Quick spins: Amos Lee, Britney, Bieber, Stones, tough love for Elton & Billy

The latest news and notes from the world of popular music.

February 2, 2011 at 11:38PM
(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

(The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Amos Lee Amos Lee's "Mission Bell" is the lowest-selling No. 1 album in Billboard since 1991 when SoundScan began tabulating sales. About 40,000 copies were sold in the past week. January is historically a slow month for music sales …Foo Fighters' will drop their seventh album on April 12. Guests include Krist Novoselic and Bob Mould. Britney Spears has announced the title of her new album – "Femme Fatale," due March 15…. "Glee" will not only do Michael Jackson's "Thriller" on its post-Super Bowl show but now the opening number will be Katy Perry's "California Gurls." Despite rumors and a lawsuit between two big-time promoters over the rights to a new Stones tour, the Rolling Stones issued a statement that they have "no firm plans" to tour in 2011... Former Paramore guitarist Josh Farro has formed a new band, Novel American. His brother, ex-Paramore drummer Zac, is not involved. In a cover story in the new Rolling Stone, Elton John says his sometimes touring partner Billy Joel needs to get serious about his songwriting and his alcoholism. "I love you Billy and this is tough love," Sir Elton says. Rollingstone.com just posted a statement from Mr. Joel: "I've worked with Elton for such a long time and I've enjoyed our relationship too much to let something as random as these comments change my affection for him. Elton is just being Elton." Cee Lo Green and Gwyneth Paltrow will duet on "Forget You" at the Grammy Awards on Feb. 13. Other performers include Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Eminem, Usher, Arcade Fire and Jaden Smith…. Speaking of the Biebs, he'll take part in a celebrity all-star basketball as part of the NBA's All-Star Weekend. Other participants include Common, actor Jason Alexander and hoops Hall of Famers Bill Walton and Magic Johnson.

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