This has been burning a hole in my computer for *days* now but I have either: 1) Not been home to post the bloody thing or 2) Too busy to post the bloody thing. Well now I have a few spare minutes so here it is.
I've been here there and everywhere the past couple of weeks, bouncing between homes and states not staying in one place for very long. Thankfully there has been a nice selection of music following me around (thanks to keeping one of the plastic baggie things and just stuffing it full of assorted discs of various degrees of merriment).
I want to say Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays to everyone, I hope that your holiday season is not too rushed or too cluttered. May it be just right. Somewhere in the middle and free of illness and such n so forth.
Trans Siberian Orchestra - Christmas Eve and Other Stories
My favorite of the three is still the original despite the fact the discs get more and more overblown and pretentious as time goes on. "First Snow" is still a MUST play for that fateful day of the year when you get your first snowfall. That song is immediately put on as the flakes are swirling down. Good stuff. Also, what amazes me is how much exposure this has received. Even people that only keep up with the Top 40 know this album, and that gives my metal soul a warm, tingly feeling. Even though they seem to tune me out after they ask "ever heard this Siberia Orchestra band?" and I start spouting the entire history of Savatage....and "Dead Winter Dead".
Trans Siberian Orchestra - The Christmas Attic
I love "The Music Box". Other songs are good as well but this one gets tons of playing. A simple, sweet, sad sentiment, it kind of reminds me of that lingering feeling of bittersweet memories. Like looking at bliss, but as seen through your rear view mirror. Objects may seem more rose coloured wonderful than they appear...
Trans Siberian Orchestra - The Lost Christmas Eve
This completes the TSO trifecta. I love the pompous over-the-top hard rock smashing out Christmas tuneage. My only complaint is that they don't use metal vocalists. I keep hoping for a Xmas album by these guys that incorporates some of our vocal gods from metal land. Imagine Jorn Lande and Russell Allen singing this stuff. Or Joe Lynn Turner even for some of the bluesier stuff. Tasty. Zak Stevens atleast. Anyone listening??
Merry Axemas A Guitar Christmas Vol 1 & 2
I like both of these but John Sykes' "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman" is where its AT. He turns this song into a freakin heavy metal masterpiece. I listen to it a few times a year, atleast.
Bad Habit - Hear-Say
A little different than what I expected but still good stuff. Some people may be turned off by the tricks and unusual sounds at times, but it's a very interesting listen for AOR. Programmed stuff and techno unite with AOR and its not bad.
Khymera - A New Promise
"Forgotten" AOR gems are brought to life under a heavier banner. Brilliant material can be found here and it has recieved quite a bit of playtime here. Who knew Dennis Ward could sing? Is there anything he can't do? This was as much of a surprise as the Hodson one-off solo thing awhile back. No one knew that bass player could sing either and he sure did show up everyone.
Tony O'Hora - Escape Into the Sun
Ten - The Essential Collection
Bob Catley - Spirit of Man
These three are being included not because I have heard them yet, but moreso because they will be getting some SERIOUS heavy playing in the next few days, as they have been packed in my to-go bag and will be my musical companions along with some Xmas-themed stuff. As I'm wrapping presents, I will be listening to the lovely crooning of Mr. Catley. As I am decorating the tree, it will be me and Gary Hughes. And for those car rides for shopping trips of the last minute kind, Tony O'Hora will keep me pumped to keep on keepin' on. That's my upcoming trilogy.
I also could mention alot of Christmas music in here ranging from "classic" to "embarrassing".... cuts by Elvis, Barbara Streisand, Kenny Rogers, Brooks N Dunn, Celine Dion, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Sandi Patti (a fabulous singer who unfortunately only dabbles in gospel and Christmas music), Kenny G, Ray Stevens, Gene Autry: a whole cornucopia of artists doing cheery holiday fare.
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