U2 has christened its new compilation “U218 Singles” and revealed additional details about the release, due Nov. 21 via Interscope. Although the track list has yet to be announced beyond a new song and a cover of “The Saints Go Marching” with Green Day, a limited edition of the album will include a 10-song live bonus disc from a 2005 show in Milan.
Also due on a date yet to be announced is a “best of” DVD collecting videos for the tracks from “U218 Singles,” according to the band’s Web site. In related news, U2 has split from Island, its U.K. label since 1980, and shifted to fellow Universal Music Group imprint Mercury. A label spokesperson denied a published report that U2 was unhappy with Island’s “hands-off” approach to its career.
— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
The Dixie Chicks, Nelly Furtado and the Pussycat Dolls have joined the performance lineup for the American Music Awards, which will air Nov. 21 live on ABC from Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Carrie Underwood and Josh Groban were previously announced as performers.
Mariah Carey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Black Eyed Peas and Nickelback lead the pack with three nominations each.
— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
The Good, The Band And The Queen, the new band featuring Damon Albarn, Paul Simonon, Tony Allen and Simon Tong, has inked with Virgin for the North American release of its self-titled debut. The set is due in January; first single “Herculean” was delivered today (Oct. 9) to U.K. radio outlets. The artwork for the release was created by Simonon, who has focused on painting in his post-Clash years.
As previously reported, the Good, The Bad And The Queen will play its first show Oct. 26 in London as part of the BBC’s Electric Proms. The group will perform the Danger Mouse-produced album in its entirety at the event.
— Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.