Bryan Ferry scrapped the planned release of...

Bryan Ferry scrapped the planned release of an all-new material album and instead will put out a collection of his versions of songs originally done by other performers, from “I Put a Spell on You” to “Amazing Grace.” Ferry had completed the other album, titled “Horoscope,” and had even turned it in to Warner Bros. Records, but apparently decided it wasn’t worth releasing. “Maybe it was a mid-life music crisis,” says a source close to the project. . . .

David Byrne made a guest contribution to “Love Bubble,” the upcoming album by New York band Book of Love, but not as a musician or singer. He did the album cover--a set of nine photos and graphic images. The album is due May 25. . . .

Joni Mitchell, Mary-Chapin Carpenter, Roger McGuinn, Judy Collins and Richard Thompson are among the artists scheduled for a June 5-6 “Troubadours of Folk” festival at UCLA’s Drake Stadium. Also set to appear is the trio the Folksmen, which bears a remarkable resemblance to Spinal Tap. . . . Los Lobos is selecting tracks for a best-of collection, due in the summer, which may include some previously unreleased material. . . .

The original Blasters are expected to re-form, with Dave Alvin rejoining the group for an album to be recorded later this year and expected for an early ’94 release. Meanwhile, Alvin is working on his third solo album, “Museum of Heart,” due in August, and is teaming with guitarist Greg Leisz on an acoustic album that will feature old songs Alvin wrote with the Blasters and as a solo artist. . . .

English singer-songwriter Kirsty MacColl has signed with I.R.S. She’s recording now with producer Steve Lillywhite (her husband), incorporating contributions from her frequent writing partner, ex-Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr.