The amazing thing about Justin Timberlake’s new single, “Selfish” (which I keep calling Shellfish) is not the song — even though it’s pretty good. It’s like a piece of pop candy for the ears. “Selfish” is very catchy, and Timberlake’s vocal phrasing propels the song so much that you want to listen to it again, right away.

The marketing has to be congratulated. They’ve built up suspense and turned his release into an Event. Tonight JT will be on the Tonight show. Saturday he’s on “SNL.” Next week surprise show in NY at Irving Plaza. RCA Records has I Heart Radio all lined up, too.

Why? Because we are starved anything halfway decent.

And now, here it is:

Melanie Safka has died at age 76. Her family posted an announcement to Facebook (see below).

Melanie went by just her first name. She had a huge hit with “Lay Down (Candles in the Rain}” but her breakthrough song was “Brand New Key.” It was number 1 on and the charts for weeks.

It was Melanie’s recording of her own song, “What Have They Done to My Song, Ma?” that morphed into the New Seekers’ hit “Look What They’ve Done to My Song.”  In turn, it was used for Coca Cola’s most famous ad as “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing” (which claims its own songwriters, weirdly.) The original was so enormous it was covered by everyone. Coke used it for years, and it was even featured in the finale of “Mad Men.” She co-wrote the song, which meant, hopefully, she made a fortune. (If she didn’t, her kids will now.)

Melanie wasn’t particularly ambitious, and left the business almost as soon as she arrived. She kept recording and releasing music to fans but Melanie was not stoking the star making machine.

Condolences to her family.

Billy Joel’s “comeback” is in full swing.

The Piano Man has agreed to play on the Grammy Awards on February 4th. That will be two days after he releases his first new single in 31 years.

The Grammys have already announced a few big acts, but they’re also expecting Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. Since the Grammys are famous for having superstar collaborations, imagine Billy with Taylor. He once called her the Beatles of her generation.

Billy is really “Turning the Lights Back On” in a big way!

He’s actually never been away to have a comeback. Billy’s finished up a record 150 shows at Madison Square Garden, in July. He’s also touring more than ever doing one shot dates around the world.

But this activity definitely is connected to Billy turning 75 this year.

Whatever the reason, it’s great to have him so active. We always need more Billy Joel. Let’s hope he turns ALL the lights back on and gives us an album this year!