Hello again from A Different Drum!  I got quite a pile of new CD’s in this week, so let us jump into that pile right away!

NEW ARRIVALS:

Galaxy Hunter “Running High” $15 — Already known as one of the premier “spacesynth” acts in the underground, Galaxy Hunter now incorporates more male and female vocals and aims at the retro, Italo-disco audience with a very 80’s sounding album.   Yes, this is a throw-back to a sound from 25 years ago, and they do a great job of it.  Listen to the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SSR00014/Galaxy-Hunter-Running-High

In Strict Confidence “La Parade Monstrueuse” (Limited Fan Box) $34 — I got just a few of the imported Limited Edition Fan Box of the new In Strict Confidence album for the collectors and fans who would like to pick one up.  These come in a very nice box with a bonus disc featuring 10 extra tracks and a couple video clips.   There are also other printed and promotional extras in there, though I haven’t opened one up to look closely at the contents.   Anyway, once I’ve sold the few copies I have, then I won’t be restocking this rarity, so first come, first serve.   See the track list and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MINUS040.2/In-Strict-Confidence-La-Parade-Monstrueuse-Limited-Fan-Box

In Strict Confidence “Silver Bullets” (MCD) $12 — And since these guys are really prolific with their limited edition releases, you can also pick up the limited single for “Silver Bullets” which features 8 tracks, including 5 remixes and 3 bonuses.   You can see that track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MINUS039/In-Strict-Confidence-Silver-Bullets

Sadman “9th and Last Life” (limited edition in tin-200 worldwide) $24 — Here is a band from Sweden that I enjoy.  Their first album “Cold in the State of Me” was a nice intro to the band, and this 2nd album builds on their cool sound that blends minimalist synths, dramatic choruses and a quasi-A-Ha vocal sound.  They have moments similar to Michigan or Northern Territories.  I only have a few of the limited edition which comes packaged in a tin along with a band button and extra photo.  There are only 200 of this edition worldwide.  I’ll get the regular edition import a bit later.   Check out the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MEMO108L/Sadman-9th-and-Last-Life-Limited-Edition-in-Tin-200-Copies

Diorama “Child of Entertainment” (MCD) $11 — This new CD single spotlights a very cool song by one of the dark, semi-gothic synthpop bands in the scene.   It is catchy, danceable, and edgy.   There are 5 versions of the song on the single plus two bonus tracks.  You can listen to the song by watching the video, and you can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/A119/Diorama-Child-of-Entertainment

State of the Union “Dancing In the Dark” (MCD) $12 — At first I thought I was ordering a new album by State of the Union, but once it arrived I saw that it was a single.   Why the confusion?  Well, there are a whopping 15 tracks on this thing!  They are ALL remixes of the title tracks, so…knock yourself out with this new, import club single!  See the tracks and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3132/State-of-the-Union-Dancing-In-the-Dark

Destroid “Silent World EP” (CDEP) $14 — This is a project produced by Daniel Myer, the mastermind of Haujobb with nice, deep vocals by Sebastian Ullmann.   This introductory EP features 9 tracks with only a couple of remixes, so it is truly a mini-album.   The title track is the standout synthpop hit.  You can listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SCAN085/Destroid-Silent-World-EP

X-Divide “X (Forever)” (MCD) $12 — This is a new single offering from a new European act produced by Vasi Vallis of Namnambulu and Frozen Plasma, and the sound is noticeably similar to those bands.  There are three versions of the main song, “Forever” plus 3 bonus tracks.   You can listen to the song by watching the video and you can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3122/X-Divide-X-Forever

Nitzer Ebb “Catalogue” (5CD) $46 — OK Ebbheads!  This box features 5 of the band’s album all remastered and packaged together for the collectors.   Get all the back catalog from one of the pioneers of EBM!    See the complete track list including bonus tracks and order the box here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/EBBBOX2/Nitzer-Ebb-Catalogue-5-Album-Box

Is that enough new stuff for you?   I hope not, because I’ll undoubtedly have more soon

Thanks for your support, and have a wonderful weekend!
-Todd

Hello once again from A Different Drum!  It is time to look over the new items that have rolled into A Different Drum’s store this week.

DE/VISION - limited box…
First of all, I want to state once again (since people keep asking me)– the new DE/VISION “Fan Box” edition of their album will be very expensive (more than $80…probably closer to $90).    They are shipping to me from Europe next week, and once that happens I’ll have a better idea of the exact price because I’ll know the shipping costs.   But I am ONLY selling it right now to people who email me and request to receive one.   So far I have only ordered enough for those people who have contacted me previously about it.  This is because I can’t afford to buy a whole bunch and then find out that I can’t sell them.   It is limited to 1500 copies worldwide, and it includes a bonus single, a flash drive, and supposedly is in very nice packaging (I haven’t seen it yet).   If you want one and have not emailed me yet, then please do so quickly at todd@adifferentdrum.com

B! Machine - new single…
Nate of B! Machine has been releasing some exclusive singles for fans through the band website and there is now a new one:
“A Certain Sadness (Limited Edition CD Single) ” is available for order at www.wishduck.com

It is the second in a series of limited edition CD singles.  A link to the low-grade video tease is:

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=102922847

NEW ARRIVALS:

Interface “Body Flow” MCD $8 — Interface has become one of the better selling futurepop / industrial dance bands sold at A Different Drum, and now they have a new single loaded with remixes of their edgy track, “Body Flow”.   It includes remixes by Level 2.0, Aesthetic Perfection, Sebastian Komor (Icon of Coil, etc.), and others, plus an exclusive track called “Neuromantic”.    Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/NR042/Interface-Body-Flow

Autodafeh “Identity Unknown” $14 — This new album from Autodafeh is loaded with edgy industrial / EBM tracks to keep you moving.  In case you didn’t know, this is the industrial side project of Endless Shame.   It is not nearly as melodic as the synthpop works of Endless Shame, but fans of one band or the other may find it fun to check out the different styles in these two projects.   Though this new album doesn’t have quite as much of the retro EBM sound that was found on the previous EP, “Re-lectro” it still has some of those great drums and basslines that really make you want to move.    Listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/SIGCD009/Autodafeh-Identity-Unknown

Supercraft “Things We Do” (CDR) $16 — This German import features some really great songs by a dramatic, polished synthpop act that is worth exploring.   The songs are catchy and often powerful.  You can listen to the audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDL028/Supercraft-Things-We-Do

Moodorgan “Process Remixes Volume 2″ (CDEP) $10 — This is the second EP of remixes and new tracks from Moodorgan over the last couple of years.   The new version of “Treasure” as remixed by Assemblage 23 is a possible club hit, and there are also mixes of several other songs as well as the new song “Remember the Truth” — you can watch a video for that song here, or check out the audio samples and order the CD :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MPLA-BS1128/Moodorgan-Process-Remixes-Volume-2

The Birthday Massacre “Show and Tell” (DVD) $18 — This act has become a very popular band in many circles, from the gothic scene, to synthpop, to retro-80’s new wavers, and even indie rockers.   They have toured extensively and now you can pick up this US-released DVD that features their live performance.     See the track list and order the DVD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET636/The-Birthday-Massacre-Show-and-Tell-Live

NOTE:  Last week I mentioned the new single by Channel East which is really quite fun, like a throwback to the 90’s synthpop underground that so many of us loved.   Well, I failed to upload the samples last week or add a song to the Radio Player .  That has now been remedied and you can listen to samples from the single here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDL027/Channel-East-Suffering-to-Me

That is all the news from this week.   Thanks so much for your ongoing support!   It means a lot to the artists and to myself that there are still a few of you out there who buy their music and express your appreciation for their efforts through your emails and feedback.

Thanks!
-Todd

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

Hello, this is Todd at A Different Drum.   I’m sending out this quick update because it was brought to my attention by a customer that A Different Drum’s shopping cart has not been working since yesterday.   I was thinking that nobody wanted music anymore or something, but hey, turns out you just couldn’t order it if you tried.

Anyway, it was a server-side error that is beyond my technical comprehension, but the tech support guy seemed to figure it out and the cart is working again.

IF YOU TRIED TO ORDER YESTERDAY OR TODAY and experienced problems, PLEASE feel free to give it a shot now.   Report any issues you face– particularly if the shopping cart forgets what CD’s you were ordering during your session.

Heaven knows I need the sales right now to pay the bills, so I’m glad it seems to be working at the moment.

Thanks for your support, and I’ll be back in touch with the usual update of new releases, once my next shipment arrives.

Thanks!
-Todd

Hello from A Different Drum!  I have quite a pile of new arrivals to talk about this weekend.   So, let’s jump right into that pile and have some fun!

NEW ARRIVALS:

Depeche Mode “Fragile Tension / Hole to Feed” (CDEP) $14 — This new imported double-single from Depeche Mode includes radio mixes of the two title tracks, plus new remixes of both songs, and new mixes of “Perfect” and “Come Back”, for a total of 8 tracks.   See the track list and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CDBONG42/Depeche-Mode-Fragile-Tension-Hole-to-Feed

X Marks the Pedwalk “Seventeen” (MCD) $11 — One of the classic underground industrial acts from years ago is back after a long silence.  Most fans remember that the band moved away from a harder industrial sound into a more melodic crossover of synthpop and trance in the last album.  That transformation continues with “Seventeen”.   You can order the CD single and watch the music video here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/FACT3133/X-Marks-the-Pedwalk-Seventeen

In Strict Confidence “My Despair” (MCD) $11 — This is another band from the darker, industrial scene that has walked a more melodic path lately, though they do keep an edgy, gothic tone to their music, fitting in with bands like Diorama or Diary of Dreams.   You can see the track list for the new single and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MINUS038/In-Strict-Confidence-My-Despair

XP8 “Drop the Mask” $15 — This is another band that sprung out of the futurepop movement a few years ago, following in the footsteps of acts like Icon of Coil or VNV Nation with a fast, intense pace and edgy attitude.   Their first three albums helped to build a loyal and growing fan base, leading up to this new album, now released on Metropolis Records.    Order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET632/XP8-Drop-the-Mask

Liquid Divine “Autophobia” $15 — This is another act now released on Metropolis Records with a cool, danceable electronic sound and whispery, melodic vocal leads.   There are a couple of songs where the guy’s voice is allowed to shine a bit more, and I like those ones a lot.  Sometimes the general mood of the album reminds me of Mind.In.A.Box    You can order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/MET631/Liquid-Divine-Autophobia

Essence of Mind “Try and Fail” $20 — This is another edgy synthpop act from Europe , released by the Alfa Matrix label.   They have a blend of synths and guitars with punchy beats.   You can watch an album trailer on Youtube to get a feel for what they are like, right here :  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXXE91CC_hE
You can also listen to audio samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/AM1141CD/Essence-of-Mind-Try-and-Fail

Essence of Mind “Try and Fail” (limited 2CD Box) $28 — This is the limited edition box for the new album described above.  It includes extra songs and remixes for the collectors, packaged in a nice little box.    See the track list and order the limited edition here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/AM2141DCD/Essence-of-Mind-Try-and-Fail-Limited-Edition-2CD-Box

Dust of Basement “Epitaph” (DVD) $30 — This is a collectible DVD release from one of the classic underground darkwave, gothic, industrial bands from the 90’s.   It features live performances from Berlin and other locations, plus extra tracks and outtakes.  Please note, this is a European release, and thus it is in PAL format, so in the USA / Canada you must have a DVD player than can handle all formats, or a DVD-Rom drive.   See the list of live songs and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/82127220689-7/Dust-of-Basement-Epitaph-European-PAL-DVD

PRE-ORDER:

Once again, you can now pre-order the upcoming debut album by ACCESS ZERO.  Listen to audio samples and place your order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1298/Access-Zero-Living-In-Transition

If you pre-order, then the CD will be shipped to you as soon as it arrives from the factory.

LISTEN TO TUNES:

Once again, feel free to tune into the fun stream of new songs available from several of the latest releases available in A Different Drum’s store, simply by going to this location and enjoying the radio stream :

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

Thanks for your support!
-Todd

It’s time for another little update from A Different Drum, so you can discover some more cool, new music to get your 2010 started right!

First of all, I want to point out that the final “top 200 best sellers” list of 2009 is posted on A Different Drum’s website.  You may find it interesting to see which items sold the most through the online store.   Yes, remember, this chart is based EXACTLY on orders that were placed through the store’s shopping cart.   It is not a comprehensive list of best-sellers from the entire scene.  This is the stuff that sold most through A Different Drum only.

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/2009/

I was excited to see that not only one of our new releases made it all the way to #3 with only a few weeks to get there:  Endless Shame “Unspoken Words”     But I was also surprised to see that BLUME made it there based only on pre-orders!  There was a lot of anticipation for that debut album, which is mentioned in this update since it is shipping now

NEW ARRIVALS:

Blume “Rise from Grey” $12 — Blume is an exciting new electronic pop band from Italy that combines melancholy moods with energetic music and a smooth, strong voice. The debut album RISE FROM GREY is sure to catapult this promising threesome into the spotlight, appealing to fans of classic new wave and synthpop as well as to the fans of club-friendly industrial and futurepop.   A good comparison would be to imagine a blend of two other Italian bands:  Syrian and Pulcher Femina.   Listen to the samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1290/Blume-Rise-from-Grey

Parralox “State of Decay” $18 — This is  one of the most exciting releases from the end of 2009, and it barely arrived from Germany to me here at A Different Drum.  So, if you don’t have it yet, be sure to check it out!  This is the perfect rebirth of 80’s- style, classic synthpop with a great female vocal lead.   Almost every track sounds like it could have been a radio hit in the heyday of synthpop!   Listen to the samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CRCDPLOX03/Parralox-State-of-Decay

The Foxglove Hunt “Built My Fortress” (CDEP) $6 — Here is another band that has the art of 80’s pop down to a science.  Sounding like a blend of Anything Box with New Order, their debut album has been a hot seller to A Different Drum customers.  This follow-up EP features a few remixes (rock, piano, and acoustic versions of previous tracks) plus some really stellar new songs.   It’s too short, for sure, but has some songs you’ll definitely want in your collection.  Check out the samples and order here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/CWM08/The-Foxglove-Hunt-Built-My-Fortress

There are a couple other new items that I’d hoped to have already, but a large package from Europe has been stuck in customs in Los Angeles since before Christmas.  I’ve never seen such a long shipment delays since I’ve been in this business.  I don’t know if the government decided that synthpop is too dangerous for US citizens, or if there is simply a huge holiday back-up, but I hope it gets here soon.    If you’re currently waiting for back-orders of hot items like Erasure, And One, etc. then rest assured, your items are in the country…just taking an extended California vacation that I hope ends soon.

Oh, I have updated A Different Drum’s little radio player again so you can check out the latest tunes:

http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player

Also, if you want to watch a couple of silly music videos that I produced while at my holiday family reunion, look here:

http://toddiovision.wordpress.com/

Thanks for your support!  Let’s have a great 2010!
-Todd

This is a special update from A Different Drum! I just wanted to drop you a quick note about two exciting releases from A Different Drum.

First of all, the debut album by BLUME has arrived from the factory and has already been shipped out to people who pre-ordered it.  This is an excellent album that will certainly grab the attention of our scene!  This Italian band has a very hypnotic sound.  If you enjoy bands like The Frozen Plasma, Wolfsheim, or even Covenant’s more melodic material you should check it out!  Be sure to listen to the samples and order the CD here :
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1290/Blume-Rise-from-Grey

Next, you can now PRE-ORDER the debut album by ACCESS ZERO, another exciting new band from the USA that has a great blend of melodic synthpop and edgy futurepop / industrial dance music.  You can already listen to audio samples and pre-order the CD here so it ships to you once it is released:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/buy/ADDCD1298/Access-Zero-Living-In-Transition

I’ve really enjoyed the latest releases from A Different Drum, and I hope you have too.  I’m looking at the top 100 best-sellers chart for A Different Drum’s online store compiling the entire year of 2009.  I see that Neuroactive’s new album was the #1 best seller.  The new Endless Shame CD jumped like a rocket up to #3 even though it was released at the end of the year, and check out BLUME hitting #6 for 2009 on pre-orders alone!
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/2009/

Remember, you can listen to new music here , including a couple new tracks from both BLUME and ACCESS ZERO:
http://www.adifferentdrum.com/Player/

I’ll be in touch again soon!
-Todd