Trans-Siberian... Best?

[Spats]

The wife and I have always wanted a little trans-siberian in our rotation, but a lot of what we hear on some albums is just plain ol' electric guitar.

Their version of "Carol of the Bells", what they call "Christmas Eve in Sarajevo" is a favorite.

I guess I'm asking which TSO album is the most fundamentally powerful christmas album.

[Frosty]

I think TSO is over done to be honest if you never heard of manheim steam roller give them a listen. Blows TSO out of the water if ya ask me. Just my opinion though

[Just Whisper]

I prefer TSO, but I also really like MSR. TSO's music really gets me pumped at Christmas. I really love the combination of orchestra and rock band. But like almost all musical groups I do not like an entire album of any of them. So I don't have a single favorite album. I like almost all of their music, from the softer sounds with acoustic guitar to the harder rock sound of songs like my personal favorite and one of their most famous songs Wizards in Winter:
http://woopwoopwoop.vox.com/library/audio/6a00c225273bb48e1d00cdf3a4e623cb8f.html

I always have lots of TSO and MSR in my christmas music.

[Spats]

Oh, we have a couple of MSR albums, have since the early 1990s.

I'll sniff around on Amazon, see what I can figure out.

[Frosty]

Hey chief! Dont leave out elvis :)

[digbugsgirl]

I like TSO and MSR equally, but not all of their songs. I usually go for the more traditional music...Bing, Frank, Elvis, etc. If you have an MP3 or an iPod, I'd just download the songs you like.

[kimba]

I like TSO better - but I grew up 80's hair metal bands!! I've even met some of the TSO guys back in their Savatage days!

I also like orchestral arrangements of the classics. So powerful!

[SPX]

Big time, and long-time, TSO fan here. Love these guys. I saw them live twice, and met them and got autographs the second time. It was cool.

Christmas Eve and Other Stories is their first, and in my opinion easily their best, album to date. I can't say that I like every song on any album, but this one is solid all the way through and if you were going to purchase a full album, this is the place to start. (Plus, it has Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24).

The next one I would suggest would be The Lost Christmas Eve, followed up by The Christmas Attic. (It's been a long time since I last heard The Christmas Attic, but I must admit I didn't feel nearly as enthusiastically about it as I do the other two.)

Also, there two non-holiday albums--Beethoven's Last Night and Night Castle--are both very good.

Keep in mind that all their albums are concept albums. It's okay to just download the tracks you want, but each album tells a story from start to finish so by fragmenting it you lose that element.

[SPX]

I think TSO is over done to be honest if you never heard of manheim steam roller give them a listen. Blows TSO out of the water if ya ask me. Just my opinion though

I would have to disagree. I have never owned a Mannheim album, but every year I go and listen to a few tracks that I can find online in an attempt to get into them, because I am always looking for new Christmas music. And every year, I just can't do it.

Maybe this year I'll try again, but if I grow to like them, I certainly don't think they "blow TSO out of the water."

[IluvChristmas]

I like Manheim Steamroller. But I LOVE TSO. I love all of their songs! I have seen TSO in concert 3 times and not ever have been disappointed. Omigosh they ROCK!!

Oh I love me some Elvis too :)!!!

[SPX]

Just went and listened to some Mannheim samples on Amazon and I think I figured out what it is that I don't like. . .

I don't think a synthesizer has any place in Christmas songs. I think that not only does it have a distinct 80s feel to it, but it also detracts from the mood. I really wish I could get into it because good Christmas music is hard to come by, but I just can't seem to do it.

Of course, I recognize that other's opinions may differ and everyone's entitled to theirs.

[Rybcon]

Mannheim's first Christmas CD is pretty good. I don't like any of the ones they did since.

[Warrant2000]

I just got tickets for the December 4 show in San Diego. Floor section C, row 7, which is pretty much in the laps of the guitarists. Paid $198 after fee's, and I'm totally excited!

[navidadnm2010]

I am going for all high - energy stuff this year, aside from a few traditional faves.
I am also throwing in some Native American Flute, Spanish Salsa, a few other classics and seeing what I like.
But I think the high energy stuff will really break the mold of the stuff we have done year after year.
I want to change it up a bit.
Anyone know where I can get free TSO Downloads?
I would like to add at least 5 of their best tunes into my display music this year.

[Sickie Ickie]

You may be able to tape it from Youtube.

[MyNameHere]

I am going for all high - energy stuff this year, aside from a few traditional faves.



Hi, navidadnm2010

Here's an indy collection of electronic instrumental arrangements of the classics. Kind of like Mannheim Steamroller. It has some high energy tracks you may find useful.

And SPX, Warning. It's made 100% with synths. :)

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/richharris
http://www.rhapsody.com/rich-harris/tracks.html (You can hear full versions of the songs)
or iTunes

(cdbaby is a great indy site)

[MyNameHere]

TSO's "Night Castle" - Full Album Download - $3.99!!! (Dec 9 Only) on Amazon.com

I just received this email from Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Thought some of you may be interested.

http://x.jmxded139.net/w.z?j=241768617&m=D9B209C96F3A48DCB27F1DEFD99A1527

[CATZILLA]

This year it's DEC 4TH BI-LO Center, Greenville SC....we are there every year !
My wife has a high school friend that works with Upstage Lighting who of course tours with TSO....can't get here soon enough ! lol :p