Elton John, just coming off his teaming...

Elton John, just coming off his teaming with Tim Rice for the songs from Disney’s animated film “The Lion King,” has finished work on his own new album, due in the fall. All the songs were written by John with his No. 1 partner, Bernie Taupin. And it’s official: the John-Billy Joel tour will not be coming to L.A., due to Joel’s commitments to other ventures. . . .

Neil Young and his Crazy Horse rhythm section of Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina were back together recently, recording a new album. Meanwhile, Talbot and Molina, along with new Crazy Horse member Mike Hamilton, have been recording in England, backing former Icicle Works leader Ian McNabb. There’s also talk of a Crazy Horse album, featuring the band’s full touring lineup, which also includes Sonny Mone and former Rain Parade frontman Matt Pucci. . . .

In an odd coupling, suave Robert Palmer has recorded a version of Devo’s “Girl U Want” for his upcoming album, “Honey,” due in September. The album, recorded at London’s Abbey Road over the course of the last three years, includes guitar work by Extreme’s Nuno Bettencourt. Palmer is also reportedly back at work with Power Station, the band including former Duran Duran members John and Andy Taylor and former Chic drummer Tony Thompson. They’ve been recording in L.A. . . .

Jim Carrey, pop star? That’s apparently the idea as the rubber-faced actor is the featured performer on a version of the old Desi Arnaz novelty “Cuban Pete,” as performed by Carrey in the upcoming film “The Mask.” Robert Clivilles and David Cole of C+C Music Factory are remixing the single version. The soundtrack album, with a focus on new swing-style recordings, will also include “Hey Pachuko” by the Royal Crown Revue and “Gee Baby, Ain’t I Good to You,” performed by “Mask” co-star Cameron Diaz. . . .

More soundtrack news: In addition to producing the Billy Idol-Steve Stevens title song and the Plimsouls’ reunion remake of “A Million Miles Away,” Ralph Sall has added to the “Speed” soundtrack a new song by Ric Ocasek and tracks by Cracker, Blues Traveler, Rod Stewart and Gary Numan, all dealing with the title topic. . . .

Producer Richard Perry is recruiting star singers for a Sam Cooke tribute album, which will include remakes of such Cooke hits as “Havin’ a Party” and “Bring It on Home to Me.” . . . Garth Brooks’ older sister (and his bass player) Betsy Smittle is putting the finishing touches on her own debut album, due in August. Just like her baby brother, she’s singing pop-country material. As of now, though, Garth’s not guesting on the album. . . .

Virgin is set for two reissue projects in July: “T.V. Eye,” Iggy Pop’s 1978 live album featuring such songs as “Lust for Life” and “I Wanna Be Your Dog,” and “Poison Years,” a compilation from Bob Mould’s two Virgin albums plus five previously unreleased live recordings.*