Many may not be familiar with his name, but millions across the globe will recognise this Taiwanese traditional singer's voice. A sample of his plaintive Elder's Drinking Song chant was used by Michael Cretu as the backbone for Enigma's Return to Innocence which went on to become one of Enigma's biggest selling singles. However Cretu had not obtained Difang's permission prior to using the chant which prompted a court-case in 1996 that saw the two settle out of court three years later with Difang being compensated. The controversy around the case propelled Difang into the international spotlight, and Dan Lacksman (whose most famous project had been the first Deep Forest album) approached him to produce an album together. Released by Rock Records Japan in 1998 Circle of Life is a mesmerising combination of Lacksman's usual electronic drumloops, ambient synths and sounds carefully constructed so as not to interfere with Difang's heart-felt singing based on traditional Taiwanese songs of love, work and celebration. Slower, more laid-back beats support songs like Visiting Song and the contemplative Fully Laden with Riches with its tinkling piano instrumentation and Difang's characteristic yodelling calls. However the more upbeat tracks like Love Song (with Deep Forest style lead synth-flute) and Working Song (with its dark string theme) are the real highlights of the album. As an obvious reference to the court-case with Enigma, Lacksman made his own, gentler modernisation of Elder's Drinking Song as well as including the original version of the chant unaccompanied on the CD. With the layered and more reverential sound of Circle of Life we see Lacksman mature as a world music producer, in comparison to his previous outings such as Pangea. Difang was a prominent producer and supporter of Taiwanese aboriginal artists. His last work was to be the solo-outing Across the Yellow Earth in 2001, sadly just as Difang was gaining much-deserved international acclaim, he passed away (blood poisoning due to a centipede bite) in March 2002 at the age of 82. His wife who, whose vocals accompanied Difang's chants, passed away a month later. Original song version" DIFANG - ELDERS DRINKING SONG" MV website : ua-cam.com/video/6oHGUr6HEow/v-deo.htmlsi=ZP86bc408dDTh-0f
Truly beautiful analysis, Philip! I so respect your ability to understand what is going on in a song. I get so much out of these programs and always learn so much about the song that I've offered for reaction. Thank you Philip for your wonderful work with the incredible diversity of music you've reacted to.
As usual, you are nailing this song when you reveal all of the component parts. And I completely agree with what you are saying, you are just pulling it to the front of the mind out of the subconscious.
This is why we GEN X are so awesome our songs had feelings 🫠
I can't watch this song without crying.
Me too 😢😢😢 i'm really love this song
I love that you can laugh at the vocals, because it has me by the throat! The emotional power of this song for me is incredible.
Many may not be familiar with his name, but millions across the globe will recognise this Taiwanese traditional singer's voice. A sample of his plaintive Elder's Drinking Song chant was used by Michael Cretu as the backbone for Enigma's Return to Innocence which went on to become one of Enigma's biggest selling singles. However Cretu had not obtained Difang's permission prior to using the chant which prompted a court-case in 1996 that saw the two settle out of court three years later with Difang being compensated. The controversy around the case propelled Difang into the international spotlight, and Dan Lacksman (whose most famous project had been the first Deep Forest album) approached him to produce an album together. Released by Rock Records Japan in 1998 Circle of Life is a mesmerising combination of Lacksman's usual electronic drumloops, ambient synths and sounds carefully constructed so as not to interfere with Difang's heart-felt singing based on traditional Taiwanese songs of love, work and celebration. Slower, more laid-back beats support songs like Visiting Song and the contemplative Fully Laden with Riches with its tinkling piano instrumentation and Difang's characteristic yodelling calls. However the more upbeat tracks like Love Song (with Deep Forest style lead synth-flute) and Working Song (with its dark string theme) are the real highlights of the album. As an obvious reference to the court-case with Enigma, Lacksman made his own, gentler modernisation of Elder's Drinking Song as well as including the original version of the chant unaccompanied on the CD. With the layered and more reverential sound of Circle of Life we see Lacksman mature as a world music producer, in comparison to his previous outings such as Pangea. Difang was a prominent producer and supporter of Taiwanese aboriginal artists. His last work was to be the solo-outing Across the Yellow Earth in 2001, sadly just as Difang was gaining much-deserved international acclaim, he passed away (blood poisoning due to a centipede bite) in March 2002 at the age of 82. His wife who, whose vocals accompanied Difang's chants, passed away a month later.
Original song version" DIFANG - ELDERS DRINKING SONG" MV website : ua-cam.com/video/6oHGUr6HEow/v-deo.htmlsi=ZP86bc408dDTh-0f
The song's vocals are performed by Angel X (Andreas Hardy), and a short speaking vocal by Sandra
"Connecting with our true selves"-wow! Rare to meet people who really understand the truth behind these words!
Their track 'Sadeness' is awesome too.
Truly beautiful analysis, Philip! I so respect your ability to understand what is going on in a song. I get so much out of these programs and always learn so much about the song that I've offered for reaction. Thank you Philip for your wonderful work with the incredible diversity of music you've reacted to.
I live in Australia
We heard this in the 80's
Its a beautiful family and connect to God song
Can't wait for this reaction, Philip! The emotional power and resonance of this track is amazing!
This is such a beautiful song 💜
you are so right it is a beautiful song if not the most beautiful song of so many different cultural values and genres.
Such a powerful reaction Philip! You masterfully lay out what this song is bringing to the table emotionally for us all!
Such a great track. The suggestion by SimonRobertElder below, "Sadeness" would be an excellent follow up track for this one.
Hermosa canción, 😍
BTW, I'm always impressed by your ability to sing the hooks on the song. You pick it up right away!
I haven't heard this in decades!
As usual, you are nailing this song when you reveal all of the component parts. And I completely agree with what you are saying, you are just pulling it to the front of the mind out of the subconscious.
Wow! Nice catch documenting the chant, so central to this song! I love learning this-thanks Philip for the research on that!
Great reaction to a great band and song. 😀😃😄😁😊
Its a song about time cause time is the only reality
Use you're time wisly
U will love it
Michael Cretu is genius!
❤❤❤
Try 1994 - Enigma 2 - The Cross Of Changes (Special Edition)
INXS NEVER TERE US APART
GREAT 👍 SONG
Give me your thoughts
ua-cam.com/video/iPRKXoqV4eg/v-deo.html .. thats the link to the reaction.. thanks for watching