What is BCQ listening to lately? - March 5, 2008

This will probably be a recurring theme here: what I am listening to lately. My tastes are wide and varied, and even music that I do not like I tend to appreciate more when I hear it live.

Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Dream Theater, a group I am sure that will appear on this list again. This time, however, I am including three different groups. These groups are very different from one another in their musical stylings, and should give you an idea of the range of music that I like. Check these videos out and give the groups a chance. You may find something you like!

Riverside
I only just stumbled across this band from Poland. They are a progressive rock band that sounds like Peter Gabriel with a bit of Stabbing Westward in this song. This video, for Panic Room, has a laid back drive and a reserved melody that makes me want to listen to it again and again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMqd7zYkQaw



Symphony X
This progressive metal band is a bit heavier than most people I know would like, but I love a good driving tune with complex chord changes that resolve into full-on, powerful riffs. Give this video a chance, let it get into the chorus and second verse. Much like Dream Theater, this band displays virtuostic talent with their instruments, especially the guitarist, Michael Romeo. And their singer is one of the strongest rock vocals I have heard in some time. The guy has got to be 6'3" or 6'4"... and big. Not the sort of guy you would expect to have this sort of voice. Anyway, this video is from their album "Paradise Lost." This is "Set the World on Fire."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUn4jXZko5E



Death Cab for Cutie
I haven't gotten into these guys very much except for this one song. This song is very touching, and a definite change from the power and drive of Symphony X song above. If you aren't moved by the this song, get your pulse checked.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfBw0IWwO5U



So those are my choices this time around. Three very different songs from three very different groups. Let me know what you think. Did you like them? Did you not like them? Did seeing these videos lead you to look up other music by the same groups? Do you have a suggestion for a song or band for me to take a look at for the next time? Add a comment!