SMALL FACES: Keep room in your stocking...

SMALL FACES: Keep room in your stocking for a follow-up to “A Very Special Christmas,” the 1988 album that featured Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, John Mellencamp, Run-DMC and others doing seasonal tunes. It raised more than $8 million for the Special Olympics. Word is that young R&B; star Tevin Campbell has already recorded a number for the new album, with several big-name performers set to sign up. . . .

Pop Eye hears that R.E.M. is scheduled to start recording demos in Athens, Ga., next week for a new album. Word is that the band plans to record the album in several locations, including Athens, New Orleans and Bearsville, N.Y., with a release possible in early fall. The group’s 1991 album “Out of Time” sold more than 3 million copies. . . . Roger Daltrey is working in London on a solo album, the first new release from the Who camp since the band’s 1989 reunion tour. The as-yet-untitled album is expected to be in stores in May. The Who’s Pete Townshend is also in the planning stages for his next solo album. . . .

Metallica and Huey Lewis top the nominations for the 15th annual Bay Area Music Awards (the BAMMIES) with seven each, including best group and best album. Lewis will be performing at the March 7 awards ceremony at the San Francisco Civic Auditorium, along with Santana, Steve Miller and a new version of Jefferson Starship featuring veterans Paul Kantner, Jack Casady and Papa John Creach. The show will be dedicated to the late Bill Graham, with some proceeds benefiting the foundation that bears his name. . . .

The Beastie Boys’ new album, “Check Your Head,” will be out April 21, with such typically wiseacre titles as “Finger Lickin’ Good,” “So Whatja Want?” and “Professor Booty.” . . . Mother’s Finest has changed its mind and now will title its new album “Black Radio Won’t Play This Record.” One song by the veteran black rockers that’s almost sure not to get much airplay bears the title “Negro.” . . .

If you’re looking for a souvenir of that trip to the Venice boardwalk, try “The Spirit of Venice,” a compilation album of various boardwalk performers and sounds that L.A.’s Rhythm Safari label will release next month. Among the tracks are a performance by bluesy singer Ted Hawkins, some spoken word extracts and some aural documentary sounds of the scene.