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