Taking Names

Elton goes digital

Elton John says he will make his back catalog of more than 30 albums available for digital download, Associated Press reports.

Beginning Monday, the tracks, more than 400 in all, will be available through Apple Inc.’s ITunes until April 30, and then will be made available on other download services. The newly digitized albums include Mr. John’s 1969 debut, “Empty Sky,” and perennial favorites such as “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy.”

The move coincides with Mr. John’s 60th birthday Sunday and the release of a new compilation album, “Rocket Man,” on March 29.

Mr. John said he would also release some of his singles as cell phone ringtones. Several of his best-known video clips — including the duet “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” with Kiki Dee — will be available through digital music services.

Mr. John’s back catalog is owned by Vivendi SA’s Universal Music Group.

Spears leaves rehab

After nearly a month of seclusion in a luxurious rehabilitation center, Britney Spears has moved on.

The pop star checked out of Promises Malibu Alcohol and Drug Rehab Treatment Facility “after successfully completing their program,” Miss Spears’ manager, Larry Rudolph, said late Tuesday evening.

Miss Spears, 25, entered the facility Feb. 22 after a bout of bizarre behavior that included shaving her head, getting tiny lips tattooed on her wrist and beating a car with an umbrella. She filed for divorce from aspiring rapper Kevin Federline in November, citing irreconcilable differences. Under a temporary agreement, the two have joint custody of their sons, Jayden James, 6 months, and Sean Preston, 18 months.

Miss Spears hasn’t disclosed why she sought treatment at Promises, which offers detox, counseling and 12-step programs. According to AP, a 30-day stay at the Mediterranean-style villa tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains costs $48,000.

With her stay, Miss Spears joined a long list of celebrities who have trekked to Promises to overcome addictions, including Ben Affleck, Charlie Sheen, Diana Ross and Matthew Perry.

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