Welcome to a new year!   This is Todd at A Different Drum.   Though I don’t have any new releases to tell you about right now, I wanted to send out the first update of the new year with a couple fun things that might interest you.

First of all, if you enjoy Facebook discussions, I just started one today on my wall, wondering about “the next wave” or “the next generation” of synthpop artists.   Feel free to comment.  Keep in mind that I don’t claim to know everything in records to this music scene (or anything else, for that matter) but I enjoy sharing my experiences and opinions.  I like reading other opinions as well.   Feel free to go to my Facebook page and join in:
http://www.facebook.com/todd.durrant

Also, if you’re in a bargain shopping mood, I just listed 5 different bulk lots of CD’s on EBay.  These each include bunches of promos, mainstream alternative, etc. CD’s as well as a nice selection of synthpop.   They are not necessarily aimed at synthpop or electro fans, but are merely bulk lots of CD’s for those who like to explores a lot of music in a lot of styles.  If you are interested, then feel free to bid.  Heck, you may find a half-dozen CD’s that you love, and you can sell the rest back to your local used CD store or give them away, or whatever, and it may still be worth it for you :-)   Anyway, you can see those bulk lots here (copy links and paste them into your browser):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798345216

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798417252

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798510412

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798525254

http://www.ebay.com/itm/180798531843

OK, I’ll leave you with that for this week.   Hopefully some new CD’s will roll in soon, in which case I’ll let you know.   Thanks for your support!

-Todd

Happy New Year!  And welcome to the last update from A Different Drum for 2011!

I know you’ve all been very busy with the holidays, as have I.  I’m going to use this update to mention a pile of recent releases that have come into A Different Drum’s store.  I decided to sweep through a bunch of cool synthpop releases that came out recently but were slow to get here for different reasons.  Hopefully this will help wrap up the synthpop year for you.

I don’t have time right now to walk through each release, since I have to go to my other job in a few minute (yep, working on New Year’s Eve).  But I did put video clips with most of these new releases so you can listen to them and decide what you like.  You’ll recognize several of the artists, like Endanger, Foretaste, IAMX, or Rational Youth.  Here are the titles newly added to A Different Drum’s store for you to order:

Liquid Divine ‘Sojourner EP” (CDEP) $14 — Several remixes and bonus tracks– the title track features vocals from singer of Seabound.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3170/Liquid-Divine-Sojourner-EP

Mr Jones Machine “Monokrom” $20 — Synthpop band from Sweden, singing in Swedish on their third album.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PROCD030/Mr-Jones-Machine-Monokrom

Laudanum “Beyond the Doctrine” $20 — Third album from this European synthpop act.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FORM005/Laudanum-Beyond-the-Doctrine

Endanger “Die Show Mus Weitergehen” (MCD) $12 — Latest single with remixes and bonus tracks from German band, Endanger.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3169/Endanger-Die-Show-Muss-Weitergehen

Felix Marc “The Muse” (MCD) $11 — The new, limited edition CD single from cool synthpop vocalist Felix Marc.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3184/Felix-Marc-The-Muse

IAMX “Volatile Times” $26 — The latest album from European super-star.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/53800097-2/IAMX-Volatile-Times

Electrovot “Turning Point” $20 — Very cool new release from Germany with energetic sound.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/RMT018/Electrovot-Turning-Point

Rational Youth “Coboloid Race / I Want to See the Light” (MCD) $10 — Another re-release / re-visitation of an old classic with new versions and bonus tracks.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/YUL2CDEP/Rational-Youth-Coboloid-Race-I-Want-to-See-the-Light

Machine Made Pleasure “Reform” $12 — New album from US synthpop band.  First 10 orders will receive their previous album in their package for free!  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SEC-029/Machine-Made-Pleasure-Reform

Foretaste “Love On Demand” (limited edition) $22 — New album from French synthpop band.  Limited edition includes bonus live CD!  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/BDMCD16/Foretaste-Love-On-Demand-Limited-Edition

Wireframes “Keep Your Eyes On the Stars” $18 — New release imported from Russia featuring danceable, trance-flavored tunes.  Order Here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SA003/Wireframes-Keep-Your-Eyes-On-the-Stars

There you go…some new stuff to explore to kick off your new year.  Thanks again!   Remember, you can always look here to see the latest arrivals in the store:

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog/new/

HAPPY NEW YEAR!
-Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum!  The year is coming quickly to an end, and I’m not sure if I’ll have another update before December is over, though I’ll try.

There haven’t been many new releases that have come in this month, but I’ll mention two here…and I’ll take this opportunity to say Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!  I thank you once again for your support, and helping A Different Drum to make it through yet another year.  THANKS!

NEW ARRIVALS:

Space March “Monumental” (limited edition with Post Cards) $18 — This is the limited edition of the new album by the synthpop / new wave act Space March.  It is the strongest release to date, and the band send a collection of custom designed, beautiful post cards that go with each song as part of a limited edition.  You can order the limited edition while supplies last here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPACE007/Space-March-Monumental-Limited-Edition-with-Postcards

Welle:Erdball “Der Kalte Krieg” (CD+DVD) $26 — This is the newest release from the quirky German band that mixes electronic pop with a semi-punk mentality, and it comes with a bonus, live DVD.  The DVD is likely in PAL format since it is a German import (I haven’t tested it).  You can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPV309262CD/Welle-Erdball-Der-Kalte-Krieg-with-PAL-live-DVD

Thanks for a fun year.  It has been a challenging one in some ways, but it has also been rewarding to see my labor of love, A Different Drum, stay alive in it’s own little way, and I hope as the years go on, it can remain a fun little piece of our lives.  Maybe a small piece, but a fun one

-Todd

Happy Cyber Monday to you!  I guess Cyber Monday wouldn’t be complete without some kind of offer from A Different Drum.   Let’s make it a Synthpop Cyber Monday!

First of all, here is a new release that may interest you:

MINERVE “Repleased” 2CD $22 — This double-disc features a boat-load of remixed versions of songs, totaling 27 tracks!  There are remixes from bands like Celluloide, Distain, Midnight Resistance, Iris, and more.  Plus, it kicks off with a cover version of the Eurythmics classic, “Here Comes the Rain Again”.   You can see the complete track list and order the 2CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/EZ11C760/Minerve-Repleased

DISCOUNTS FOR THIS WEEK!

First of all…you should know by now that A Different Drum’s label releases are all put out through the VIP Subscriber program now.  Every month a new CD is released in a limited edition (300 CDs Worldwide) and only the monthly subscribers receive them along with the band’s own copies.  It has been a very successful way for me to keep working with established as well as new synthpop artists to guarantee that new music sees the light of day on CD format for collectors.   However, there are still a good number of A Different Drum’s classic releases from past years which may not have found their way into your collection yet.  So, for this week, you can pick those up for 30% off the regular price!

30% off A Different Drum label back-catalog!  Discounts will apply during checkout.  See the complete list of in-stock titles here :

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/disco.php

Plus, receive 10% off anything else in A Different Drum’s online catalog, excluding new releases.  That discount will also apply during checkout.

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/sale.php

The discounts end after this Saturday (December 3rd)

Thanks for your support!
-Todd

Hello from A Different Drum!   This is Todd, and I have a few new arrivals in the store to tell you about.   Also, for those of you planning to order CD’s as gifts for yourself or others this holiday season, please keep in mind that shipping takes a bit longer this time of year.   Please plan ahead and place any gift orders sooner, rather than waiting until the last minute.   I’m already slower on shipping due to my work schedule these days, but the post office itself can get backed-up as the holidays approach.

NEW ARRIVALS:

Felix Marc “Parallel Worlds” $20 — Felix Marc presents his 2nd solo album, and it’s even more upbeat this time, with a futurepop tinge, taking on a sound quite like his band, Frozen Plasma.   I’m sure that fans won’t be disappointed.   Check out a video for one of the songs and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3175/Felix-Marc-Parallel-Worlds

Mental Discipline “Fallen Stars” (CDEP) $12 — This is a Russian import CD with an uptempo electronic edge, also featuring the vocals of Felix Marc, as well as contributions from People Theatre.   There are seven versions of the title track, plus three bonus tracks on this CD.   You can listen to the title track, see the complete track list, and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SNTK-CD-02/Mental-Discipline-Fallen-Stars

Hurts “Blood Tears and Gold” (MCD) $11 — Yes, it seems that Hurts will end up releasing every track from their incredible “Happiness” album as a single.  This is the latest, featuring a bonus remix, “Lotus Eaters On My Mind Remix by Pantha Du Prince”.   So, it is a 2-tracker, like the others, and mostly a piece for the ultra-fans and collectors.   Order the CD single here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/88697970012-3/Hurts-Blood-Tears-and-Gold

Various Artists “Blank and Jones Presents So80’s Volume 6″ (3CD) $30 — The incredible 80’s compilation series continues with volume 6.  It is once again loaded with classic extended versions from the 80’s, some of which are very hard to find elsewhere.   The first disc features the non-stop mix from Blank & Jones, while the next two discs feature the full-length originals.   80’s fans can’t go wrong with this collection.  Order the latest volume here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SC0382/Various-Artists-Blank-and-Jones-presents-So80s-So-Eighties-Volume-6

Remember, if you’re ever looking for a good deal to toss in with your new release orders, feel free to check the “discount bin” where items go to clearance prices before vanishing from A Different Drum’s store catalog.   You can always check the discount bin here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog/discount/

Also of interest, you might enjoy checking out the top sellers from A Different Drum’s online catalog on any given week by looking here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/bestsell.php

Thanks for your support, and have a wonderful weekend!
-Todd

Hello once again from A Different Drum!   I’ll begin this little update with a note to the VIP subscribers– the CD for October is shipping this week to all subscribers, so you’ll have your limited edition T-4-2 CD’s in hand very soon!

Now for the CD’s that have arrived in A Different Drum’s store during the last few days…

NEW ARRIVALS:

VNV Nation “Automatic” $15 — The latest album from the futurepop icon is perhaps the most “pop” friendly of the last few with a feeling more like their classic “Empires” CD.  There are a couple potential anthems on this album, for sure.   You can listen to a collection of samples from the album and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ARC-3A/VNV-Nation-Automatic

Erasure “Tomorrow’s World” (Limited 2CD) $18 — I have a couple copies of the limited 2CD edition of Erasure’s latest album in stock for those who have not picked it up yet.  The bonus disc is loaded with remixes and extras for the fans and collectors.   Watch a video for the first single and order the 2CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/LCDSTUMM335/Erasure-Tomorrows-World-Deluxe-Edition

Absolute Body Control “Wind (re) Wind” $15 — This is a band that has been around for quite some time in the European underground and is recently coming back into the synthpop picture.   They play a minimal synthpop approach with a sometimes brooding undertone and a retro vibe.   You can listen to one of the songs from the album and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET753/Absolute-Body-Control-Wind-Re-Wind

Farmacia “Desorden Obsesivo Compulsivo” $16 — This is the 2nd album from the ultra-bouncy, bubbly, light-hearted synthpop act from Argentina.  The lyrics are once again in Spanish, and the mood is all about bleepy, groovy fun.   You can watch a video for one of  the songs from the album and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/DS003/Farmacia-Desorden-Obsesivo-Compulsivo

Further notes…

If you are a collector of Rename, I have only 4 copies of the latest limited edition promo CDR.  It’s a double-single featuring the remixes of “Never Stop!” and “In the Future” from the “Evolution” album.  There are 13 total tracks on the disc, including old fashioned extended versions, as well as “bonus beats”, “acapella” mixes, etc.

I also have a couple of the re-released edition of the excellent album “Sunrise” by Lakeside X.  The band was originally called Lakeside Church when the album was released years ago.  It is one of the memorable downtempo synthpop / new wave albums of the last ten years, in my opinion.   You can pick up a copy now, if you’d like.

Also, I have been shipping De/Vision 2CD remix albums and the import single, but quickly ran out of the German edition.  I’ll have more of that one soon for you collectors who want every possible configuration and track

-Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum!  I’m sending out this brief email update to let you know that the new “Popgefahr - The Mix” 2CD by De/Vision is in stock.  I have a few copies of the German import as well as the USA edition, since the track lists are different (different versions are exclusive to each).  I also have the import CD single, “Twisted Story” in stock.

So, if you’re a fan of De/Vision, hope on over and take your pick.  You can see the CD’s and track lists here :

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET747/De-Vision-Popgefahr-The-Mix-USA-Edition

Thanks for your support.  Thanks also for your patience when I’m a bit slower shipping your orders due to my busy work schedule.

-Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum and fans of cool, electronic pop from around the world!  It’s time for an update to let you know what came into the store during the last couple of weeks.   There’s some fun stuff to talk about this time, for sure!

NEW ARRIVALS:

Lowe “Evolver” $14 — The third album by this top-notch synthpop act from Sweden does not disappoint with their usual solid production and knack for writing memorable songs.  I’ve always looked at these guys as a sort of crossbreed of Depeche Mode and New Order, with plenty of modern synthpop tossed into that classic approach.  You can listen to a couple of songs and order the new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/WTII071/Lowe-Evolver

Babylonia “Motel la Solitude” $18 — This latest album from the Depeche Mode influenced synthpop act from Italy has been out for a while, but I’ve had a hard time getting it, until now!   If you haven’t picked it up yet, then here is your chance.  I should be able to keep it in stock for a while now.   You can listen to one of the songs and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TW187/Babylonia-Motel-la-Solitude

Tenek “EP2″ (CDEP) $8 — These fellows are picking up steam as they crank out great synthpop music on a regular basis.  If you remember the band The Nine from the 90’s, then this is basically a modern incarnation featuring the front man, Geoff Pinckney and his band mate Peter Steer.   You can check out their latest music video and order this nice 6-track mini-album on CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TOFF0024/Tenek-EP2

Zynic “Dreams in Black and White” (MCD) $12 — The debut album by Zynic really caught the attention of the synthpop community.   I sold out of A Different Drum’s supply very quickly and have been struggling to get more copies back in stock.  Now there are two singles featuring remixes and bonus tracks.   Listen to the title track and order the CD single here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDZC01/Zynic-Dreams-in-Black-and-White

Zynic “My Personal Kryptonite” (MCD) $12 — This is the 2nd CD single from the top-notch German synthpop act, Zynic, loaded again with remixes and extras.  You can listen to the title track and order the CD single here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDZC03/Zynic-My-Personal-Kryptonite

Anosphere “One and All” $20 — For fans of space synth (melodic, old-school instrumental synthpop) you’ll be happy to know that another sci-fi influenced album is now out from Anosphere.   You can listen to a track and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/NWRCD006/Anosphere-One-and-All

Autodafeh “Act of Faith” $14 — This is the EBM, hard-edged side-product of the band Endless Shame.  They pump up the hard-hitting beats and dark vocals for an electronic stomp-fest.   You can watch a video and order the new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SIGCD0011/Autodafeh-Act-of-Faith

Neuropa “Plastique People - European Edition” $20 — For those who missed the limited edition VIP release of the latest album by Neuropa, or for collectors who like to pick up every edition, there is now a European release of Plastique People.   If features all the delicious pop tunes you’d expect from Neuropa, along with three extra remixes.   You can order the European CD edition here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDNR06/Neuropa-Plastique-People-European-Edition

Also, for the VIP subscribers, you’ll be receiving your special re-release edition of the “Fifty Three Degrees North” album by Northern Kind in the next few days as they work through the mail.  If you’re interested in catching up entirely with the band’s fine works, you can once again order their 2nd studio album, “Wired” right here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/EY001/Northern-Kind-Wired

Well, I hope you find some great new music in this update to explore.  Thanks for your much appreciated support!  Have a great weekend!
-Todd

Hello my friends!  It’s time for a little update.   First, for the VIP subscribers who read this news report, you’ll be happy to know that the late Rename “Evolution” subscriber CD has been shipped to all US subscribers.  If you’re overseas, then your Rename CD will be shipped together with the other late CD by Northern Kind, since they’re arriving very close together.  You can expect a little bonus surprise in that future package too….of a somewhat silly nature.

Now let’s look at the latest arrivals in A Different Drum’s store…

NEW ARRIVALS:

Apoptygma Berzerk “Black EP Volume 2″ $11 — Here is another collection of remixes from Apoptygma Berzerk’s more recent material.   There are remixes from artists like Rotersand, People Theatre, Spektralized, etc.   You can see the complete track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET744/Apoptygma-Berzerk-Black-EP-Volume-2

Solar Fake “Frontiers” $20 — This is the new import release from the top-notch futurepop / dark synthpop act, Solar Fake.   You can watch a video from the album and order the new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPV309302CD/Solar-Fake-Frontiers

Trans Atlantic Crush “Remember” $14 — I mentioned this excellent album as a pre-order.   Now it’s in stock.  After many years of silence, these guys are back with a polished, emotional, romance-tinged album that sounds as smooth and memorable as ever.   For those who enjoy a Depeche Mode ballad flavor, you’ll enjoy this one.  You can order the new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/84512103989-4/Trans-Atlantic-Crush-Remember

Hubert Kah ‘So80s Presents Hubert Kah” (2CD) $22 — I’ve been a long-time fan of Hubert Kah, one of the new wave icons of Germany.  This is by far the best, most complete collection of extended versions ever released for the band.  It even includes the English version of “The Picture” (later covered by Iris on their “Disconnect” album) along with a remix version and the original German long version, and many other hard-to-find treats.  Pick up the 2CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SC0326/Hubert-Kah-sO80S-Presents-Hubert-Kah

Diary of Dreams “EgoX” $15 — This is the new album from the gothic, darkwave-flavored synth act, Diary of Dreams.    You can order the new album here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET742/Diary-of-Dreams-EgoX

Imperative Reaction “Imperative Reaction” $15 — Here’s the latest album from an intense industrial dance act.  You can watch a music video from the album and order the CD here :  http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET739/Imperative-Reaction-Imperative-Reaction

For those who are wondering….yes, A Different Drum will be stocking the new De/Vision releases, including the import single, the US limited edition, and the German limited edition, so you can collect whichever you’d like.

Also, if you’d like a quick way to review the latest arrivals in the store, you can always pop onto the new release page here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog/new/

And if you want to see what sold the most the previous week through A Different Drum’s mail-order store, you can look here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/bestsell.php

And you can re-read the old updates right here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/blog/

Thanks again for your friendship and support!
-Todd

Hello friends of A Different Drum!   It has been a couple of weeks since my last update.   I have some new arrivals in the store that I’d like to tell you about…

NEW ARRIVALS:

Haberdashery “Tonight the Angels” $14 — The new album from the romantic synthpop act Haberdashery is now available, and it comes in a truly beautiful package, hardbound with an extended booklet of lyrics and original notes from the songwriting process.  It is totally classy and utterly collectible, and the best Haberdashery release yet!   You can watch a video for one of the songs from the album and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/88113100196-4/Haberdashery-Tonight-the-Angels

Riccardo Campa “The Italian Way” $15 — Here is another new release for fans of old-school Italo Disco flavored synthpop, with an utterly retro feel.   With 80’s flavored synths and beats accompanying the thickly accented vocals, it sounds like something pulled out of the European underground from 25 years ago.   Watch a video for one of the songs from the album and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SSR-00019/Riccardo-Campa-The-Italian-Way

Tiziana Rivale “True” $20 — Speaking of 80’s underground Italo Disco, here is a new album from Tiziana Rivale who has 80’s roots as well.  This new album is produced by Galaxy Hunter who has used her vocal talents before.   So, it maintains their strong, danceable Italo disco synthpop sound with the vocal diva adding her pizazz to the mix.  Watch the video preview for the album which presents many song snippets and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TRCD001/Tiziana-Rivale-True

Various Artists “Blank & Jones Presents So80’s Volume 5″ (3CD) $30 — The amazing 80’s extended version collection that is being assembled by Blank & Jones keeps getting more and more impressive.   This “So80’s ” series may eventually go down as the best, most extensive, original 80’s extended version CD collection in history.   All I can say is, these producers know their stuff, and they keep pulling out some real gems.  Sure, at this point many of the original long versions have shown up elsewhere, but to have them pulled together in a single location, along with some real rarities, plus a bonus disc of beat-mixed tracks for party purposes…this one is making a case for itself.  Watch out “Best of Pop and Wave” you have a challenger!   See the complete track list and order the fifth volume here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/81428101010-4/Various-Artists-Blank-and-Jones-presents-So80s-So-Eighties-Volume-5

Thanks for your support.  Have a wonderful weekend!
-Todd