Trans-Siberian Orchestra

If you are looking for Christmas music, this is not the right CD for you. Stop here if you are looking for a good story exploring good and evil, duty and love, pain and redemption.

Yes, the music is the typical Trans-Siberian Orchestra blending of rock and classical music. However, the story is one that seems to echo in this time. I am so glad my friends gave me this album (2 CDs); I think you will miss something essential if you have only the streaming music or MP3 versions. The booklet included with the CDs adds depth to the sung story, not to mention Greg Hildebrandt's wonderful art deserves admiration.

I think this quotation is what I will take away: Do not dwell on the monstrous injustices done by humanity to humanity, since the dawn of mankind, more than you study how these wrongs and injustices were corrected. The study of the individuals and civilizations that overcame these evils is the key to mankind moving forward.

If you enjoy the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, I think you will like this. Do go ahead and get the physical album.… (meer)

I love this CD! It is always part of my Christmas music. The driving rhythms and story told mark it as originating from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I love how they incorporate parts of traditional Christmas songs into their original works.

From the opening of An Angel Came Down you know you are not listening to a "traditional" Christmas CD. The music demands to be heard. Even "traditional" songs are made new; just listen to O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night to understand what I mean. A Mad Russian's Christmas brought a smile to my face.

I think of the original songs, my favorites are A Star to Follow, The Silent Nutcracker (lovely acoustic guitar work!), Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24, Good King Joy, Old City Bar, and This Christmas Day. However, there isn't a bad track on this whole CD.

I'm not all that fond of rock music, but the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's music is an exception. Try this CD and see if you like the group. If you do, then go get the rest of the CDs!… (meer)

I would advise anyone thinking about this title to bite the bullet and get the CD. The included booklet is well worth it. There are two short stories, a graphic story, and lyrics. Then there is the lovely artwork by Greg Hildebrandt. I don't like the packaging that has you sliding the CD in and out of the cardboard sleeve.

Now on to the music. Beethoven is listed on Madness of Men and Prometheus, Borodin on Mountain Labyrinth, Rimsky Korsakov on Prince Igor, and Bach on Lullaby Night. My CD's track eight says it is the Sun Version of Forget About the Blame; the Moon Version featuring Izzy Hale is listed as a 15th bonus track.

I truly enjoyed the music. It speaks to the times when some people are so focused on the end goal that they forget to live in between, to the people who have lost their way due to hatred,to those who have forgotten how to live with respect and honor. It is about loss and redemption, about discovering who you are and who you are meant to be.

I strongly recommend this CD. I think if you already enjoy the Trans-Siberian Orchestra that you'll at the very least like this.… (meer)