Chris Martin has relocated Coldplay to Barcelona to work on the follow-up to X&Y. “The music and lyrics have begun to reflect the strengthening Hispanic theme” of the next record, the band writes, which evidently means “no maracas or castanets, but a vibrancy and colorfulness that owes much to the atmosphere of Buenos Aires and Barcelona.” Alicia Keys has worked with John Mayer and wailed on “Gimme Shelter”; next she wants to collaborate with the White Stripes and Queens of the Stone Age. Pearl Jam has announced an intimate Chicago show for next Thursday, just before their headlining Lollapalooza gig. Tickets are a mere $150 a pair. G-Unit’s Tony Yayo, who’s accused of slapping around a 14-year-old boy, has rejected a plea bargain. Lil Wayne and Ja Rule are both out on bail following their separate Sunday arrests on gun charges, though both may face up to 3 and a half years in prison. The Simpsons Movie comes out Friday, but you can check out Green Day’s take on the show’s theme song now.
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