And Here’s the News

Paul McCartney fanatics--and bootleg collectors--are going to need their passports if they plan to collect a new crop of McCartney rarities. McCartney has awarded the exclusive rights to an album of rock classics, including a host of never-before-released tracks, to Melodia, the official record company of (!) the Soviet Union. The Russian record will feature oldies like “Twenty Flight Rock,” “That’s Alright Mama” and “Just Because,” which McCartney recorded last fall with a band featuring ex-Pirates guitarist Mick Green, ex-Motors bassist Nick Garvy and pianist Mickey Gallagher. . . . When striking seamen blocked passage to a ferry shuttling musicians to Scotland’s Shetland Folk Festival, one sagacious folkster--Elvis Costello--persuaded seaman to allow the boat to sail in return for a free concert, which he performed on his way back. . . . Watch for a major ‘core rap spectacular featuring Eric B and Rakhim, Doug E. Fresh and Boogie Down Productions, which is slated to hit the Greek Theatre July 28. The other big summer rap show, featuring Run-D.M.C. and Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, is also due at the Greek sometime in late June. . . . Ex-Motels crooner Martha Davis is out with her new band--and will make a rare local club appearance June 13 at her old stamping ground, Madame Wong’s West. . . . Sinead O’Connor is slated to record a duet with Bjourk, the female lead singer of Iceland’s acclaimed new band, the Sugarcubes. . . . And our Title of the Week goes to the upcoming Big Audio Dynamite album, which is called “Dread Astaire.”