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Iron Maiden – Fear of the Dark (1992)

Throughout the history of music there have been many bands who have weathered the storm of having to replace a lead singer. Van Halen did it with Sammy Hagar, Black Sabbath did it with Dio, and for 2 albums Iron Maiden managed to replace Bruce Dickenson with Blaze Bayley; they took a hit in sales with Blaze but kept the band alive. 1992’s Fear of the Dark was the last album with Dickenson until he returned 2000. Iron Maiden, along with Fishbone, City and Color, Snoop Dog, Metric and Alice Cooper are just a few of the acts confirmed for Ottawa Bluesfest this year… and don’t worry Maiden fans, Bruce Dickenson will be there. Check out www.ottawabluesfest.ca for full lineup details inlcuding a little band called Lazybones (*cough that’s my band *cough).

Cadence Weapon – Conditioning (2012)

In the early 80’s an Edmonton DJ named Teddy Pemberton had a campus radio show called “The Black Sound Experience” and he is widely considered as being the person who introduced Hip Hop to Edmonton. In 2010 he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Canadian National DJ Aawards. His son, Roland, is best known as Cadence Weapon who has a new album coming out May 29th. Even though he has been releasing new tracks on Twitter and has also released a few mix tapes over the past few years, this will be his full first studio album since 2008.

Jack White – Sixteen Saltines (2012)

Jack White has become one of the most prolific musicians and producers over the past 15 years. His musical output has not only been non-stop, but it has been quality. He is best known of course for his now defunct band, “The White Stripes”, and while people are pretty excited these days about his first ever solo album, Jack is still talking about the old band. He is releasing a new White Stripes DVD called “Under New Zealand Lights” and in a recent interview said The White Stripes was the most important thing he has ever done and he’d be in that band forever, if he could only convince Meg.

Band of Skulls – Bruises (2012)

Band of Skulls are band from London England who released their first album in 2009. They have managed to get a lot of attention in North America thanks to success with placing their music in commercials, movies, and TV shows like The Hangover Part II, Twilight New Moon, True Blood, Gossip Girl, Friday Night Lights, and United States of Tara. However, with their new album the band says they’re going to be a bit more careful and selective. While they are certainly grateful for the exposure, they seem weary about becoming known as “that band” with their songs in commercials and TV shows.

B.B. King w/ Tracy Chapman – The Thrill is Gone (1998)

You might have heard about a movie in the works called “B.B. King and I” which is supposed to star Wendell Pierce of “The Wire” fame. The film was written by Michael Zanetis and is about his relationship with B.B. King that went from fan, to business, to friendship, and ultimately culminated with Michael getting B.B. a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But don’t hold your breath to see it. B.B. has been trying to have the movie blocked for a few years and now the production company is suing him. They say his attempt to stop the film has caused major delays and financial damages (insert “the thrill is gone” joke here).

enjoy,
=matt