SMALL FACES: A new Bonnie Raitt version...

SMALL FACES: A new Bonnie Raitt version of Roy Orbison’s “You Got It” will be the first single from the soundtrack of the upcoming film “Boys on the Side” (starring Whoopi Goldberg, Drew Barrymore and Mary Louise Parker). Other artists on the album, due Jan. 16, include Sheryl Crow (Derek & the Dominos’ “Keep on Growing”), Pretenders (Morrissey’s “Every Day Is Like Sunday”) and Melissa Etheridge (her own new “I Take You With Me”). Goldberg, who plays a lounge singer in the film, is seen on screen doing, among others, Lou Reed’s “Walk on the Wild Side.”

Meat Loaf is at work on a follow-up to last year’s hit return “Back Into Hell: Bat Out of Hell II.” Not only is Mr. Loaf working with longtime collaborator Jim Steinman, but some tracks are being produced by former Bruce Springsteen sidekick Steve Van Zandt. The album is due in summer. . . .

Toni Braxton is gathering material for a follow-up to her smash debut album and is scheduled to start recording early next year. . . . Hot new artist Me’shell NdegeOcello is working on her second album, due late spring, as well as producing a track for Chaka Khan’s album, which is due in early April. . . .

Guns N’ Roses guitarist (or ex-guitarist, depending on who you talk to) Gilby Clarke will give a free New Year’s Eve concert at the Beverly Center Hard Rock Cafe. The limited seating will be first come, first served.*