It’s another great week for new synthpop releases here at A Different Drum’s store.   I’ve shipped a few of the new Depeche Mode album in its various forms, plus the new Pet Shop Boys, etc.  Now, we also have cool new albums from The Mobile Homes, Rupesh Cartel, and more!

I’ve updated the pop-up radio player for A Different Drum’s store so you can hear some new songs from the latest releases here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player

NEW ARRIVALS:

I mentioned them last weekend, but if you are curious about the different formats of the Depeche Mode and Pet Shop Boys albums that are available for order here, they are only the limited editions:

Depeche Mode “Sounds of the Universe” (LIMITED DELUXE BOX) $88
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=BXSTUMM300

Depeche Mode “Sounds of the Universe” (LIMITED 2-VINYL + CD) $28
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=509996960551-2

Depeche Mode “Sounds of the Universe” (LIMITED CD+DVD) $18
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=509996967702-1

Pet Shop Boys “Yes” (LIMITED 2CD EDITION) $18
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=509996964712-3

And now, for other new releases:

Rupesh Cartel “Anchor Baby” (limited edition) $16 — Rupesh Cartel presents their 3rd studio album, imported from Sweden in this limited edition which features four bonus tracks and nice digipack packaging.   Once again this top-notch synthpop act presents a collection of instantly catchy and emotional songs.   With strong lyricism and dynamic presentation, they prove why they are one of the scene’s fastest rising stars.   Listen to audio samples and watch the entertaining video for “Oh No Oh No” and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=MHCD06L

The Mobile Homes “Today Is Your Lucky Day” $16 — This is one of the classic synthpop acts from Sweden, dating back to the 80’s.  Now they are back with a new album to celebrate their 25th anniversary.    Though the band has gone through some different changes in sound through the years, this album takes them back to their synthpop roots, with a somewhat melancholy mood and the elements that make them indeed sound like a classic.   You can listen to sound samples, watch a couple of their videos, and order your limited edition CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=MHCD007L

Final Selection “Clockworks” $18 — This German import features another underground synthpop act with a slightly dark edge, fitting right in with many of the other successful German acts in the scene.  Think of a blend of old Beborn Beton with some of the newer stuff by Frozen Plasma, or juts listen to the audio samples for yourself and order the CD right here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=FPM004

Vision Talk “Dirty Italo Disco” $14 — This debut album presents a band with a knack for old-school synthpop, meets Italo disco, meets spacesynth.   The vocals remind me a bit of old S.P.O.C.K and the music is bouncy and melody-driven like a lot of classic synthpop / dance music from 80’s Europe.   Check out the audio samples and order your CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=SSR0008

That’s all for this week!

During the last week, I wrote three different entries in my personal blog which may or may not be of intest to you.  I shared some random thoughts on the music business again, then wrote an article about why I believe much of “traditional” music promotion is a waste of money in today’s market.   Then, I wrote a more positive entry about why I so dearly love my job and how come I’m still doing it despite the difficulties.

I’d love to continue to receive your feedback and comments on the blog, which you can always read here :
http://toddiovision.wordpress.com

Oh, there was a little special offer in one of those entries from me

Thanks a lot for your support and friendship!
-Todd

Today on my personal blog, I wanted to apologize for being a bit too negative in my previous posts, but most of all, I wanted to share with you the motivation behind A Different Drum.    Why is it still here when the number-crunching would suggest that it perhaps shouldn’t be?

The truth is, I love my job, and you can read the details here:
http://toddiovision.wordpress.com

Thanks for your support and friendship!

-Todd

Hello everybody, this is Todd at A Different Drum.  I wrote a couple of new blog entries this week on my personal blog site and I thought you might find them interesting.   It’s a blog where I just share my thoughts mostly on the music business, but about other things as well.   This week I have shared my feelings on that entitlement attitude of the new generation, particularly when it comes to music, as well as some thoughts on the necessity of “image” when promoting music.    Just today I added another post about traditional music promotion and why certain approaches haven’t appealed to me for several years.    I’m sure that many of the bands I work with know that I take a different approach to promotion than some people expect.   In many cases, those bands may consider it a “lack” of any “real” promotion, but I think that the approach has helped A Different Drum continue to release new music from new artists for many years now.

Anyway, you can read my thoughts in more detail by visiting the blog here:

http://toddiovision.wordpress.com

Thanks for your much appreciated support, and I hope to always have an open relationship with you, the fans, the customers, the bands, and everybody else out there who is just surfing.   I love to hear your thoughts and ideas as well.

-Todd

This is just a quick alert from A Different Drum.  As most of you know, I don’t usually list items for pre-order, except A Different Drum’s own label releases.  I generally list releases once I have them in stock, meaning when you order them, I’ll more likely be able to ship right away.

Well, I have the new Depeche Mode album “Sounds of the Universe” in three limited editions in stock, as well as the limited edition Pet Shop Boys “Yes” 2CD.   That means if you order this weekend, I’ll be able to throw them in the mail to you on Monday and you’ll get them quickly!

For Depeche Mode, there is the Limited Deluxe Box, which is about the fanciest thing I’ve ever seen when it comes to limited boxes.  It’s got pretty much everything you could desire, from bonus mixes, to demos, to videos, to photos, hard-bounds books, and extra swag including a certificate of authenticity.   I also have the limited Double-Vinyl + CD edition for those who like it big and heavy and old-school!  I also have the limited CD+DVD edition if you want the bonus videos.

For Pet Shop Boys, I have only the limited 2CD edition that includes the extra remixes.

I don’t have regular editions of either.  For those, I’m sure you can pick the up for $10 or something at Walmart.  hehe :-)  But I know that A Different Drum customers lean generally more to the side of collecting and savoring the good stuff, so I only got the special editions

Anyway, pop on over to www.adifferentdrum.com and order.  I still have three versions of the “Wrong” single in stock as well.

Thanks, and I’ll be in touch again during the week.
-Todd

Hello again from A Different Drum!  Thanks to all of you who participated in the annual Tax Sale– it indeed helped out!   I hope you enjoy the new music that you picked up.

There are a few really fun new arrivals this week, including the much anticipated DEPECHE MODE single “Wrong”.    Because of new releases the last couple of weeks, A Different Drum’s pop-up radio player has been nicely refreshed with some new tunes.   Open up a browser and enjoy listening to the music by jumping directly here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player

Also, if you’d like to check out my son’s latest video production, feel free to watch it on Youtube.  Again, it is a music video featuring my own questionable acting skills and one of my new songs which I recorded while heavily under the influence of INTRICATED (their new album “Alone” is one of the best minimal-yet-emotional releases of recent times).   Watch the video of me fishing here :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Wg1flYE6Hk

NEW ARRIVALS:

Depeche Mode “Wrong” (MCD part 1) $8 — Personally, I really like this new single.  I know there are mixed feelings about it, as with most recent Depeche Mode releases, but I think it goes back to a somewhat “Music for the Masses” vibe, which I quite enjoy.   I even like the somewhat creepy video.    You can watch that video and order the two-track single which also includes “Oh Well (Black Light Odyssey Remix)” by going here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=CDBONG40

Depeche Mode “Wrong” (MCD part 2) $11 — This 2nd part import single features all of the remixes of “Wrong” which tend to lean more to the completely-remade side of the spectrum, rather than the old extended versions.   Yet, there are still a couple of really cool versions here and fans will want to pick up this limited part 2 single.  See the tracks and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=LCDBONG40

Depeche Mode “Wrong” (limited 7-inch vinyl) $11 — I got a few copies of the limited edition 7-inch vinyl single too, for the ultra fans and collectors.   Each one comes numbered, and it features the title track along with “Oh Well (Edit)”.    See the tracks an order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=BONG40V7

Scarlet Soho “Warpaint” $20 — This is another new release that fits completely snug into the retro throw-back category.   These guys sound like they could have released any number of hits back in the new wave revolution of the 80’s.   They have a perfect blend of synths and guitars and a great vocalist cranking out catchy tunes with edge and wit.   I’ve enjoyed listening to “Warpaint” as much as I enjoyed Matinee Club’s album “The Modern LP” which also fit that “modern 80’s” sound.   Check out the audio samples for yourself and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=MAJ0255-020

Frozen Plasma “Earthling” (CDEP) $12 — This project features the man behind the music of NamNamBulu along with singer Felix Marc (who recently released a good solo album too).   They now present another new song and plenty of club mixes to go along with it.   These Frozen Plasma singles seem to sell out pretty quickly, so be sure to pick it up while you can.   It features nine tracks, which you can see and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=FACT3114

Psychroaesthesia “Synesiotechnoikema” $18 — Wow, that’s a mouthful…don’t even TRY saying the band name or album title.  But it’s enough to know that this is a project by Intricated, featuring instrumental synth music that seems to effortlessly combine elements of bouncy, melody-driven synthpop together with a very relaxing, drawn-out mood.   Though there are only six tracks, they are all well over 10 minutes long, creating a hypnotic effect.  I am a fan of Intricated, and this album carries much of the same vibe, though I do miss the vocals.   It is some nice background mood music.   Listen to samples and order your CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=BEIS-CD-004

Alan Lauris “Different Frequency” $16 — Alan presents a new album filled with traditional synthpop with a somewhat new romantic feel, with one quirky, fun song after another.   He definitely harks back to the 80’s synthpop sound, maybe with a hint of John Foxx.   Check out the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=871783700235-1

Well, that’s all for this week.   Thanks for your support!
-Todd

Here is a copy of the email update sent out on April 10th to A Different Drum’s mailing list:

It’s time for another fun-filled update from A Different Drum, complete with new stuff by Erasure, Soviet, Empire State Human, and more.  PLUS the TAX SALE continues, going another five days until the April 15th tax deadline.  So cash in!  Pick up the music you’ve been wanting!

See the discounts offered in the tax sale here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/sale.php

NEW ARRIVALS:

Erasure “Total Pop 40 Hits” (Deluxe Box) $48 — Erasure has been one of the biggest names in synthpop for many years, from the time I was a teen bouncing around to what I thought was the rebirth of Yazoo, up until now!   This deluxe box spotlights their first 40 hits, included on a 2CD set, plus a bonus disc including many of those songs performed live.  PLUS, there is a DVD (USA edition, so it’s NTSC) featuring even more of those live performances.   See the complete track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=R2-518201

Erasure “Pop Remixed” $12 — As if the deluxe box isn’t enough, you can also pick up this 10-track collection of new remixes.  Actually, I’m more excited about this particular disc, since I have all the singles over and over again already, while this CD features new versions as mixed by guys like Komputer, SoundFactory (BWO), and even Andy Bell and Vince Clarke giving their updates.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=CDMUTE405

Soviet “Spies In the House of Love” $10 — A few year ago, Soviet burst onto the scene and became a respected synthpop act for the fun, catchy sound, and then was absorbed into what was then the booming “electroclash” scene.   They were carried on that wave for a couple of years until that brief electronic flash dimmed and the bands all started taking their music a bit more seriously (see the maturity in a band like Ladytron, for example).   Honestly, I thought Soviet had vanished, but alas they are back, and they too have matured, turning what was already good synthpop into a more lush sound that could appeal to people even outside the electronic music scene.   I like the turn and think they have a bright future.  Check out audio samples and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=KAR61447-7

Empire State Human “Audio Gothic” $10 — These guys are one of contemporary synthpop’s household names with a solid history of releases since appearing on the scene with the “Pop Robot” CD.  This latest effort is just as polished and well crafted as expected, with the band’s unique vocal sound shining through.   The CD includes a song featuring Kraftwerk / Yamo’s known name, Wolfgang Flur.   Check out the audio samples and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=NW10072

Das Merman “Tief in der Nacht” (CDEP) $3 — Here is a unique and inexpensive new release to look into if you’re a fan of electronic music that blends elements of everything from roots techno to modern industrial dance, with primarily German vocals.   I think the band describes it best, as follows:
DAS Merman proudly presents their debut CD EP, featuring five tracks that will summon the powers of techno, both ancient and futuristic, to irritate your loved ones…or work them into a dancing frenzy. TIEF IN DER NACHT was released with one goal in mind, but DAS Merman has forgotten what that goal was, so simply sit back and chant along with these German-laden ditties, guaranteed to make you move– either on the darkened dance floor of your favorite electronic club, or in your living room as you lunge for the volume control on your stereo system.  So, buy DAS Merman’s music before the world ends.  Yes, it’s true, the world will end, at some point. The sun will burn out, or we’ll meet our destiny with an asteroid, or maybe bad music will simply cause everyone’s brains to explode and the ants will rule the earth. As our contribution to that cause (the part where the heads explode) you can buy DAS MERMAN music both digitally and physically.
Listen to samples and order your CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=HECD1

Dynamic Masters “Klartext” $16 — This German import comes from an underground synthpop act that has been around for several years.  They play a melodic style that features both male and female vocals, often singing in duet.  The songs are in German, and the CD includes a couple of bonus remixes, including one by fellow countryman Wave In Head.   Listen to samples and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=Intrapop0333

I’ve updated the pop-up radio player with new tracks from some of the releases mentioned this week, so open it up for a couple hours of listening pleasure:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player

Also, on a personal note, I’ve just heard that the science fiction novel I wrote called “Trigger” will be printed and delivered to my hands finally in May.   Wow, that project took a lot longer than I ever imagined, but I’m excited!  It may not be a brilliant work of literature, but I wrote a story I thought was fun, and I enjoyed writing it very much.   If you’d like to pre-order one, just pop on over to my personal homepage here:
http://www.todd-durrant.com

You should find a Paypal order button there.  I haven’t tested it, so if you encounter a problem, let me know so I can check it out.

Thanks, and have a wonderful Easter weekend!
-Todd

Here is a copy of the emial update sent out on April 6th, 2009 to A Different Drum’s customer mailing list on Yahoogroups.

Yes, I know.  I just sent an update a few days ago, but a new pile of music has arrived since then, so I wanted to let you know about them.

First of all, the TAX SALE continues until April 15th, the due date for income tax filing in the USA.  In order to help A Different Drum get through taxes, it would be great to send you piles of music at a discount.  See the details of the discounts here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/sale.php

In fact, starting right now, for every order that comes through with more than 2 items in your cart, I’ll toss in a CD of NEUROACTIVE “N-Gin” for free.  Why?  Well, because it’ s a very cool CD, and Neuroactive has a new album coming out very soon, so we might as well celebrate!   There is a limit– once I’ve given away 50 “N-Gin” CD’s, I’ll have to stop, so I don’t completely run out of them. 

NEW ARRIVALS:

Client “Command” (limited edition 2CD) $24 — We just got the limited edition import of the new album by the cool, female electro act that grows with popularity every time they crank out some new tunes.  This limited edition has a bonus disc that features four remixes of tracks from the album, and a bonus song called “Soldier”.  Plus, it includes a CD-Rom portion with videos for “Can You Feel”, “It’s Not Over”, and “6 In the Morning”.   You can pop to Youtube and watch those videos if you’re curious.   You can see the track list and order your limited edition here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=OUT350

Diary of Dreams “If” (limited edition 2CD Box) $28 — For the fans of this popular darkwave / gothic synthpop band, the new album is here, and we have the limited edition!   It’s a beautifully packaged box that includes a bonus disc featuring four exclusive bonus tracks.  Plus, there is a 48-page color booklet, and a full-color poster.    Their sound is as dramatic and intense as usual.    You can get a great taste of what these guys are like by watching the video for “The Wedding” which I’ve embedded on A Different Drum’s page for you.  Watch it and order the limted edition here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=A111

Pet Shop Boys “Love Etc” (MCD part 1) $8 — This is the tw0-track single for Pet Shop Boy’s newest hit.  It’s a catchy, synthpop flavored song that will please their fans.  It has me excited to hear the album!  This single includes the bonus track “Gin and Jag”.    Watch the music video and order the single here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=509996953322-8

Pet Shop Boys “Love Etc” (MCD part 2) $11 — This second part of the single features all the extra remixes of the title track.  See the mixes and order yours here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=509996953362-4

Apoptygma Berzerk “Apollo (Live On Your TV)” (MCD) $8 — For the many super-fans of Apoptygma Berzerk, I just got a pile of the import CD singles so you can snag one.   It is a 2-track single which features the original version of “Apollo (Live On Your TV)”  along with the “Rotersand Rework” version so you can have the exclusive remix as well.    Order yours here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=8869743650-2

Excape With Romeo “History / Best of” $22 — I’ve always been a fan of Escape With Romeo, a band that has so nicely blended new wave sounds with modern synthpop, always strong from one release to the next.  This “History” collection pulls together some of their earliest music which is emotionally quite similar to The Cure, to their newer, more synthetic stuff.   I’ve embedded a video for one of their classics, “Somebody” which and you can watch here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=Z008

Front 242 “Moments” (limited edition blue 2-vinyl) $30 — For the ultra fans and collectors of Front 242, I got a couple copies of the newely released “Moments” double-vinyl from Europe.  This one is the BLUE vinyl edition, with only 300 made worldwide.   It features old favorites like “Happiness”, “Commando Mix”, “Headhunter”, etc.   See the tracks and order here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=AM7120DLPB

Front 242 “Moments (limited edition red 2-vinyl) $30 — Or, if you prefer red, you can pick up the limited edition RED double-vinyl release which is also limited to 300 units worldwide.   See the tracks and order here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=AM7120DLPR

Follow my own “Random Thoughts” in the new blog I just posted about making money in the modern music market.   Don’t go there looking for answers, because if I had them all, I might not be so stinkin’ broke right now  ;-)   But I’d love your own thoughts if you want to comment on the blog :
http://toddiovision.wordpress.com

As a final note, I just added a couple collectible items to EBay, where you’re welcome to bid.  There is the very limited Polish 2CD edition of “Enjoy the Fall” by Edge of Dawn:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180344200283

And there is the hard-to-find Polish-only CD single for “It Generates” by IRIS:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180344198511

OK, have a wonderful week, and I hope to be back in touch again soon!
-Todd

Here is a copy of the email update sent to customers on April 2nd, 2009:

The time has come for the annual TAX DAY SALE!   Yes, every year I roll out the discounts in an attempt to raise money to pay taxes, while at the same time giving YOU the opportunity to spend any refund you may have received on some great new music.     Here is what I have done to get things going:

1)  I have updated the DISCOUNT BIN where you can always find great deals on clearance items.
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog.php?discount

2)  I have added a pile of CD’s into the USED CD section of the homepage.   If you want a good deal on previously owned CD’s, check it out!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/catalog.php?used

3)  I have instigated a sweeping 15% discount on all other purchases in the store, excluding new releases (which are shown with a “new” icon on the homepage), plus an additional discount, going up to 25% on all releases from A Different Drum’s own label (again, excluding new releases).   You can go to www.adifferentdrum.com and do some serious shopping now!

NOTE:   The discount prices are not displayed on the regular listings.  You ONLY see the discount applied once you are using the shopping cart to check out.   THEN you’ll see your savings displayed.

The sale goes until TAX DAY, APRIL 15th.    That’s nearly two weeks to explore the audio samples, look for the music you enjoy, and pick it up at a discount.    PLEASE help me out by spreading the word to your friends.   I’d love to move the CD’s from my warehouse to your collections.

NEW ARRIVALS:

Faith Assembly “Ghosts I Have Been” (Deluxe 2CD) $14 — After being out of print for more than a year, this wonderful 3rd studio album from the modern new wave sensation is now available again!   This time it is remastered and comes with a bonus disc that includes several remixes, a new song, and the CD-Rom video for “Crash and Burn”.   Quantities are limited on this special edition, so pick is up while you can.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=ADDCD1291

Compulsion “Made In China” (2CDR) $16 — This is the sophomore release from Com.pulsion, a cool act from Spain.  The album features 12 songs, plus there is a bonus disc of extra material for the fans.  They play a sound quite similar to what we hear extensively out of Germany, with a rich vocal, edgy synths, and a nice blend of guitars on some of the songs.  You can listen to audio samples to get a feel for the band, and order your 2CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/artist.php?n=70754108289-1

I had a great trip to Minneapolis last weekend and was happy to see several of A Different Drum’s customers there.   If that was indeed Information Society’s final show, as was rumored, then they went out with a bang.  It was very entertaining and I’m glad to have been there.  If you’d like to read a few notes on my road trip to the show, I posted them here on my blog :
http://toddiovision.wordpress.com/

OK, have a wonderful day, and thanks for your support!
-Todd