Trans-Siberian Orchestra

I was shocked the first time I heard the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and my brother Chris told me that it was Christmas music. To me Christmas music consisted of church songs, Peanuts Christmas Special, and for those more adventurous, the Grinch. But when I heard "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24" for the first time, there was something there that lured me in. From then on it wasn't as if I were disrespecting Christmas by listening to them, but enhancing it. It's like enjoying fruit like bananas oranges and apples, then discovering mangoes.

A few opinions. Their CD Chrismas Eve and Other Stories is by far their best work, and it was their first. That's not to say that their work hasn't dropped off. Each CD has songs that I just love. And to dispel a myth, they aren't just hard rock, though they are often portrayed as such. Their accoustic stuff is good enough to listen to on Christmas Eve while staring enchantedly at a lit Christmas tree or on the way to Midnight Mass.

I am breaking this list down into three different lists: Electric (hard) Accoustic, and Narrative (telling a story.) So as always, feel free to debate, and have a Merry Christmas!

Electric Category:
1. "Wizards in Winter" (the one on the commercial with the blinking house lights- just awesome!)
2. "Christmas Eve/ Sarajevo 12/24"
3. "Ornament"
4. "A Mad Russian's Chrstmas"
5. "Midnight Christmas Eve"

Accoustic:
1. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (very beautiful)
2. "Dream Child"
3. "Christmas Jazz"
4. "The First Noel"
5. "The Silent Nutcracker"

Narrative:
1. "Old City Bar" (maybe a bit cheesy, but a good story of giving)
2. "The Snow Came Down"