After two albums with Jeff Lynne producing,...

After two albums with Jeff Lynne producing, Tom Petty has been recording with Rick Rubin in sessions that may yield tracks both to fill out an expected greatest-hits package and a new album. So far it looks like a Petty solo rather than a Heartbreakers project, though Heartbreakers guitarist Mike Campbell and keyboardist Benmont Tench have been involved. There’s no word on release plans or tour possibilities yet. . . .

Prince has revived his old habit of “surprise” shows at small clubs following stops on his current U.S. concert tour, giving rise to rumors that he’ll make a return appearance at his new L.A. Glam Slam club following at least one of his Universal Amphitheatre shows this week. Prince is definitely planning to extend the tour to include a leg of dates in larger, outdoor facilities and is expected to play Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre, perhaps in May. . . .

Another George Michael video--another non-appearance by the star. Michael has no role in the just-completed clip for his medley of Seal’s “Killer” and the Temptations’ “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” from the new “Five Live” release. Instead, it’s a mostly animated video in the mold of “Liquid Television.” . . .

Look for Bonnie Raitt to return to the studio this summer to record an album, tentatively scheduled for an early ’94 release. . . .

Brenda Russell’s first album in three years, titled “Soul Talkin’,” is due in June. . . . Arrested Development leader Speech has produced the debut album for a Milwaukee rap group called Gumbo. The album, due June 29, is said to be stylistically different from AD, but aligned with the Georgia group’s “Life Music” movement. . . .

Tim Finn’s “Before & After,” his first album since the one-album stint alongside brother Neil in Crowded House, is due June 29. Neil guests on two songs, while Hothouse Flowers backs the New Zealander on three tracks. There’s also a song co-written by Tim and Richard Thompson, whose own next album is due in August. . . .

Depeche Mode is expecting (hoping for?) controversy over its next video. The Anton Corbijn-directed clip for the song “Walking in My Shoes” tells a tale of a priest and nun falling in love. The group’s world tour will begin in Zurich, Switzerland, on May 21 and is expected to come to the United States in September, with L.A. arena dates likely in November. . . .

In the tradition of Whitney Houston, an 8 1/2-month pregnant Marie Fredriksson of Roxette is set to go before the cameras for a video to the song “Almost Real,” which will be the first single from the “Super Mario Bros.” movie soundtrack. Partner Per Gessell has begun preparing tracks for Roxette’s next full album, due sometime next year.