I love this CD! It is always part of my Christmas music. The driving rhythms and story told mark it as originating from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. I love how they incorporate parts of traditional Christmas songs into their original works.

From the opening of An Angel Came Down you know you are not listening to a "traditional" Christmas CD. The music demands to be heard. Even "traditional" songs are made new; just listen to O Come All Ye Faithful/O Holy Night to understand what I mean. A Mad Russian's Christmas brought a smile to my face.

I think of the original songs, my favorites are A Star to Follow, The Silent Nutcracker (lovely acoustic guitar work!), Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24, Good King Joy, Old City Bar, and This Christmas Day. However, there isn't a bad track on this whole CD.

I'm not all that fond of rock music, but the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's music is an exception. Try this CD and see if you like the group. If you do, then go get the rest of the CDs! ( )