Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve and Other Stories
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Free Music Notes for Christmas Eve and Other Stories
Free Music Review: To those who gave it one star with a mix of my own review...
Hit: 5 Stars
Obviously I don't have to write a lot about this AMAZINGLY awesome CD after all of the excellent reviews from people young and old (including the 43 year old man who cried to 'Old City Bar'...bless his heart cause I know how he feels after crying to Pink Floyd's High Hopes myself). So there goes the reasoning of needing to be "15 years old" as one reviewer said. But people tend to make mistakes, like comparing this orchestra-rock Christmas CD to the synthesizing sounds of Manheim Steamroller. I have bought Manheim Steamroller CDs from before, during, and post releases of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and this one CD out does them all. Even better is the story it offers which you can get from listening to the CD, but you can get even more by reading the cover insert that comes with the CD. So when it comes to wanting to do this, or in a one-star review point of view, "having the time to do this," it's Christmas and many people have breaks, just relax and listen. Once you do this, you'll obviously find MANY tracks you can single out and listen to on their own. The tracks do not blend in from one song to another (with the exception of 'Noel' with the guitar going into 'Old City Bar', but even between those two there is a break), so it's not like each song has a beginning or an end. And for the statement of "holiday music simply must arouse you immediately and completely, or it's no good", First Snow and a few other songs brought my spirits up pretty quickly! (...)Free Music Review: It's all about the story
Hit: 5 Stars
Yes, this Christmas CD from the Trans Siberian Orchestra is very good; it's a different spin on Christmas music. However, I think people are missing the real gem about this CD, that gem being the story it tells.
If you read inside the CD booklet (you can find the story on the Orchestra's website) you'll see a story about an angel who is sent down by the Lord to find out all the good things that have been done in the name of Christmas. Within the booklet are lyrics to the songs and poems written to read during the instrumentals. These weave together a magical story.
So, the booklet goes on to explain the Angel's travels and how he came upon a father praying for his daughter to return home, and the daughter trying to find a way home. Add to this a certain bartender who is feeling the spirit of Christmas, and the story continues (I won't tell the ending).
So going through reading the lyrics to each of the songs, the story they told in the first two pages of the CD booklet is retold through the music and the poems places between the songs or during the instrumentals. The two songs at the end of the CD (post-story) allow you to sit and comprehend the story you just heard.
So sit down with a glass of hot cocoa, turn on the CD, and read the booklet through as you listen to the music. I promise you that you will come away feeling refreshed and the true joy of Christmas.
Free Music Review: Kyrie among nations
Hit: 5 Stars
In an unending sea of unique Christmas music, there is perhaps none more unique than this.
CHRISTMAS EVE AND OTHER STORIES is in all a gentle children's choir concert, a religious story, a family story, an instrumental Christmas montage, an elaborate rock 'n' roll opera, and finally a cry for God's mercy among our nations. Trans-Siberian Orchestra probably did not know that they were going to end up making music history with hit titles like "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" (a hard rock instrumental rendition of "Carol of the Bells") or "A Mad Russian's Christmas" (a similar treatment of "The Nutcracker Suite") or nationwide sold-out concert performances.
There is something in this CD for everyone. If you like Gospel ("The Prince of Peace"), acoustic guitar ("The Silent Nutcracker"), hard rock ("Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24"), Contemporary Christian ("An Angel Returned"), folk ("Old City Bar"), or soft instrumental and children's choirs ("Promises to Keep"), you will find it here. If you don't like one or more of the aforementioned genres of music, then those contained in this CD will probably grow on you anyway (as they did with me).
I love Christmas music very much, and I love all kinds. I particularly enjoy Mannheim Steamroller and the big band crooners of the 1940s and 1950s. But CHRISTMAS EVE AND OTHER STORIES easily earns a place among my top favorites.
Free Music Review: Brilliant! Awesome! Out Of This World
Hit: 5 Stars
Some friends of mine kept talking about TSO so I asked about who TSO was. After getting a rundown on this band, I wasn't sure if I'd like them or not so I orders Beethoven's Last Night and was totally, and I DO mean totally, blown away. So I ordered the other 3 TSO CDs despite them being Christmas music. When I first listened to Christmas Eve and Other Stories, I was again immediately blown away. This is the 2nd TSO CD I've listened to and I am awe struck. The story this CD tells is one of beauty. It's very touching and like Beethoven's Last Night, it can bring a tear to your eye. But I have a heart for children anyway. The orchestration, vocals, lyrics all seem to complement each other. The finishing touch on this CD is the children's choir. Despite this being a Christmas CD, it doesn't matter what time of year you listen to this. In my opinion, it's a beautiful story set at Christmas time. I would definately highly recommend this, an all of TSO's music to anyone. I wasn't a fan until the first listen to Beethoven's Last Night. Then I was hooked. If you haven't heard any of TSO's music before and you want the experience of a lifetime, buy this (or any TSO) CD. It's best to sit and listen to each one from beginning to end with no interruptions. Read the story in the enclosed booklet, then play the CD and follow along. It's guaranteed to touch you.Free Music Review: Words simply cannot describe this CD
Hit: 5 Stars
I could try to tell you what listening to this CD is like, but in reality, it cannot be described.This album is one of those things that you can play, and no matter who listens to it, whether they like rock, classical, pop, rap, or anything else, they will like this. Guaranteed.
To begin with, the Trans Siberian Orchestra has combined many elements. Progressive rock, orchestra, and amazing vocalists. If you want to listen to the three songs that highlight these, listen to the pinnacle of Trans Siberian's talent, 'Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12-24', with it's mysterious beginning, and screaming hard rock refrain. Then, skip to 'Good King Joy'. As the noises of three guitars pounding out 'Ode to Joy' hits your ears, notice your jaw drop. This goes into a bluesy version of Three Kings, with a vocalist whose voice is nothing short of phenomenal, and blues/jazz guitar riffs in the background. Then, go to 'A Mad Russian's Christmas'. Enter 'The Nutcracker Suite'. On guitars. Again, another song not a bit short of astonishing. The whole CD has a storyline, which is another nice touch.
I am going to see Trans Siberian Orchestra in concert on December 7 (not to brag, but I got tenth-row seats). I cannot wait to see this amazing CD live. I hope that Trans Siberian will continue to make awesome music like this. Rock on!