SWINGING SINGLES: The novelty tune of the...

SWINGING SINGLES: The novelty tune of the week comes from gifted songwriter John Prine, who’s just released one of his concert faves, “Let’s Talk Dirty in Hawaiian,” on his own Oh Boy Records label. The song, which features a host of goofy island double-talk, is going out to pop and country radio in a promotional package featuring the single, a mock Hawaiian getaway package and (of course) a lei. . . . Wall of Voodoo’s new single is a remake of the Beach Boys’ “Do It Again,” which will also be on the band’s upcoming album, “Happy Planet,” due April 20. . . .

Marshall Crenshaw’s new Warners album, “Mary Jean and 9 Others,” due May 18, features a cover of Peter Case’s “Steel Strings.” . . . John Hiatt, another acclaimed songwriter, has just signed with A&M; Records. . . . And the new, self-titled Keel album, due out in May on Gold Mountain/MCA Records, features another great song title, “I Said the Wrong Thing to the Right Girl,” with fellow rocker Don Dokken helping out on background vocals. In fact, Keel had lots of help on another track, “United Nations,” where 75 singers--including record-label staffers and girlfriends--helped croon the chorus.