Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve and Other Stories (1996)

Reason for Listening:
#85 on the Billboard 200 (Week of 20191123). Holiday album.
Last Week: - | Peak: 48 | Weeks on Chart: 57.

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Released 19961015.
17 songs. 62:03. Christmas Eve and Other Stories (1996)
17+2 songs. 62:03+07:21. Christmas Eve and Other Stories (Target) (1996)
Wikipedia

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Notes:
--20191123--
First listen. Standard.
"The Silent Nutcracker" is an interesting blend of "Silent Night" and (The Nutcracker) "March."
I wanted to know which part of The Nutcracker is "A Mad Russian's Christmas." One answer I found says "Dance of the Sugar-Plum Fairy" (00:01-01:16 & 03:01-03:16), "Trepak (Russian Dance)" (001:17-01:41 & 03:40-04:42), "Dance of the Reed Pipes" (01:42-03:00), and "Coffee (Arabian Dance)" (03:17-03:39).

Songs in bold are the bonus tracks.
3: "A Mad Russian's Christmas" (Instrumental);
2: "An Angel Came Down"; "O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night" (Instrumental); "The Silent Nutcracker" (Instrumental); "The Prince of Peace"; "The First Noel" (Instrumental); "O Holy Night";
1: "A Star to Follow"; "First Snow" (Instrumental); "Christmas / Sarajevo 12/24" (Instrumental); "Old City Bar"; "Promises to Keep"; "This Christmas Day"; "An Angel Returned"; "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman";
0: "Good King Joy"; "Ornament";

Summary:
Overall, I enjoyed the album. I didn't take the time to read the concept, but knowing that the album was written around a story made a difference in how I approached it. In the end, I would give the album a 4.0 and should listen to it again some time this holiday season.

Overall Rating: 4.0/5
Favorite Song: "A Mad Russian's Christmas" (Instrumental)

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