It is time for another update from A Different Drum, and I have a couple things you’ll want to know about!   It is time to sink your teeth into some new electronic pop treats, including the 2nd album by George Pappas of ALIEN SKIN… here you go!

NEW ARRIVALS:

Alien Skin “The Unquiet Grave” $12 — Immerse your subconscious in the enigmatic and subtle electronic sojourn of The Unquiet Grave, the 2010 album release from Alien Skin.
The Unquiet Grave is a subterranean world of brooding songs that hauntingly weave themselves into your senses. With musical reference to artists such as Depeche Mode, Martin Gore, Enigma and David Sylvian, it’s a perfect follow up to the acclaimed 2008 debut album: Don’t Open till Doomsday.
Beginning with an eerie and lush rendition of a mournful 14th century English folksong, itself called ‘The Unquiet Grave, the album continues the melancholic bloodline of the debut. With eleven evocative songs, varying between pulsing analog basslines underpinning haunting vocal melodies and spacious atmospheric layers, this album will mesmerize and beguile.
Alien Skin’s unique alternative sensibility laced with trancey gothic undertones is, once again, to be found alive and breathing in The Unquiet Grave.   (Synthpop Addict Club members need not order.)
Listen to audio samples here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1289/Alien-Skin-The-Unquiet-Grave

Channel East “Suffering To Me” (MCD) $10 — This is the new single from the very cool synthpop act from Germany that is taking fans back to the sounds of the 90’s synthpop underground.   They sound like a combination of bands like De/Vision, Point of View, Blind Passengers, and Avant Garde.   It’s catchy and fun with just the right touch of classic Depeche Mode.   This single features new songs and remixes of tracks from their debut album, including a remix of “TL3″ by both Syrian and myself.    Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDL027/Channel-East-Suffering-to-Me

Welle Erdball “Commander Laserstrahl” (2CD) $26 — This German act has been around for several years, always releasing an eclectic blend of synthpop, industrial, and punk.   Their quirky approach makes me think of a modern DEVO.    They have a dedicated following for their thematic German-lyrical craziness.   Order the 2CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/KPM005/Welle-Erdball-Commander-Laserstrahl

Also, if you are a serious collector of Depeche Mode releases, I do have one copy left of the double-vinyl release of “Fragile Tension / Hole to Feed”.  You can order it on the homepage.

Tune in to the selections from the latest releases here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player/

Thanks for your support!
-Todd

As promised, here is the 2nd update from A Different Drum this week.  There are a few more items I wanted to mention, but first, I have a question for you…

De/Vision is coming out with a new album called “Popgefahr” very soon.   In Europe they will be offering a very limited and expensive deluxe box set.   It will include the album with a 16-page booklet, a promo single, a magnetic button, and 2G flash drive with the digital album (MP3’s) and other bonus features.   The price will be somewhere around $80 each, which is very pricey.   So, before I try ordering any, I need to know if anybody actually wants one of these.    IF YOU WOULD LIKE ONE of the limited edition boxes, then please email me directly at todd@adifferentdrum.com and I’ll try to get one just for you.

Again, you must email me if you want the super-limited, expensive De/Vision box.   Even then, I may have to throw punches to snag some.

Also, I just received word from the synthpop band Koolture based in Argentina that they are giving away a free download of their album “Uncovered and Remixed”.  You can download it free from their website :
http://www.koolture.com.ar

NEW ARRIVALS:

Cosmicity “Ascii Cupcake” (CDEP) $10 — This is a very personal release by Mark Nicholas as he returns to the Cosmicity name for the first time in several years.   It was written as he was coping with the medical difficulties faced by his daughter, thus there is a depth of emotion and lyrical sincerity in these five new songs.   You will instantly hear the sound that made Cosmicity one of the most popular underground synthpop acts from the USA in the 90’s, and it’s great to have something new from Mark– like revisiting an old friend.   You can listen to samples of the songs and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/DIRT703/Cosmicity-ASCII-Cupcake

A-Ha “Foot of the Mountain” (Deluxe CD+DVD) $26 — It is agreed by many A-Ha fans, both old and new, that this is one of the band’s best albums, and it very well could be one of their last.   It returns to their synthpop roots more than the last couple of albums they’ve released, with very catchy songs.   Of course, now that most people have already bought the album, they have put out a limited edition digipack version with a bonus DVD that features a couple of music videos and live performances, just for the collectors.  Please note, this is a German import, and thus the DVD is most likely in PAL format, which plays fine on your DVD-Rom drive or multi-region DVD player, if you are in the USA / Canada.   You can see the track list and order it here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/0060252726832-3/A-Ha-Foot-of-the-Mountain-Deluxe-Edition-with-bonus-PAL-DVD

Distain! “Anthology 1992-2010″ (2CD) $24 — This is one of the notable synthpop bands from the German scene in the 1990’s, and I still love pulling out their classic albums to remember how exciting it was back then to hear great new synthpop acts.    This anthology features their top tracks like “Conversation Overkill”, “Remote Control”, and “Tears of Joy”, plus a bonus disc with previously unreleased songs from their archives.   Check out the track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/DS2001/Distain-Anthology-1992-2010

Sono “Plus” (limited edition 2CD) $24 — This is a more mainstream act from Europe, but they are quite obviously synthpop in the retro, minimalist sense.   They are somewhat campy, silly, and I suppose rather popular in places like Germany for the fun sound.   You can watch a video for their hit song “Keep Control” and order the limited edition of their album here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/0199282KON/Sono-Plus-Limited-2CD-Edition

Thanks again for your support and friendship!  Have a wonderful weekend!
-Todd

Hello synthpop friends!   It is finally time for another update from A Different Drum.  I have quite a few items rolling into the store this week, so you’ll probably get 2 updates this week.   But I didn’t want to delay the news of the following, in case you’re anxious to get some new tunes to help you make it through February…

NEW ARRIVALS:

Access Zero “Living In Transition” $12 — Access Zero presents a debut album to stun the dark dance floors of the world, complete with pounding rhythms, sharp synths, catchy hooks, and an emotional vocal performance. It’s the perfect blend of old school synthpop (note the cover of classic new wave hit, TAINTED LOVE) and a modern, dark edge. This is an act that will appeal to many sides of the electronic music scene.  (Synthpop Addict Club members need not order.)   Listen to the audio samples and order the CD here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1298/Access-Zero-Living-In-Transition

Nitzer Ebb “Industrial Complex / Belgian Edition” (2CD)  $22 — One of the kings of EBM and industrial dance music is back!   This is the limited Belgian edition which features a bonus disc of remixes of the song “Once You Say”, including versions by Essence of Mind, Poupee Fabrikk, Komor Kommando, and Leather Strip.   Order the 2CD here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/AM1151CD/Nitzer-Ebb-Industrial-Complex-Belgian-Edition

Nitzer Ebb “Compilation / Body of Work / Remixes” (3CD) $32 — OK, so you want to pick up a whole PILE of classics from Nitzer Ebb, including remastered and remixed versions of songs like “Control (I’m Here)”, “Getting Closer”, “Join In the Chant”, “Warsaw Ghetto”, “Murderous”, “Lighting Man”, etc.?  Well here is the ultimate collection!  Three discs packed with originals and remixes!  See the track list and order here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/EBBBOX1/Nitzer-Ebb-Compilation-Body-of-Work-with-Remixes

Hyperbubble “Candy Apple Daydreams” $10 — Now, if you want to balance out the overdose of Nitzer Ebb, just pick up some Hyperbubble for yummy, light, bouncy synthpop!   This is super-cheerful and light-hearted, fitting in mood with stuff like Freezepop.  There are male and female vocals in most songs and very bleepy, old-school sounds.   You can listen to samples and order the CD here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/BGUM007/Hyperbubble-Candy-Apple-Daydreams

Level 2.0 “Armageddon” $14 — Here is a new release from Nilaihah Records featuring a band that blends industrial and trance rather effectively for a very high energy, aggressive sound.   Check out the audio samples and order the CD here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/NR041/Level-2.0-Armageddon

COSMICITY Pre-ORDER!

Yes, you read that correctly!  Mark Nicholas has decided to bring back the Cosmicity name and is releasing a fun CD EP!   It will begin to ship in only  a couple more days, so you can order now right here:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/DIRT703/Cosmicity-ASCII-Cupcake

OK, the next update is coming in only a couple of days!  So, stay tunes for more good stuff…

Thanks for your support!
-Todd

This is Todd at A Different Drum, just sending out a quick news bulletin!

The new CD, “Living In Transition” by ACCESS ZERO has arrived from the factory and has started shipping to customers!

This is an exciting debut album from a band that perfectly combines melodic elements of classic synthpop with edgy electronics and pounding beats for a great, club-friendly sound that will appeal to synthpoppers as well as to the industrial dance market.

Check out the audio samples and order here:

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1298/Access-Zero-Living-In-Transition

I’ll have a full update for you soon– just waiting on a couple more packages to arrive with some new stuff.   But I wanted to let you know about this cool release from A Different Drum while it is hot out of the factory

Have a wonderful weekend!
-Todd