Tom Schnabel explores the new album from Chinese singer Sa Ding Ding. The Chosen Ones, inspired by a trip across China from Chengdu to Kunming, captures the music of communities isolated geographically from modern Chinese history.

Sa Dingding The Coming Ones Out
Sa Dingding Alive

There are cuts like The Chosen Ones called 'Ru Ying Sui Xing', or 'Like a Shadow is Following You' (track #2) and features the Miao people from the village of Xiaoshuijing on the outskirts of Kunming. The villagers there have been Christians for over 100 years, untouched by the cataclysms of Mao Tse Tung. The imagery here is that of flower petals, breezes, and joy. This cut also features Beethoven's immortal 'Ode to Joy' from his final symphony, an iconic work often associated with historical events (think of the Berlin Wall coming down, concerts played to mark the first anniversary of the 9/11 attacks). Part of the lyrics the Mio villagers sing go like this:

'Goddess of Joy, holy and beautiful..your strength can eliminate all differences between people..take my hand and sing for joy with me..' Again, music that is an affirmation of humanity and the desire for peace and harmony.

Discover releases, reviews, credits, songs, and more about 萨顶顶. = Sa Dingding - 恍如来者 = The Coming Ones at Discogs. Complete your 萨顶顶. = Sa Dingding collection. Find the song lyrics for Sa Ding Ding - Top Tracks. Discover top playlists and videos from your favorite artists on Shazam!

Sa Dingding The Coming Ones Out

On this cut you hear them singing Ode to Joy from Beethoven's 9th. Another cut, 'Zhi Shang Ai' (Dedicated with Love, track #6) ), Sa Dingding uses a metaphor of one flower among a sea of flowers to represent idealized love.

Read more on Tom Schnabel's Rhythm Planet Blog.

Track List:

Sa Dingding Alive

Sa Dingding |Ha Ha Li Li Remixed by Paul Oakenfold | Harmony | Wrasse Records
Sa Dingding | Dedicated With Love | The Coming Ones | Universal Beijing
Sa Dingding | Something Like A Shadow Is Following You | The Coming Ones | Universal Beijing
Sa Dingding | Capricorn | The Coming Ones | Universal Beijing
Sa Dingding | The Fragrance Of The Moon | The Coming Ones | Universal Beijing
Youn Sun Nah | Lento | Lento | Act Music
Youn Sun Nah | Hurt | Lento | Act Music
Youn Sun Nah | Ghost Riders In The Sky | Lento | Act Music
Youn Sun Nah | Arirang | Lento | Act Music