I've been listening to the live version of this album today. Somehow, the ambiance of the live recording really adds to the music. Normally, live albums just fall short. In this case, however, everything is so much more moody.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5juc6fmgylw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9MsW1b0QAA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrcxoYkYO4E
Shame I can't find the live versions here.
I've got the original vocalist's new album playing right now in the other room, "My Winter Storm". That CD was stuck in the receiver of the Discovery for over a year, as I had no time to continue my audio project.
In over a year of playing the same CD, I never grew tired of it. I can still play the song "Oasis" from that album ten times in a row, sitting on the couch, and enjoy every minute of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hF2ypkzQ5qw
Tarja was great. I think she has proven, however, that she is even better alone. Nightwish ended up with a new vocalist that took some getting used to, but she is right for their new albums, and Tarja is now free to explore again.
Cheers,
Kennith