When the late, great Producer/Composer/Lyricist Paul O’Neill brought Trans-Siberian Orchestra together back in 1996, he more than likely never imagined it would become the worldwide musical phenomena that it is today.
Twenty-seven years running, Trans-Siberian Orchestra initially formed with the intention of bringing together Classic and Rock-n-Roll music into an exciting hybrid. Originally a concept O’Neill dreamt up to be six rock operas, a trilogy about Christmas, and maybe one or two regular albums, what transpired supersedes all expectations. Creating a foundation with Savatage bandmates Jon Oliva, Robert Kinkel, and Al Pitrelli, Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s incredible journey all started with the 1996 album Christmas Eve and Other Stories.
An album that features a centralized story surrounding the music, it marries original Classic Christmas songs such as “O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night” and “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” with new, original Neo-Classic Rock songs that included “First Snow” and “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.” A masterful idea, that is executed with class and passion, Christmas Eve and Other Stories has become one of the best-selling Christmas albums of all time in the U.S.. Certified 3× platinum by the RIAA for selling 3 million copies in the U.S. alone, it was the launching pad for a career that has spanned six studio albums that has complied in the sale of more than 12 million albums and DVDs, but also epic yearly tours.
Their most signature attribute, interestingly, Christmas Eve and Other Stories became their first ever live tour in 1999. Clearly a massive success, it prompted O’Neill to form two touring bands that divided between the east and west coasts of the USA; allowing the act to perform a greater number of shows during their holiday touring period.
A modern-day Christmas tradition for many, you can again look back to Christmas Eve and Other Stories as the focal point of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra universe, and that is why it is with tremendous excitement to see the album released to vinyl in 2023.
A part of a group of new releases being put out, this past fall they marked the 25th anniversary of 1998’s The Christmas Attic with a deluxe pop-up galaxy blue vinyl release. This is while on November 10th they digitally released 1999’s The Ghosts of Christmas Eve in Dolby Atmos Spatial Audio and hi-fidelity stereo mixes, including both the songs and narration, calling it The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve – The Complete Narrated Version. All complimenting 2023’s The Ghosts of Christmas Eve – the Best of TSO & More Tour (Hitting 62 cities for a total of 104 performances), on November 8th SiriusXM kicked off the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Radio channel just in time for the holidays.
A lot of content to consume, in regards to Christmas Eve and Other Stories, the issuing to vinyl came via Atlantic Records on November 3rd a part of the label’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration. Not the first time the album has been pressed to vinyl, where this edition stands out is the fact that it is a crystal clear copy. Elegant looking, it also features a lovely LP sized booklet with the album’s story printed out, along with other images and song lyrics. Each great feature, the 2LP edition is also limited… so you may want to get it while it lasts. Furthermore, and probably the boldest aspect, the sound quality is nothing less than pristine, clean, and powerful.
Overall, there is a lot to celebrate in the world of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, but again, it all starts with Christmas Eve and Other Stories. Currently on tour for the remainder of December through to the day before Christmas Eve, and then through running through to 30th after the holiday, be sure to check if they have not passed through your town yet. If you missed them, better look out for 2024. Either way, it is recommended you invest in this new vinyl edition of their debut album, because Cryptic Rock gives the content and this new pressing 5 out of 5 stars.
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