Rob Kahane

In the decade since Michael D. Eisner took the helm, Walt Disney Co. has been a looky-loo on many deals, passing up opportunities to invest in established record companies, networks--even Mattel, the toy company. Instead of buying, Disney frequently has launched new ventures from scratch. Two of the most notable attempts have been in recorded music and publishing. After six years, Hollywood Records can't take credit for a single hit.

When his "Listen Without Prejudice, Vol. 1" album was released in September, George Michael said he was willing to sacrifice record sales for artistry. The public seems to be helping him out. Based on the sluggish, early retail performance of the album, pop fans aren't rushing to the stores at the pace set by Michael's last album, 1987's Grammy-winning "Faith."

It's not hard to guess what thousands of musicians around the country have at the top of their wish lists for the new year: a Top 10 record. After all, a hit record is supposed to bring fame, fortune and happiness. But it doesn't always work that way. Rod Stewart, Pat Benatar, the Carpenters, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder are just a few of the dozens of artists who probably wish they'd never recorded certain hits.

Boy George is at it again, challenging the conventions of the pop-music industry. George, who six years ago made the androgynous look acceptable for everybody from grandmas to little kiddies, has his first Top 10 hit in years. But there's a twist: The song, "Don't Take My Mind on a Trip," is a hit only at radio stations that specialize in black music (such as KACE-FM in Los Angeles). Pop-oriented stations (such as local powerhouse KIIS-FM) have passed on the record. The record is up to No. 6 on the black-music chart in the current issue of Billboard magazine, but isn't even listed on the Hot 100 pop chart.

When the Who performs an all-star production of its rock opera "Tommy" on Aug. 24 at the Universal Amphitheatre, it will be a battle of the brands--beer, that is. Michelob has a sponsorship deal with the Amphitheatre. Miller Genuine Draft is bankrolling the Who's stadium tour. Budweiser is sponsoring the production of "Tommy."