Daryl Hall and John Oates are both...

Daryl Hall and John Oates are both working on solo albums, but Oates took time out to do music for, of all things, HBO’s “Making of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue” documentary, which premieres Feb. 17. Says Oates of the project: “I’ve been watching videos of girls in bikinis and writing songs about them. God bless America.” . . .

Bell Biv DeVoe seems intent on matching fellow New Edition veteran Bobby Brown in missing deadlines. Brown’s “Bobby” album was released last Septemeber after months of delays, and now BBD’s “Hootie Mac” album--originally due in November--has been bumped again. Now it’s set for April. . . .

Whitney Houston heads the list of acts that are reportedly getting ready to tour in coming months. Also hitting the road will be Sade and Bon Jovi, both planning to set out in March. . . . Tony! Toni! Tone! is in the studio getting an album ready for spring release. . . .

Casey Niccoli, Perry Farrell’s girlfriend, directed the upcoming Masters of Reality video for the song “She Got Me (When She Got Her Dress On).” Niccoli’s credits include Jane’s Addiction’s “Been Caught Stealing” clip and co-directing with Farrell “Gift,” the Jane’s long-form home video that will be released soon. . . .

Dinosaur Jr. leader J Mascis just finished producing Firehose’s album “Mr. Machinery Operator.” . . .

Dance club patrons may have noticed something familiar about the new song “Why Don’t You Answer,” credited to the group Eberhard Schoener Dance Society. That’s actually a reunion of former Police-men Sting and Andy Summers. The song has only been released by Polygram Germany and will not be on Sting’s upcoming album. . . .

The recent four-CD box set of Aretha Franklin apparently wasn’t the last word on repackaging the Queen of Soul. Arista has another greatest-hits album coming soon, albeit with several new songs produced by L.A. Reid & Babyface. . . .

With the musical of “Tommy” set to open on Broadway in April, Pete Townshend has completed another concept album, titled “Psychoderelict.” It’s due in late spring. . . . Billy Joel is working on his next album with producer-guitarist Danny Kortchmar, best known for his work with Don Henley. . . . Billy Idol also has a new album due in April. . . .

Tom Petty will reportedly follow the still-unscheduled release of his greatest-hits album with a tour later this year. He and the Heartbreakers have recorded several new songs for possible inclusion on the album. . . . The Kentucky HeadHunters are serving as writers, players and producers on a new album by former Chuck Berry pianist Johnnie Johnson, recording now in Nashville. . . .

Gloria Estefan’s Spanish-language album is due in April. . . . Candy Dulfer, the sax player who’s second only to Kenny G in sales in the pop-instrumental market, is going to sing on her next album, scheduled for late March.

Sandra St. Victor has left the R&B-rock; group Family Stand and signed a solo deal with Elektra. . . . English rave duo the Orb is set for a U.S. tour in March, with plans being made for an L.A. date in an unconventional site--perhaps an airplane hangar.