t settled on a name for the project, but says he’s toyed with simply calling it Not. . . .

In addition to having his own Tears for Fears album, “Raoul and the Kings of Spain,” due in June, Roland Orzabal has formed a new production company, called Bread & Buddha, with the first project being a new album by Tears bassist Gail Ann Dorsey. Meanwhile, Tears alum Oleta Adams guests on one track on “Raoul.” . . .

With his early albums having just been reissued by Rhino, Robyn Hitchcock also has a new vinyl-only single, “I Something You,” on Olympia, Wash., indie K Records, recorded with K owner Calvin Johnson.*