This week’s update is cool because there are a couple of nice, high profile releases with some real quality tunes!  Even retro fans have something to get excited about with the collection of remixes of Blank & Jones tracks that feature folks like Robert Smith (The Cure), Bernard Sumner (New Order), and Claudia Brucken (Act / Propaganda).

NEW ARRIVALS:

Silica Gel “Apopcalipsis” $20 — The third album from the energetic, intense, and strong synthpop act from Spain.  This time the album is only available as an import and is ready to grace your collection with some of the best Spanish-language synthpop in the market.   Listen to the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SG-2012/Silica-Gel-Apopcalipsis

Blank and Jones “Mark Reeder Reordered” $18 — This is an excellent collection of new remixes produced by Mark Reeder, a man who has music production roots all the way back to the 70’s and 80’s.   You can pretty much pick all of the best Blank & Jones tracks from the last handful of years, all with awesome guest vocals, and present them new version heavily influenced by a blend of new wave.  You’ll find new versions of “A Forest” featuring Robert Smith (New Order), “Miracle Cure” featuring Bernard Sumner (New Order), “Unknown Treasure” featuring Claudia Brucken (Act, Propaganda), or “The Hardest Heart” featuring Anne Clark.  Some of the mixes are mellow and dreamy, while others are funky and club friendly.   It’s a great variety of moods and is probably my favorite collection of Blank & Jones tunes.  Order the import CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SC0018/Blank-and-Jones-Mark-Reeder-Reordered

Assemblage 23 “Spark” (MCD) $8 — This is the new single from the futurepop super-star, Assemblage 23, featuring three versions of the new song, “Spark”, plus two bonus tracks!   This is the lead-in single to the new album which is coming soon!   See the tracks and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET611/Assemblage-23-Spark

Claire Voyant “Lustre” $15 — It has been a few years since the last album by Claire Voyant, and I’m happy the wait is over.  I’m a long time fan of dreamy-yet-dark ethereal music like classic This Mortal Coil or Cocteau Twins, and Claire Voyant fit nicely into the niche.   The great female lead vocals are accompanied by a blend of guitars and synthesizers for a lush, emotional sound.  Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET610/Claire-Voyant-Lustre

Be sure to tune in to A Different Drum’s new music player by opening a window here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player/

It’s a great way to stay in tune with the new music that arrives week after week.
-Todd