Trans-Siberian Orchestra Album: “Christmas Eve and Other Stories”

This is a classic cd that you will not tire of! I actually removed it from my Christmas storage this year in October (couldn't wait for Thanksgiving). There are several qualities to this cd. First, the arrangements are incredible. They are agressive and powerful and often combine themes from several songs into 1 (Carol of the Bells and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen form Christmas Eve/Sarajevo). To pull this off, T.S.O. incorporates phenomenal musicianship to back these arrangements.

There is more to this cd than just great music. There is a Christmas tale which weaves the songs together into one work. The section of this story that always gets to me is from 'The Ornament' to 'This Christmas Day'.

Finally, what brings it all together is the choice of vocalists throughout the story - all fantastic. The emotion that is heard in these songs relating to the part of the story they are telling is as if they are living the story and we are observing it. Just listen to the vocalist of 'This Christmas Day' and I believe you will understand. I literally get chills at the end of this song.

All in all, this will be a favorite for years to come. Enjoy!

This is an amazing CD. The songs range from beautiful (Promises To Keep, Prince of Peace) to thoughtful (Old City Bar, Ornament) to outright rockin' (Christmas Eve Sarajevo, Mad Russian Christmas). I've had it for two years and it's been my favorite Christmas record. No matter what kind of music you like, you'll like this!

WOW! I just saw the live show 12/15/00. Those of you who are Christian and also like to rock out must see TSO! Even if you aren't Christian and you just like to see awesome musicians this show is excellent. The themes are mostly based on the birth of Christ our Lord and Savior. I missed out last year and was lucky to get some tickets this year. They had an eight piece string section with a drummer, lead electric guitar, jazz guitar, bass guitar, 2 keyboards, and several vocalists. They blend traditional Christmas melodies with rock in a way that sounds incredible. Besides the predominantly rock elements you also get some blues, jazz, and soul thrown in. It really is spectacular. They have a tremendous light show and they all came out after the show to say "hi" and sign autos. If you have never heard of them them you should start with their first CD called "Christmas Eve and Other Stories." The CD's are good but the live show reaches a higher level. They also have a CD based on the works of Beethoven which I haven't heard yet but I'm sure it will be just as good. Anyway, I can't rate the live show high enough and it is a must see if you get the chance.

I bought this CD a year ago and made the mistake of putting it on my stereo along with four other CDs, hit shuffle and went about my business. As a result, it made very little impact on me. In fact I was disappointed. Two weeks ago, I sat down with the CD booklet and listened to this CD from start to finish. What an awesome production! I've listened to it virtually everyday since then and still haven't tired of it. I hope that one day the story that is woven throughout this CD becomes a christmas movie.

...are you kidding? This has to be the premier album of all time, especially regarding Christmas music. I used to love Mannheim Steamroller, but they aren't even in the same league. I can't listen to any other Christmas music without thinking where's the depth, where's the passion, where's the music? Kudos to Paul O'Neill and his musical genius along with the whole 'orchestra'. Truly a masterpiece that will transcend time and generations.