Something to Listen To

It has been a busy week so I didn’t have much time for viewing House. Considering that fact and that I wasn’t getting any comments I decided to postpone the House post for at least a week and write about something else. After some serious deliberation I chose my post based off the CD I was listening to from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. With this post I hope that I will motivate my readers to check out this incredible band and their newest album - Night Castle.

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra debuted in 1996 under the genera of rock opera. They are best known for their holiday music and have released several Christmas CDs. I first fell in love with the Christmas Eve and Other Stories album because it was so very different from everything else heard on the radio during the month of December. The group took traditional songs and gave them their own spin with some serious rock attitude. My favorite happens to be “Christmas Eve/ Sarajevo 12/24” but others like “O Holy Night”, ”The First Noel” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” are almost as good. The other albums have a similar concept so they are great during the holidays. The Christmas CDs alone are enough reason to check out the Trans-Siberian Orchestra but if that’s not convincing then look at Night Castle and prepare to be impressed.

This newest album knocked my socks off because it wasn’t like the previous ones; it wasn’t Christmassy in the least. For this particular CD they really gave life to the meaning of rock opera and the result was monumental. It features a variety of songs with a little something for everyone. Some of the pieces are vocal while others are just instrumental. “Tracers” has some seriously cool guitar solos and “Believe” moves me every time. Also featured are a few lullabies and “O Fortuna” from Carmina Burana. One that particularly stands out is the “Nutcracker” this is a rendition unlike any that you have heard before I assure you. With 26 songs on the CD one shouldn’t have any problem finding something that they like.

Another thing that I really enjoy about the Trans-Siberian Orchestra is the shows they put on. Like their music they never do anything just half way. Each of their presentations tell a story so that they are more than just a concert, they are an experience. If any of this sounds mildly interesting I encourage you to check them out and I would suggest YouTube to start your search. I’m a fan because someone told me to check them out now I’m passing the wisdom on to you in hopes that you’ll do the same.