Hey,  it is time for another music update from A Different Drum.  Plus, as I was up late last night working on taxes, I realized that it is time for the annual TAX SALE!   Well, to be honest, I don’t know what I owe in taxes yet because I have a lot of work yet to do.   But alas, I have so many other bills to pay, plus my computer went into self-destruct mode today (I’m typing this from my old laptop at my evening job),  so maybe a sale can help stimulate the synthpop “bailout”.  Yep…it has been “one of the days”.

While I’m thinking about it, if you are still waiting for your pre-ordered CD by The Echoing Green to be shipped, or you placed an order in the last couple of days, it may take a little longer than I hoped to get it shipped.   At the moment I can’t access the orders on my dead computer until I get the data pulled out and get my machine running again.  So, please be patient.  If you place a new sale order right now, it may take me a couple days longer to process your order as well.  Please don’t let that discourage you– heck, I need the orders more than ever!  Just be patient

Stupid computers…I love them, but I hate them.

TAX SALE!  APRIL 15th is FAST approaching, and that’s “tax day” in the USA.  So, it’s time for the 2-week tax sale!  Up until April 15th, you’ll get 10% off  your order, or 20% off any releases from A Different Drum’s label…all applied during “checkout” through the shopping cart.  See the details here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/sale.php

The discount excludes new releases that have come into the store in the last 3 months, or on pre-orders.

Now it is time to look at the NEW ARRIVALS:

And One “Tanzomat” $15 — These guys have long been one of my favorites in the synthpop world because of their quirky, edgy sound.  It’s hard to say that anybody else sounds exactly like And One.   Of course, there are some albums and songs that I like more than others, but I’m excited to see what they’ve come up with this time.   You guessed it…I couldn’t listen to it for this update because of computer troubles.  I guess I could have popped it in the “old school” CD player.   Order the new album by And One here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET723/And-One-Tanzomat

And One “Zerstorer” (MCD) $8 — This new single is packed with extra tracks, including a couple versions of a song from their last album, “Military Fashion Show”.    Order the new CD single here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET711/And-One-Zerstorer

Again, if you want a collection of And One tracks from their years on the Virgin Records label in Germany, then you can pre-order this CD which will arrive here at any moment:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/B004JLDSDC/And-One-Naghavis-Selection-97-03

Cruel Black Dove “Full Powers” (CD) $8 — This CD is actually older than the CD EP “The Myth and the Sum” which has been in the store for a few months now.  That one sold out quickly, and it has taken a while to get more (if you’ve been waiting– they just got here).   Along with that newer release, we’ve now got this previous CD release in stock.  If you like a semi-gothic, dark-wave feel then check it out.  You can watch a video and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/79687305961-9/Cruel-Black-Dove-Full-Powers

AnaRobik “Operator’s Manual Addendum - The Remixes” (CD) $10 — Now as an addition to the collection of cool, robotic pop songs on the latest AnaRobik album, here is a CD loaded with extra, dancey remixes.   Plus, the CD features some “a cappella” tracks so you can make your own AnaRobik mixes as well!   Also, the packaging is as unique and cool as the album was, making this just as collectible and fun.  This is an act that puts some time and thought into the presentation of each release.    Listen to the video samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/INCD1002-2/Anarobik-Operators-Manual-Addendum-The-Remixes

AnaRobik “Operator’s Manual Addendum - Limited Edition Vinyl” (vinyl + CD) $16 — If you’re a true collector and want the CD along with a cool limited edition vinyl record release, you can pick up this edition.   Order the limited edition vinyl with CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/INVinyl1002-2/Anarobik-Operators-Manual-Addendum-The-Remixes-Limited-Edition-Vinyl

Wish me luck as I dive into the depths of computer repair, and likely Windows re-installation and everything that goes along with that tomorrow.  I’m not looking forward to it.   As you know, even when you have the data backed up, it can take hours and hours to get all the software re-installed and all the pieces back in place to make it work again.   Weeeee!  So much fun….[sigh]

Good night!
-Todd

LEGENDS OF SYNTHPOP TOUR 2011
MESH + DE/VISION + IRIS

* 31 Mar 2011 Minneapolis (MN), Ground Zero
* 01 Apr 2011 Milwaukee (WI), Club Anything
* 02 Apr 2011 Chicago (IL), The Abbey
* 03 Apr 2011 Columbus (OH), The Shrunken Head
* 05 Apr 2011 Detroit (MI), Small’s
* 06 Apr 2011 Toronto (Canada), Mod Club (w/Assemblage 23)
* 07 Apr 2011 Pittsburgh (PA), The Rex Theater
* 08 Apr 2011 Philadelphia (PA), Starlight Ballroom
* 10 Apr 2011 New York City (NY), Rebel
* 11 Apr 2011 Richmond (VA), Fallout
* 12 Apr 2011 Atlanta (GA) The Shelter
* 13 Apr 2011 West Palm Beach (FL), Respectable Street
* 14 Apr 2011 Jacksonville (FL), 331 Nightlife Cafe
* 16 Apr 2011 Dallas (TX), The Prophet Bar
* 17 Apr 2011 Houston (TX), Numbers
* 18 Apr 2011 Austin (TX), Elysium
* 20 Apr 2011 Tucson (AZ), The Surly Wench
* 21 Apr 2011 Los Angeles (CA), Echoplex
* 22 Apr 2011 San Francisco (CA), Red Devil Lounge
* 23 Apr 2011 Portland (OR), Ash Street Saloon
* 24 Apr 2011 Seattle (WA), El Corazon (Note: De/Vision / Iris only)

Hello once again from A Different Drum!  This is only a brief update to let you know of a couple new arrivals in the store.

I also wanted to mention that one of the CD’s listed in last week’s update sold out immediately– the tour CD by Mirrors.  Thus, if you are looking for it on A Different Drum’s homepage, it is gone.  Also, a couple of you may receive refunds if you ordered but not quite in time.   I’m still catching up on orders, but I’ll keep everybody posted.

NEW ARRIVALS:

The Echoing Green “In Scarlet and Vile” $14 — Yes! After many years of writing and recording, the new album is finally in stock!  It will take a few days to ship all of the pre-orders, so please be patient.  If you did not pre-order, then you can certainly order the CD now, which is sure to be one of the stand-out albums of 2011!   You can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1256/The-Echoing-Green-In-Scarlet-and-Vile

Huminoida “Whiter Album” $18 — This import from Finland is the new album featuring vocals by Kimmo, the ex-vocalist from Neuroactive (think of the Transients and Fiber-Optic Rhythm albums).   It has a nice blend of downtempo and uptempo synthpop tracks which are sometimes minimal, and sometimes more complex.  It reminds me of some classic John Foxx stuff, with a modern edge.   You can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/4OUTRCD/Huminoida-Whiter-Album

I added a track from each of the above albums for you to check out on the Radio Player here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player/

Thanks for your support!
-Todd

This is a quick update from A Different Drum.  Some new releases have rolled into the store this week.    There’s some fun new music to explore, so let’s take a look:

New Arrivals:

Mirrors “Broken By Silence” (limited tour CD) $16 — I only have a few of these, since it is a limited edition tour CD that is hard to come by.  If you haven’t heard of the Mirrors, then you should definitely check them out.   I think they’re one of the most fun retro-flavored bands I’ve heard since Hurts.  They remind me of OMD at their best.   Check out the videos I posted and order the CD while supplies last right here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MIRRORS01/Mirrors-Broken-By-Silence-Limited-Edition-Tour-CD

Parralox “I Sing the Body Electric” (CDEP) $12 — It is time for yet another remix single from Parralox, one of the most prolific new bands in the scene.   Once again, it is an instantly catchy synthpop tune, which you can hear by watching the video that I added to the website listing.  You can watch and then order the single here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDPLOX08/Parralox-I-Sing-the-Body-Electric

These have also just begin trickling in to my mailbox today and will begin shipping on Monday to those who pre-ordered:

Blancmange “Blanc Burn” $22
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/B004773DTW/Blancmange-Blanc-Burn

The Human League “Credo” $22
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/B004EPXK7C/The-Human-League-Credo

OMD “History of Modern Part 1″ (CDEP) $14
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/B004LE11AO/Orchestral-Manoeuvres-in-the-Dark-OMD-History-of-Modern-Part-1

Alphaville “Song for No One” (MCD) $11
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/B004I4RPPW/Alphaville-Song-for-No-One

Pet Shop Boys “The Most Incredible Thing” (2CD edition) $30
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/B004H8FGLO/The-Pet-Shop-Boys-The-Most-Incredible-Thing-2-disc-edition

Thanks, and have a wonderful weekend!
-Todd

Well, it has been a while since I’ve sent out a regular update from A Different Drum.  I announced some very cool pre-orders, and those are moving along great.  I received word that the CD’s from Alphaville, OMD, Blancmange, The Human League, and Pet Shop Boys are on the way now.  Those who pre-ordered will get theirs first.

With the pre-orders for The Echoing Green…

The new CD will be shipped toward the end of March, but all who have or who will yet pre-order the album are also receiving a download code so that they can listen to the album digitally while they are waiting.  Isn’t that fun?  I think so!

You can still pre-order The Echoing Green’s new CD here :

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1256/The-Echoing-Green-In-Scarlet-and-Vile

NEW ARRIVALS:

Mirko Hirsch “Obsession” $15 — This is a new release from Space Sound Records which features very retro-flavored synthpop along the vein of classic, vocal Italo disco.   If you enjoy nice synth melodies with a simple, satisfying song that sounds like could have popped out of the 80’s scene, then you should check this out.  You can listen to a couple tracks and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SSR-00017/Mirko-Hirsch-Obsession

Sandor Gavin “Resonance” $8 — This is the new album by an emerging artist in the synthpop world.  Sandor Gavin sounds like a cross of Cosmicity and trancy club music.   You can listen to a couple songs by watching the music videos embedded on our website, and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SG003-1/Sandor-Gavin-Resonance

Pop Electronique “Retro” $15 — Here is some new catchy, bouncy synthpop from Sweden.  We have stocked the debut EP from Pop Electronique and now you can order their debut album.  This trio proudly goes back to synthpop roots with their music.    Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/DBMA001/Pop-Electronique-Retro

To listen to a few songs from Pop Electronique, visit their Facebook page here :
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pop-Electronique/7229004142?sk=info

My Woshin Mashin “We Came In Peace” (CDR) $10 — This is a very limited edition four-track EP to introduce folks to the bouncy, fun-loving, quirky synthpop tunes by My Woshin Mashin.  They come in fun, well-made packaging and are numbered– there are only 99 in the world.  Watch a music video for their song “Godzilla” and order the limited CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MWM1/My-Woshin-Mashin-We-Came-In-Peace

Now…I also have a couple copies of the new “Wave Klassix Vol. 5″ compilation from Brazil for anybody who wants to try it out.  Just email me directly if you want one.  It features post-punk, minimal, new wave obscurities from the underground for those who love to explore.   Again, email me if you’d like one– first come, first serve.

In case you haven’t noticed, my software (or actually the computer that had the old software) which makes my sample snippets died.  So, I haven’t got a quick way to put up the samples on most releases like I used to, so I’m trying to provide links to pages where you can listen, or in most cases, music videos embedded right in the product page so you can listen to the artists and get an idea of how they sound.  I hope that helps.  Maybe that is even better than the lo-fi 40-second snippets anyway?

Thanks for your ongoing support!   I apologize if I’m not available as often as I used to be when replying to email and especially phone calls.  I have another job and take care of A Different Drum orders and communications in the mornings, so sometimes it is hard to get through everything and be as quick as I used to be.  But please know that I still care, and I still strive to provide the best service in the music mail-order world…at least for a one-man show :-)  I’ll never be like Amazon, but I like to provide a personal touch as much as possible.

Thanks!
-Todd