NEWS NOTES: Cassette singles, which have gained...

NEWS NOTES: Cassette singles, which have gained in popularity in the past year as a replacement for seven-inch vinyl singles, are likely to jump in price in the next few months. Industry leader CBS Records late last month became the second major label to raise its list price on cassette singles by 50 cents to $2.98. . . . The Musicland chain of record and tape stores has launched its own music magazine, Request, to compete with the Tower chain’s Pulse magazine. The premiere issue in August featured a cover story on the Beastie Boys; the September issue features a cover spread on Paul Shaffer with Dion and the Fresh Prince. . . . The “opening act” on Paul McCartney’s upcoming tour is a film by director Richard Lester (“A Hard Day’s Night”) chronicling the ex-Beatle’s career. McCartney also plans to provide a free tour book to every concert-goer. . . . The Alarm’s upcoming album, “Change,” features several songs that focus on troubles in the band’s homeland of Wales. An alternate version will be available in Wales featuring Welsh versions of each of the songs. . . . Singer/dancer/choreographer Paula Abdul has signed a sponsorship deal with Reebok footwear and apparel.