Hello, this is Todd at A Different Drum.   I’m sorry that I haven’t sent an update sooner.   I have another summer job that has been taking a lot of time lately, so I haven’t been able to keep everything going quite as smoothly as I prefer.  There are a good number of new releases to talk about today, many of which are quite notable.

Today’s update will be a bit different than previous ones simply because I have always tried to listen to every release before making any kind of commentary about it.  But since I don’t have time to listen to this pile of CD’s, I’m simply going to mention what is here, and let YOU do a little exploring to see what they are like.   As much as I love to point you in the right direction, based on your tastes, the clock is working against me and I figure you’d rather know what’s here right away instead of waiting for me to check it all out first.

NEW ARRIVALS:

Clan of Xymox “Emily” (MCD) $11 — This import CD single should be a hot item for collectors and fans, since it is NOT being released physically in the USA (only digitally).    So, you’ll want to grab it while you can so you have have the two extra remixes of “Emily” and the bonus track, “Chemistry”.    See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TRI365CD/Clan-of-Xymox-Emily

Marsheaux “Lumineux Noir” (Limited 2CD) $24 — This is the limited edition of the new Marsheaux album, a band that has risen quickly in the ranks of the synthpop underground, with female lead vocals and a very cool retro feel.   The bonus disc features several exclusive remixes.  See the tracks, listen to samples, and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/OUT362L/Marsheaux-Lumineux-Noir-Limited-2CD-Edition

The Birthday Massacre “Show and Tell (Live)” $15 — This is a popular band that plays a blend of synthpop, modern new wave, and gothic pop music, building a lot of success from their extensive touring.   This live CD shares the spirit and sound of their live shows.  See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET595/The-Birthday-Massacre-Show-and-Tell-Live

Psyche “Until the Shadows” $15 — This is another collection of top hits and remixes from a band that has been around the synthpop underground since the late 80’s.  Though we don’t seem to see a lot of new songs from Psyche lately, we have been able to pick up some of the most sought-after tracks on recent collections.  This one features several tracks that are also remastered and revisited (meaning, re-made).  See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET602/Psyche-Until-the-Shadows

Diary of Dreams “If” $15 — Though we had the limited edition import for a while (sold out), we now have the US regular edition, for a much more affordable price.   Diary of Dreams is the king of gothic synthpop, with dark, brooding sounds always layered in rich electronics and drama.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET596/Diary-of-Dreams-If

Caisaron “Tief in Mir” $16 — Here is another cool offering from the German synthpop underground, featuring a blend of English and German lyrics as well as a blend of male and female vocals.   The singer has that undeniable hint of old Celebrate the Nun.   Check out audio samples and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/400590263953-8/Caisaron-Tief-in-Mir

Biomekkanik “State of Perfection” $20 — One thing that doesn’t seem to lack from Sweden are off-shoots of the band SPOCK.  One of the old members of that band now presents this hard-edged electronic synthpop album, packed with intensity both musically and lyrically.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDCOM35/Biomekkanik-State-of-Perfection

Sara Noxx “Superior Love / The Bright Side” (MCD) $12 — There are two editions of this new single by the Anne Clarke sound-alike, Sara Noxx.   This edition called “The Bright Side” features a guest appearance by Limahl (of 80’s fame with Kajagoogoo).   There are several remixes including offerings from Alice in Videoland and Real Life.  See the track list here and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PRSA4003A/Sara-Noxx-Superior-Love-The-Bright-Side

Sara Noxx “Superior Love / The Dark Side” (MCD) $12 — This second part of the new single features guest vocals by 18 Summers (instead of Limahl) and has a longer track list, including remixes by Funker Vogt, Blutengel, etc.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PRSA4003B/Sara-Noxx-Superior-Love-The-Dark-Side

Sara Noxx “Intoxxication” $20 — And here is the new full-length from Sara, who has an approach of reciting poetry and seductive encantations with pulsating electronic music.    You can listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/PRSA4004/Sara-Noxx-Intoxxication

The Frozen Autumn “Fragments of Memories” $16 — This is the classic first album from The Frozen Autumn, now re-released with new packaging and it also includes two remixes of the song “I’m Coming From Nowhere”.   If you’re yearning for some old Xymox sounds of the early 90’s, these guys fall right into that category.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/TW160/Frozen-Autumn-Fragments-of-Memories

I have updated the pop-up radio player with a few new songs for you to check out, so feel free to open it in a browser and drift away for a couple of hours of enjoyment:

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

CONTEST:

Here is a little contest for those of you who place an order during the next few days.   At midnight next Wednesday, A Different Drum’s top 20 best-sellers list will update automatically for the week.    This has always been a chart that automatically counts all CD’s ordered through the website’s shopping cart.   On a week like this, where there are several new releases, it is interesting to imagine which will jump to the top.

So, if you place an order this week, use the “NOTE BOX” during checkout to enter your prediction of what will be the top 10 CD’s, in order.  After next Wednesday when the new list generates, I’ll look at the submissions and see who was the closest.   Whoever guesses the results closest will win a package of 10 mystery CD’s for free, shipped to the same address you used in your order.

Interestingly, by placing your order, you are also influencing the turn-out.   Anyway, it’s just a game for fun.  Give it a shot if you’d like!

Thanks for your support!  I’ve got to wrap things up and ship a few orders before my next job.  Have a great day!
-Todd

Hello, this is Todd at A Different Drum.  I’m going to be a bit brief in today’s update, though that doesn’t mean that there aren’t some cool new arrivals to talk about.  Due to the economic hardships of the time, I’m now working another job during the day, so I don’t have as much time to dedicate to my career…A Different Drum.  Still, I’m working late and early every day to get orders shipped in a timely manner, so I of course appreciate your continued support more than ever!

NEW ARRIVALS:

A-Ha “Foot of the Mountain” $22 — A lot of people are very excited about this new A-Ha album.  After one listen, I can see why.  It is the most solid album I’ve heard since “Minor Earth Major Sky” (a personal favorite).  Many fans are saying that it is their first return to original form since the first three albums.  Whatever your opinion, A-Ha is definitely in great form with this album!  You can order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/6025-2708998-0/A-Ha-Foot-of-the-Mountain

A-Ha “Foot of the Mountain” (2-track MCD) $10 — This piece is mostly for the collectors out there who like to have every item released by the classic band.  It features the radio edit and album version of the title track.  You can order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/270754-0/A-Ha-Foot-of-the-Mountain-2-track-Single

Pet Shop Boys “Did You See Me Coming?” (MCD) $11 — I like this kind of single.  This German edition pulls together the tracks from the British 2-part release, and why not?  It’s simply 4 different songs (not a bunch of mixes), so might as well put them together as a cool bunch of non-album tracks.  See what’s on it and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/509999651072-8/Pet-Shop-Boys-Did-You-See-Me-Coming

Avid “Andetag” $20 — This is a new release from Sweden by an act that has a very smooth, polished sound.  With lush strings, pianos, and synths and a great vocal performance, it sounds like it could be radio hit.  The lyrics are all in Swedish.  You should listen to the audio samples , and if you like them, order here too :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/Wondera27/Arvid-Andetag

I’ve also updated a couple new songs to the radio player so you can sit back and enjoy a new music stream:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player/

Oh, and if you’d like to follow my personal thoughts on different subjects, like my work situation, or my new digital album release (Saudade “The Guts to Be Good”) then check up on my personal blog here:
http://toddiovision.wordpress.com/

“REAL SONGS FOR REAL PEOPLE”

The work has begun on the “Real Songs for Real People” project by Rename!   The first songs are being written and demos will be recording in the coming days and weeks!  If you’d like to follow the progress and receive bonus demo downloads for your own collection, then sign up to be a “follower” on Rename’s homepage here :
http://www.rename-music.com

There is room for 4 more “Song Sponsors” as well, so if you want one of the songs to be about YOU or somebody you know, or about a situation that is meaningful in YOUR life, then you can sign up to sponsor one of the songs and be a part of the album!   Trust me, it will be very cool!

Thanks again for your support!
-Todd