Music Notes: STP's New Album

June 19 -- Scott Weiland is sounding off on the joys of fatherhood on the new Stone Temple Pilots release, Shangri-LA DEE DA.

The band, which has stayed together in spite of Weiland's recurring drug and legal battles, is out with its fifth album nearly a decade after its debut.

Shangri-LA DEE DA begins with the type of hard-rocking, bass-driven songs that first earned Stone Temple Pilots their loyal fan base. But the grunge beat stops there.

The quartet continues its venture into a more toned-down and intimate space, with Weiland lingering on the lyrics of several of the breezy ballads. One of the standouts marks possibly his greatest recent life change: "A Song for Sleeping" is an ode to his young son, Noah Weiland.

"I don't deserve this, I never thought it could be quite like the moment when you first smiled at me," croons Weiland. "You're more than beautiful, and you're my son … When you lie down to sleep I'll protect you from the demons of the night."

Britney's a Little Bit Country …

As if managing her own career is not enough work, Britney Spears is now running her own production company.

The blond pop star has signed her first talent — country singer Kristy Lee.

Spears is expected to make a guest appearance in the 17-year-old's first video, according to the Allstar Web site. The two young ladies met though Spears' manager and apparently hit it off.

Limp Bizkit Tour Break

The fast-paced rock 'n' roll lifestyle has caught up with Limp Bizkit's lead singer Fred Durst.

The rap-rock band has canceled the rest of its European tour so Durst can recover from what's described as an "increasingly painful and distressing back injury."

Details are posted on the Limp Bizkit Web site, which says doctors have ordered Durst to rest for at least two weeks before further evaluation.

Moreover

R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck heads back to a London court July 31 to face air rage charges. … Paula Abdul reportedly is considering appearing in a new half-hour drama on MTV … And "Thong Song" hitmaker Sisqo has released his follow-up album, Return of Dragon.