Christmas is almost here!  There is still time to get in any orders that you may want before the big day, if you hurry.  I’m shipping as fast as I can.

I have some nice items in stock at the moment that may interest you for the holidays, so I thought I’d shoot out another quick update.  Check these out…

NEW ARRIVALS:

Pet Shop Boys “Christmas” (CDEP) $12 — This is a great piece for the fans and collectors, featuring five tracks to add to your holiday cheer, including a cool mix of “Viva la Vida / Domino Dancing”.   See the track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDR6784/Pet-Shop-Boys-Christmas

A-Ha “Nothing is Keeping You Here” (MCD) $10 — This is the next single from the last, impressive album from A-Ha.  Good news too…they are actually planning to play a few shows in the USA around May of 2010.   This single features two tracks– the radio edit of the title song, and a remix.   Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/060252726819-4/A-Ha-Nothing-is-Keeping-You-Here

Legacy of Music “Forward / 4Ward” $22 — This is the best album by Legacy of Music so far, with a very solid, strong German synthpop sound.  The lyrics are mostly in English, with a little German thrown in here and there for good measure.   If you haven’t checked out this band yet, I’d say this is a great album to do so– their forth release to date.    Listen to samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/404256411898-8/Legacy-of-Music-Forward-4ward

SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFERS:

Remember, you can still pick up this great deal on 4 CD’s for one low price, for only 1 more week!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/Offer1/Christmas-Offer-Rename-Iris-The-Nine-Remixes

Plus, for the next 4 days, if you place an order, you can add a note in the “note box” during checkout with a DIFFERENT name and address of somebody else who could use a little synthpop for Christmas, and I’ll ship them the Endless Shame “Pure” single, plus a little something extra to lift their spirits.   Cheer up a family member or friend.  ONLY good when you place an order online and fill in the request in the note box during checkout.  ONLY one person will receive the gift per order.

Thanks,
Todd

It feels like this year has gone by really fast.   Sure, a lot has happened, but wow, I can’t believe we’re flying through December.

Well, this month brings you another really great new releases before the year ends, which you can pre-order now from A Different Drum.   I think you’ll really love this one:

AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER:

Blume “Rise from Grey” $12 — Blume is an exciting new electronic pop band from Italy that combines melancholy moods with energetic music and a smooth, strong voice. The debut album RISE FROM GREY is sure to catapult this promising threesome into the spotlight, appealing to fans of classic new wave and synthpop as well as to the fans of club-friendly industrial and futurepop.  Listen to the audio samples and pre-order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1290/Blume-Rise-from-Grey

NEW ARRIVALS:

Erasure “Phantom Bride” (CDEP) $14 — Yep, I’m late!  I ordered this cool import a long time ago, but I guess independent stores are not the priority because it finally arrived now, a few weeks after the release date.  Anyway, as a long-time Erasure fan, it is fun to revisit not only “Phantom Bride” (a great stand-out track that was not originally a single), this one also includes new versions of several other early Erasure hits.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDMUTE420/Erasure-Phantom-Bride-EP

Joy Electric “Favorites at Play” $12 — The analog synth master is back again, but this time with a collection of cover tunes.  I talked to a synthpop fan briefly about this and he said, “but it would have been nice to hear covers of songs I actually know.”  Why doesn’t he know these songs?  Well, because they’re taking from the popular music market, including covers of artists like Keane and Coldplay.   So, add some synth to your hits!  Check out the tracks and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/509992647842-5/Joy-Electric-Favorites-At-Play

Rotersand “War On Error” (CDEP) $14 — If you haven’t had a chance to pick up this import CD which features remixes of songs from the popular new album “Random is Resistance” then here is your chance!   Check out the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TRI371CD/Rotersand-War-On-Error

A-Ha “Live In Chile 06″ (DVD) $16 — Though this is an import DVD from Europe, it happily declares itself “Region 0″ NTSC format, which means it should play on all American DVD players.   It features songs played live in 2006 including many of their old hits plus some new songs.  See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SHOW016-9/A-Ha-Live-in-Chile-06

Human Puppets “Future From the Past” $20 — This is a re-release of classic, minimal electro that was only on vinyl before.  There are only 500 numbered copies of the CD’s and they’ll go fast.  It includes bonus tracks as well.  I only got a handful, so if you’re a collector of electro history, grab it quickly here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/DRD02/Human-Puppets-Future-From-the-Past

Various Artists “Blank & Jones Present So80s (So Eighties)” (3CD) $30 — This is a nice treat for 80’s music collectors.  Not only does it feature 2 CD’s of classic extended versions from the 80’s, but it also has a disc that includes several of those tracks mixed together by the modern German club sensation, Blank & Jones.    See the complete track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SC0306/Various-Artists-Blank-and-Jones-presents-So80s-So-Eighties

Remember that there is a great Christmas package deal for this month only, including 4 fun CD’s of remixes:
Iris “Reconnect”
The Nine “Invasion”
Rename “First Bounce”
Various Artists “A Different Mix 6″

They are sold at one, low price!  Great for gift-giving to people who need a little more electronic pep in their life!
Order the package here for only $12 !!!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/Offer1/Christmas-Offer-Rename-Iris-The-Nine-Remixes

LISTEN TO THE SYNTHPOP STATION!

I’ve updated the synthpop player with a couple new songs and removed a few of the old ones.  Open it up for a fun listen while you’re working or playing at your computer:

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player/

Thanks, and have a wonderful weekend!  Looks like snow where I live…time to start building this year’s igloo.
-Todd

Hello from A Different Drum!  It’s time to look at the latest arrivals in the store as we head into the holidays.  I also have a special Christmas offer which may interest you…

Go to A Different Drum’s online catalog and search “Christmas Offer” and you’ll find a 4CD package deal for only $12!  You can add it to your cart and buy it.   Jump straight to this link if you’d like:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/Offer1/Christmas-Offer-Rename-Iris-The-Nine-Remixes

It includes this remix collection CD’s:
Rename “First Bounce” (remixes from the first two albums, plus bonus tracks)
Iris “Reconnect” (remixes of tracks from the popular “Disconnect” album)
The Nine “Invasion” (remixes from the band’s two albums)
Various Artists “A Different Mix 6″ (all exclusive remixes of songs from several synthpop acts)

This offer is ONLY for the holidays!  Pick it up for yourself, or for friends.  You probably know a whole slew of teenagers who are into Owl City– use this as a way to show them that there is more out there

NEW ARRIVALS:

Hidden Place “Punto Luce” $16 — This new album from Hidden Place features a combination of dreamy female-vocal lead synthpop and punchy instrumental synth music.  Plus, the final track has a guy singing with something of a VNV Nation sound.  It’s a nice variety of textures and is worth checking out, which you can do by listening to the samples and ordering the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TW164/Hidden-Place-Punto-Luce

The Frozen Autumn “Pale Awakenings” $16 — This is another re-release of a nice album by The Frozen Autumn, a band from Italy that is often compared to classic, old-school Clan of Xymox.   With echoing vocals and synths, it does have the 80’s Xymox sound, with a nice blend of synthpop and dreamy gothic textures.   Listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TW166/The-Frozen-Autumn-Pale-Awakening

Requiem 4 FM “Novocaine” $18 — This is a super-cool import from Russia from a new synthpop act that is packed with energy, cool melodies, and a solid production sound.  They do sing entirely in English, and have the potential to grow into one of the big bands in the scene after this solid debut.   Check out the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPR090/Requiem-4-FM-Novocaine

That is all for this week.   Please remember, for any holiday shopping where you plan to give a CD as a gift, please order sooner rather than later.   Because of the volume of shipments that are handled this time of year by the postal service, you simply want to plan ahead to avoid delays.

Thanks for your support!
-Todd

Hello, this is Todd at A Different Drum and it is time for another update.  I don’t have much in the way of new releases to announce at the moment, which gives you a chance to catch up after all the new stuff that came in during the last month.   But I do have some special offers for you as the holiday gift shopping season really kicks in.

For this weekend, beginning tomorrow (Thanksgiving Day for those of you in the USA) there is a 10% discount on all orders placed through the homepage www.adifferentdrum.com except on the newest releases (those items that have a “new” icon next to them).  The discount will be applied as you complete “checkout” through the shopping cart.

Please also note some of the great package deals that you can grab for the holidays.   The “Spread the Love ” package is an especially great way to load up on some fun compilations to give away as gifts.   You get twice as many CD’s and at half the price.  There’s a copy of each for you, and a copy of each for a friend!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/packs.php#anchor22

I also have listed a few more out-of-print rarities from A Different Drum’s label on EBay , which I’ll spotlight after talking about the new releases from PARRALOX…

NEW ARRIVALS:

Parralox “I Am Human” (MCD) $12 — There are now two limited edition CD singles from the Australian synthpop sensation, Parralox, imported from Germany.  These two singles come loaded with remixes and there are less than 500 being sold of each, worldwide.  These lead into the upcoming 2nd album, after a very successful debut album, “Electricity”.   The first single is “I Am Human” and features 12 tracks of remixes, including alternate versions of three other songs as well!   Check out the track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDPLOX02/Parralox-I-Am-Human

Parralox “Hotter” (MCD) $12 — This is the other limited edition CD single from Parralox, and yes, it is also hot.  This single includes not only seven versions of the title track, but five other remixes of other songs as well.   You can see the complete track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDPLOX01/Parralox-Hotter

OUT-OF-PRINT CD’S ON EBAY:

Here is another handful of CD’s that I pulled out of a box that was in storage.  These are new CD’s that were put aside when they were returned from stores or distributors through the years.   If you’re interested, grab them now!

Echo Image “Standing Alone” MCD — This was the 3rd single from the out-of-print album “Compuphonic”
See it here :
http://cgi.ebay.com/Echo-Image-Standing-Alone-out-of-print-CD-single_W0QQitemZ180437239921

Syrian “No Atmosphere” MCD — This was the debut single from Syrian and quickly sold out.
See it here :
http://cgi.ebay.com/Syrian-No-Atmosphere-out-of-print-CD-single_W0QQitemZ180437238848

T.O.Y. “Fairytale” MCD — This was a US-only CD single from one of Germany’s hot synth bands (used to be Evil’s Toy).
See it here :
http://cgi.ebay.com/T-O-Y-TOY-Fairytale-out-of-print-CD-single_W0QQitemZ180437237283

Various Artists “Mix Rinse and Spin Volume 2″ 2CD — The second in one of A Different Drum’s early compilation series.  Great rare mixes!
See it here :
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mix-Rinse-and-Spin-Volume-2-RARE-synthpop-2CD_W0QQitemZ180437235874

Paradigm “Soul Flight” MCD — This is one of the first CD singles released by A Different Drum, back in 1997.
See it here :
http://cgi.ebay.com/Paradigm-Soul-Flight-OUT-OF-PRINT-electro-CD-single_W0QQitemZ180437231634

Well, have a great time shopping, and I’ll be back as soon as something new comes in.   Oh yeah, the new Parralox ALBUM is on the way too and should be here soon.

Thanks,
Todd

Here is the 2nd update for this week from A Different Drum, and you’re going to be excited about some of the stuff that came in during the week!  Collectors will have to pull together a few dollars and pick up these items ranging from the 80’s classics to modern heroes.  Get them while you still can

NEW ARRIVALS:

And One “Live” (2DVD) $34 — This double-DVD package is absolutely packed with material for And One fans, including more than 50 songs performed live, including some fun cover versions of 80’s classics like “The Sun Always Shines On TV” and “The Great Commandment”, plus 10 classic video clips, and extra live tracks from the 90’s.   Keep in mind, this is a European import, and thus is PAL format (works on multi-region DVD players and computer DVD-R drives, etc.)  See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/OUT381-382/And-One-Live-European-PAL-DVD

And One “Live” (2CD) $22 — The double CD collection doesn’t have quite as many tracks as the DVD, but manages to pack in 38 fun live tracks from one of Germany’s biggest synthpop / industrial acts.   Check out the track list and order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/OUT379-380/And-One-Live

Information Society “It Is Useless to Resist Us / Live 2008 and Videos” (DVD) $18 — This DVD celebrates 25 years as one of America’s top, pioneering synthpop acts!  You can watch them perform all their classics  during their 2008 show in Philadelphia, plus you have access to some classic video clips including “What’s On Your Mind”, “Walking Away”, “Think”, “Repetition”, and “Peace and Love Inc” plus extra behind-the-scenes footage and an extra MP3 remix EP of new material.     Order this collectible DVD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/DFD-21301/Information-Society-It-is-Useless-to-Resist-Us-Live-2008-and-Videos

Mesh “A Perfect Solution” (limited Box) $36 — If you’re a huge Mesh fan, then this is the ultimate collectible edition of the new album.  It comes in a nice box that includes a bonus 48-page song book, plus a bonus 7-inch vinyl single that includes two extra tracks:   “Only Better (Ollie’s Mix)”, “Hold and Restrain”.   For those who don’t have record players, it’s kind of a bummer to not have easy access to the two bonus tracks, but the package is still beautiful.   Order the limited box here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/Mind141HAP272/Mesh-A-Perfect-Solution-Limited-Box

Elegant Machinery “Yesterday Man” (limited re-release) $20 — This is one of the classic synthpop acts of the 90’s, and now you can pick up their 3rd album, and perhaps their most popular, re-released in a collectible digipack to go along with the earlier re-release of their first two albums.   Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ERCD098L/Elegant-Machinery-Yesterday-Man-Limited-Edition

Diary of Dreams “King of Nowhere” (MCD) $11 — These guys have represented the best of “gothic synthpop” for several years now, combining dark, melancholy, dramatic moods together with uptempo electronic music.   This single is a strong example of their signature sound and perhaps even more melodic and catchy than ever.   Check out the video and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/A116/Diary-of-Dreams-King-of-Nowhere

Kite “Kite II” (CDEP) $12 — After a surprising debut single released earlier this year, Kite is back with a new EP with 5 new songs.  They definitely play a classic synthpop sound with a unique, new wave-esque vocal approach that isn’t heard much these days.  The whiny vocals seem to blend perfectly with their old-school sound.   Listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PROCD021/Kite-Kite-II

Tomates Electricos ‘Telefono Rojo” (7-inch red vinyl) $8 — Here is a collectible, limited 7-inch vinyl release of some hard-to-find early synthpop / new wave from Spain.  If you’re a fan of synthpop’s early days and like to dig up the historical pieces, pick this up!  It’s cool Spanish-language synth flash-back stuff!   Order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPSR-002-EP/Tomates-Electricos-Telefono-Rojo-7-inch-red-vinyl

Fanzine “Llegas Tarde” (7-inch vinyl) $8 — And here is another old synthpop / new wave gem surfaced from the early days in Spain.   Fresh from 1983 and now on a limited 7-inch single!   Order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SPSR-001-EP/Fanzine-Llegas-Tarde-7-inch-vinyl

COLLECT OUT-OF-PRINT CD’s from A DIFFERENT DRUM:

This week I’m featuring 3 out-of-print CD’s that I had tossed into a box over the years when they were returned from closing stores, etc.  I have several out-of-print items that have become quite collectible and I know that some of you might be looking for something you missed.  This week I’ll feature 3 of those on EBay, all of which were released in 2004 and quickly sold out.

Here is where you can bid on:  De/Vision “6 Feet Underground” LIMITED USA edition with 2 bonus tracks:
http://cgi.ebay.com/De-Vision-6-Feet-Underground-Limited-USA-edition_W0QQitemZ180432601957

Here is where you can bid on:  The Dignity of Labour “XRV” CD single:
http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Dignity-of-Labour-XRV-out-of-print-single_W0QQitemZ180432600768QQ

Here is where you can bid on:  Rename “Culture” LIMITED 2CD edition with bonus disc:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rename-Culture-out-of-print-LIMITED-2CD-edition_W0QQitemZ180432599991

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

Well, I don’t have a few of the wanted items from Europe yet.  It seems a package is lingering over the ocean longer than hoped.  So, I hope some of you remain patient.  I WILL have the Erasure single eventually…hopefully not after everybody has already purchased it elsewhere

While I’m waiting for the big box to arrive, there are some other new underground releases you’ll want to check out:

NEW ARRIVALS:

Obscenity Trial “Soulstrip” $22 — This is the third full-length release from the popular German act that combines darkwave moods with synthpop tunes.  They mostly sing in English, with a couple of cool German language tracks tossed in.   You can listen to audio samples and order the CD here as well as watch a music video of one the songs:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/RMT004/Obscenity-Trial-Soulstrip

Dawnfine “Imperfect Thoughts” $16 — This new import from Brazil features a new synthpop act that is based on the classic Depeche Mode philosophy– traditional synths and melancholy vocals.   You can listen to samples of the songs and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SD01/Dawnfine-Imperfect-Thoughts

Anosphere “Nation of Love” $18 — This is one of the rising stars of the space-synth sub-genre featuring melodic, poppy synthesizer tunes.  There is always a retro vibe, and minimal vocal tidbits (usually with robot effects).   This new CD features several new tracks and some new remixes of previously heard songs.   Listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/NWRCD005/Anosphere-Nation-of-Love

Elevated Sins “Blue” $10 — This CD introduces a new synthpop underground act from Chicago.   The thoughtful lyrics are accompanied by mid-tempo beats, interesting synth soundscapes, and nice vocal melodies.   Listen to the audio samples and order this debut CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/BNDPCD03/Elevated-Sins-Blue

New songs are loaded and playing on the synthpop station now:

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player

Another update coming very soon!
-Todd

This is Todd at A Different Drum.  I’ve been waiting a bit to do the update because I know there is another shipment coming in soon, but I can’t wait anymore.  People keep asking if I have these new releases in stock, so I’ll just take a moment to let you know what is here and available to ship already…

NEW ARRIVALS:

Endless Shame “Unspoken Words” $12 — The latest album from Endless Shame presents the perfect combination of high energy, futurepop dance music with epic, catchy synthpop. Sing along and dance yourself into a frenzy as you enjoy one edgy, exciting anthem after another. This Swedish electronic act stands out as one of the strong new bands to follow!  Listen to the audio samples and order your CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1297/Endless-Shame-Unspoken-Words

Mesh “A Perfect Solution” $15 — This latest offering from Mesh fits right in with their other top-notch productions.   It is more edgy and agitated than their last epic album, “We Collide” but fits right in with their high standards at the very top of the synthpop scene.    This time it is released in the USA so you can get it for a good price too!  Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET618/Mesh-A-Perfect-Solution

NOTE:  Yes, there is a limited edition box of the Mesh “A Perfect Solution” album, but thanks to a high wholesale price, and the fact that it is an import, and the fact that the US dollar is not very strong right now, you’ll be looking at about $36 once it is here.  I’m only getting a handful for the super-fans, but be aware, it is mostly just for the snazzy packaging and a bonus 7-inch vinyl single with two tracks.   It should arrive in a day or two and will be listed on the homepage once it is here…

Assemblage 23 “Compass” $15 — Yes, the limited edition is almost gone, so here is the regular edition , now available….
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET617/Assemblage-23-Compass

Rotersand “Random Is Resistance” $15 — Another of Germany’s rising synthpop bands is back with a new album.  These guys are also on the edgy side, crossing over into the industrial dance scene, but are definitely one of the acts that everybody is talking about.   You can order their new CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET623/Rotersand-Random-Is-Resistance

There are some other items coming up in a couple of days, so you’ll probably hear from me on the weekend, or on Monday at the latest with even more stuff, including the import Erasure “Phantom Bride” CD.   You can see exactly when items arrive and are available for order by following me on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/adifferentdrum

Also, here is a special offer for those of you who are interested in the growing Space Synth genre!   The first 10 people to order one of these 3 CD’s will receive a FREE CD of Anosphere “Timetraveler”.    Just order one of these CD’s:
Galaxy Hunter “Sleeping Child”
or Dreamtime “Far Out”
or A.M. Samurai “The First Element”

Once again, the first ten orders I see with any one (or more) of those titles in the cart will get the free Anosphere CD too!

Thanks for your support, and I’ll be in touch again very soon!
-Todd

This is Todd at A Different Drum and I just wanted to announce a Spooky Synthpop Sale for tonight until the 1st of November.  Get into the Halloween mood by picking up some CD’s you’ve been wanting!

There is a 15% discount which is applied during “checkout” after you’ve selected your CD’s.  The discount does not apply to new releases (items that have been in the store for 3 months or less).   So, pop on over to A Different Drum’s online store and do some shopping!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com

While you’re there, check out the popular “discount bin ” where I’ve added a few items into clearance.  These are items you can pick up before they’re sold out!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog/discount/

Also, it’s a great time of year to pick up a long-sleeved, black logo shirt from A Different Drum!   It will help you keep warm as the days get colder (at least here in the northern hemisphere).    Check out the selection of sizes here on the t-shirt page .
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog/tshirts/

Also, as a little bonus, you can pick up the CDEP “Tief in der Nacht ” (Deep in the Night) by Das Merman for free just by adding it to your cart.   NOTE:  Don’t try to add a whole bunch of them into your cart because you’ll end up paying a lot of shipping and there is a limit to one per customer!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/HECD1/Das-Merman-Tief-in-der-Nacht

COMING SOON:

Just to let you know, I’ll have the new CD’s by Rotersand and Mesh in stock next week!  Concerning Mesh, there is a limited edition import with extra-special packaging coming as well…just in case you are a collector who wants nothing less than the limited edition.   I’ll also have the new CD single of “Phantom Bride” by Erasure very soon, which coincides with their upcoming re-release of “The Innocents”.   So, watch out for those.   Follow A Different Drum on twitter if you want to know exactly when they arrive.

http://twitter.com/adifferentdrum

Thanks for your support!  It means a lot to me that I still have a few great customers to keep this business alive

-Todd

Good day to all of you out there in synthpop land!  hehe.  It is time to look at the items that have come into A Different Drum’s store during the last week.   Thankfully, that now includes the limited edition of the new Assemblage 23 album, since Metropolis Records has now decided to sell it to other stores.

NEW ARRIVALS:

Assemblage 23 “Compass” (limited edition 2CD) $16 — One of the biggest names in futurepop and dark synthpop is back with a new album, and this is the limited edition which feature bonus remixes!  If it is like the CD single for “Spark” then it won’t be around for long (I have a few copies of the now sold-out “Spark” still here, if you want to snag one).     See the complete track list for this edition and order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET627/Assemblage-23-Compass-Limited-Edition

A-Ha “Shadowside” (MCD) $9 — Like the last A-Ha single, this is more for collectors than for the music, since there are only two tracks:  Shadowside / Mother Nature Goes to Heaven.   You can watch the music video and order the single here if you’d like one while I still have a few:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/06025272105-6/A-Ha-Shadowside

Blind Faith and Envy “Remixes and Rarities” (CDR) $14 — After three cool albums of dark synthpop with female lead vocals, this popular underground act has just released a collection of remixes and previously unreleased songs for the fans!   There are 17 tracks on this packed collection.  You can see that track list and order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SER4/Blind-Faith-and-Envy-Remixes-and-Rarities

The Disco Boys feat. Midge Ure “The Voice” (MCD) $11 — This is a purely Euro-dance single with uptempo, mainstream dance beats and a catchy tune.  The fun part is that the vocals are performed by Midge Ure (Ultravox).   You can watch the video to hear the original version of the song and order this cool remix single here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/Super4040/The-Disco-Boys-featuring-Midge-Ure-The-Voice

Various Artists “12-inch 80’s / Electro Pop” (3CD) $35 — With the new rebirth of “electro” among the younger audience, it was only natural that another volume be released in the “12″ 80’s” collection that focuses on the real roots of “electro pop”.   This collection covers a lot of great original 12-inch extended versions including bands like Talk Talk, Tears for Fears, Yazoo, Human League, Heaven 17, New Order, Soft Cell, Trio, Art of Noise, etc. plus even a few of the early funksters like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, and Sugarhill Gang.   See the complete track list and order this fun retro collection here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/60075320869-4/Various-Artists-12-inch-80s-Electro-Pop

WANT TO KNOW WHAT COMES IN STOCK MORE QUICKLY?

Well, the people who follow me on Twitter knew about the arrival of the limited edition Assemblage 23 and other items in this update before I put together this newsletter.   I’ve started announcing new arrivals the moment they are entered into the catalog by using Twitter.   You can sign up to follow my Twitter feeds here:

http://twitter.com/adifferentdrum

If you are new to Twitter and afraid of trying to “follow” yet another social website, I have a very handy suggestion for you.  First of all, you should use Mozilla Firefox as your browser– just Google it and you’ll find the free download location.  Install it and use that instead of Windows Internet Explorer.   Then you can Google “Firefox add-ons” and you’ll see a page where you can download any number of add-on’s for Firefox.  Look up the add-on called “Friendbar” and install it.   That creates a ticker bar across the top of your Firefox browser that continually scrolls both Twitter posts and Facebook status updates from all of your friends.  You never even need to open Facebook or Twitter homepages to see what people are doing!  You just see the comments scroll across your screen while you’re doing other things.   You can also post from Friendbar and it will go to both your Twitter and Facebook accounts.   You can also reply to comments and friends using this cool tool.    Give it a shot!  Then you’ll occasionally see a “tweet” from me scroll across your screen to tell you about a new release.

Thanks again for your support!
-Todd

Another week has rolled by and it is time to unleash a couple of new releases on the awaiting synthpop junkies

First of all, I have a special CD package deal on EBay if you’d like to pick up something inexpensive for yourself, for a friend, for family, for that person at the dance club that you’ve had your eye on, or for the DJ so they can get a hint of what to play.   Whatever you want to do with it, it’s too good a deal to pass up for $9.99 for 7 releases.  Go here and look at the deal which is listed several times:

http://myworld.ebay.com/adiffe

NEW ARRIVALS:

Saudade “The Guts to Be Good” $6 — Well, this is my own little project where I’ve been expressing some of my feelings and musical inclinations in song.  I don’t claim to be a synthpop superstar, by any stretch of the imagination, but I do feel like my music is sincere and interesting, drawing heavy influences from my quirky, new wave 80’s roots.  The previous two singles I’ve released (”Bad Dreams” and “Like You”) were remakes of old songs I’d written in the 80’s as a teenage.   However, this collection features new songs from 2008 and 2009.   You can read all the nitty gritty details describing what went into this release by reading my last blog entry here :
http://toddiovision.wordpress.com/
If you’d like to listen to audio samples, watch a few of the related no-budget videos, and order the CD, then you may do so here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1302/Saudade-The-Guts-to-Be-Good

Digital Machine “Many Correct Words (Russian)” $18 — This is one of the newer quality synthpop bands from Russia that sings primarily in the Russian language.  The sound on this album is very crisp and enticing.  The vocals are top notch and the songs have just the right amount of bounce and catchy melodies.   Even if you don’t understand Russian, you should find yourself enjoying this cool synthpop.   Check out the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PMR005/Digital-Machine-Many-Correct-Words

Various Artists “Retro Electro” (2CD) $26 — This is an interesting double-disc release imported from Germany that takes some old synthesizer dance tracks from artists like Hypnosis, Laserdance, Cetu Javu, Robotiko Rejekto (who they call Rejected Robots) and remixes them for a new, club-friendly sound that feels at home with today’s more mainstream dance sounds.  There is just enough of the “retro” mixed in with the housey beats to keep it fun for those of us who like the old school.   Check out the track list here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ZYX82246-2/Various-Artists-Retro-Electro

PRE-ORDER NOW:

This cool CD is still available for pre-order, due to be released in arrive here in about 10 days.  You can order now to have it shipped once available:

Endless Shame “Unspoken Words” $12 — The latest album from Endless Shame presents the perfect combination of high energy, futurepop dance music with classical, catchy synthpop. Sing along and dance yourself into a frenzy as you enjoy one edgy anthem after another.  Listen to audio samples and pre-order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1297/Endless-Shame-Unspoken-Words

NOTE Concerning new ASSEMBLAGE 23 album:

I’m sure many of you know that there is a new Assemblage 23 album called “Compass” out this week.  Well, I don’t have it yet.  Sorry!  I had planned to stock the limited 2CD edition offered by Metropolis Records, but then found out that the limited edition was not being shipped to any “other stores” right now…only the regular edition.  The label wants to keep the 2CD exclusive to their direct customers for a while, though I’m told I’ll eventually be able to get it.

Since I know most of my customers are collectors and big music fans, I figured you would want the limited 2CD edition (not the regular) so I didn’t bother stocking an edition that you wouldn’t want.  Plus, I’d hate to sell you a regular edition now, only so you could discover the limited edition later and feel like you’d been ripped-off.

Anyway, it’s up to you.  Jump over to the Metropolis Records homepage if you’re in a hurry to pick it up.  Or, you can wait on me.  I’ll probably get a few copies of the regular edition in my next order, but I’m keeping my eyes and ears open for when I’ll be able to get the limited edition for my good customers.   Thanks for your understanding.

There should be some more new releases arriving here very soon, so I’ll be in touch again.  Thanks!
-Todd