SMALL FACES

Despite lagging sales for its new album, R.E.M. is sticking to its vow to take time off from recording and touring for a while. But at least two members are busy with musical projects. Peter Buck is producing a second solo album for former American Music Club leader Mark Eitzel, and Mike Mills is in discussions for some film score work. . . .

Live has chosen “Secret Samadhi” for the title of its next album, due Feb. 18. Meditators won’t have to look it up. . . .

J Mascis, who said he was abandoning the band name Dinosaur Jr., has changed his mind and is finishing a new DJr. album, due March 25, with bassist Michael Johnson and drummer George Berz. . . . Folk Implosion, the duo of Sebadoh’s Lou Barlow and John Davis that made a splash with tracks on the “Kids” soundtrack, has a new album due April 21 from San Francisco-based Communion Records. . . .

Former MC5 guitarist Wayne Kramer is working with producer David Was--Kramer was also an early member of Was’ old group Was (Not Was)--on his third album for Epitaph. Geraldine Fibbers singer Carla Bozulich and sometimes Fibbers guitarist Nels Cline are among the guests.