Music this week

Live music and more, tonight through Thursday, compiled by Shaun Brady, Tom Di Nardo, James Johnson, Sara Sherr and Jonathan Takiff.

POP . . . plus

Ellis Paul: Lots of guys are writing songs about bad times, but no one's hit on the money as vividly than this veteran of the New England folky singer-songwriter school. On his new "The Day After Everything Changed" album, Paul makes the best of romance in hard times ("Rose Tatoo"), warns of the perils of "easy" solutions ("The Lights of Vegas") and taps into the post- Hurricane Katrina doldrums with the Louisiana-style "Hurricane Angel." Adam Ezra opens for him in concert. Kennett Flash, 102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 8 tonight, $25, 484-732-8295, www.kennettflash.org.

The Brakes: Hit yours for these deserving locals and be stopped in your tracks by their earthy tones and hook-smart tunes. American Babys also are cruising in (from Brooklyn, N.Y.) for a bruisin'. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave. 10:30 tonight, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Mike Doughty: The 1990s Soul Coughing front guy and New Millenia solo artist returns with buddy Andrew "Scrap" Livingston for an acoustic-oriented, audience-pleasing "Question Jar" show. He pulls out your written requests and inquiries for playing and answering. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $30-$40, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

The Machine: As good an American "knockoff" of Pink Floyd in concert as you may ever hear and see. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 tonight, $32 and $37. Nonperishable, non-glass packaged food items accepted for Philabundance. 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Disco Biscuits: Our most popular jam-band exports have become an annual reason-for-Thanksgiving staple at this hometown club. Do try and find time to visit with your real family, too. Soja opens. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 tonight and tomorrow, $32.50/$35, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

Jeffrey Gaines: Philly soul-infused singer-songwriter returns to a favorite haunt. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30 tonight and tomorrow, $22, 215-928-0972, www.tinangel.com.

Mountain Goats: Earnest troubadour John Darnielle sometimes sings softly, but always carries a wallop. The imagery is crisp, the folk-pop tunes propulsive, and he doesn't whine like some we could mention. Expect lots from his new album "The Life of the World to Come." Heavy. 9 p.m. tomorrow, $18/$21, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Southside Johnny & the Asbury Jukes: Horn-laced Jersey Shore rock legend is back with another of his Thanksgiving weekend shows at the Keswick. Be sure to shout out for some of his amazing covers of Tom Waits material, subject of Mr. Lyon's last album. Kindred spirit John Eddie kicks off the concert. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $39.50, Philabundance offerings gratefully accepted. 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com.

Meat Puppets: Indie rock notables of the '80s are back in original trio form and promising nothing less than "resurrection." Kirwood Dellinger and Asteroid #4 perform, too. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $19-$26, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Mew: Prog rock finds a new footing in the 21st century with this eccentrically swirling, stirring, rhythmically off-kilter and often killer group. Yes, they can! Ryat opens. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7:30 p.m. Monday, $16 (all ages), 215-922-6888, www.thetroc.com.

Over the Rhine: Hubby and wife music makers Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist return with their lush, haunting, adult-alternative sound. Lucy Wainwright Roche is the compatible opener. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Monday, $25-$35, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Zero 7: Kings of ambient chill-out have stretched their ways on the invigorating new "Yeah Ghost" album, in dalliances with dance pop, techno groove and snappy soul-flecked styles. Live, the British duo (Sam Hardaker and Henry Billings) will be working with one of the album's several guest singers, Eska, plus folk collaborator Olivia Chaney and longtime bandmates Eddie Stevens, Robin Mullarkey and Tom Skinner, guaranteeing a full-bodied sound. Body Language and Justin Paul warm up your ears. TLA, 334 South St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $20/$23, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Twisted Sister: Rock the season hard and heavy  with their "Twisted Christmas" extravaganza. Keswick Theatre, Easton Road and Keswick Ave., Glenside, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $33.50, $39.50, $100, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com

HIP-HOP, R&B

Welcome To Soulville: This monthly party lives up to its name with a special celebration of "The Sound of Philadelphia" as created by Gamble and Huff. With Blaak the 9th Man and fellow 84 members Fatnice and Aulpurpis serve as hosts. Elena's Soul Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave., 10 tonight, $5, 21-plus, 215-729-9575, www.elenassoul.com.

The Temptations: One of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful R&B acts of all takes the stage for what will undoubtedly be two great performances. Atlantic City Hilton, 3400 Pacific Ave., Atlantic City, N.J., 9 tonight, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $35, 609-340-7200, www.hiltonac.com.

Tastytreats: ?uestlove of The Roots shows off his DJ skills at the long-running weekly hip-hop party. Also spinning, DJ Mike Nyce, and Yameen Allword hosts. Fluid Night Club, 613 S. 4th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $7, ladies free before 11 p.m., 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

two.one.five magazine Winter Sound & Style Launch Party: The popular Philly culture mag taps the talents of Rich Medina, Gregg Foreman and the 10 Commandments DJs to celebrate its latest edition. Open bar until 11 p.m. too. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 9 p.m. Tuesday, free, 21-plus, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Reggae Christmas Party: Ital Sound, Rascul Intl., Peter Blacks and Solomonic Sound are out in support of good music and a good cause. Bring unwrapped toys to be sent to children in Jamaica. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 10 p.m. Wednesday, $5, $4 with toy donation, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Hip-Hop for the Holidays: The Illstyle & Peace Productions dance crew throws fundraiser event to support Young Audiences of Eastern Pennsylvania, a nonprofit group dedicated to providing arts programming for children. Adrienne Theatre, 2030 Sansom St., 7 p.m. Thursday, $15 minimum donation, 215-564-2431.

Hezekiah's Jam Session: Every other week, the local producer/MC hosts an incredible jam session at one of West Philly's best venues. Come out to play, sing, rap or just enjoy the music. Elena's Soul Lounge, 4912 Baltimore Ave., 10 p.m. Thursday, free, 21-plus, 215-729-9575, www.elenassoul.com.

Julian Plenti: Interpol's Paul Banks debuts his solo project with Brooklyn, N.Y.'s I'm In You. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 tonight, $12, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Free Energy: Brooklyn, N.Y., transplants with their DFA debut on the way, rock out with the Tough S---- and Post Post. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 7:30 tonight, $12, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Brother JT: Pysch-rock king comes home for Thanksgiving, along with Three 4 Tens and the Successful Failures. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Turnaround Vs. Immediate: The soul party turns two tonight with DJs Gregg Foreman and the Brothers Gieda. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 9 tonight, $5, www.myspace.com/thenewbarbary.

Jay Reatard: Must-see, garage-punk protégé returns with a new punk band, the Cola Freaks. Screaming Females, who are like the coed version of Husker Du, and Philly scuzz rockers Women (who are actually all men) open the show. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 tonight, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Do Make Say Think: Epic instrumental side project of Broken Social Scene joins their fellow members in the Happiness Project and Years. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Monday, $14-15, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Monday Night Club: Closing of the Outsider Festival includes a screening of the Wesley Willis documentary "Wesley Willis Joyrides," plus the CD release party for Lisa Sunshine, Abe the Rockstar, Personae Joe Melchiorre, and others. National Mechanics, 22 S. 3rd St., 10 p.m. Monday, free, 215-701-4883, www.nationalmechanics.com.

Pelican: Chicago arty metal band tops a bill with much of the same: San Francisco's Black Cobra and Boston's Disappearer. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, $12, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Gil Mantera's Party Dream: Aptly named, half-naked synth-pop band parties with Sweatheart and Gang. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Stev Ove Toft: One of the bigger names in the Norwegian noise rock scene plays with the more visual Jon Eriksen and Philly's Drums Like Machine Guns. JR's Bar, 22nd Street and Passyunk Avenue, 9 p.m. Tuesday, $5, www.villagegreenrproductions.net.

The Queers: Punk-pop vets are the link between the Ramones and Green Day. The Leftovers open. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, $12, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: The man who successfully channels Thin Lizzy and the Jam plays his first show in a spell with a full band, and the So So Glos. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $12, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Jaguar Love: Former members of Pretty Girls Make Graves and Blood Brothers. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

The Espers: Grab tickets for this one soon. The Philly freak folk pioneers return with Azita and Doug Paisley. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $10, $10, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

JAZZ

Luba Mason: Vocalist Mason has certainly absorbed a few lessons from her husband, salsa superstar Ruben Blades, but her lilting voice simmers where Blades tends to sizzle. Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th Street and Ben Franklin Parkway, 5:45 and 7:15 tonight, free with regular museum admission of $16, 215-763-8100, www.philamuseum.org.

Steve Giordano Quintet: Philly guitarist Giordano usually heads an ensemble known as the Spacetet, but there's no reason to think his new quintet will be any more down-to-earth. He will, after all, share the spotlight with John Swana, wielding the electronic EVI rather than his less alien trumpet. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 tonight, $15, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Jackie Ryan: Vocalist Ryan is possessed of an impressive range, a crystalline tone and an expressive approach to interpreting a lyric. Backed by a band of Philly all-stars headed by saxophonist Larry McKenna, expect a set exploring tender ballads, sassy swing and sultry Brazilian sounds. Chris' Jazz Café, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 p.m. tomorrow, $20-$25, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Tia Fuller Quartet: Not to say that her playing won't be fierce, but saxophonist Tia Fuller's Philly stop this weekend will be her first off of helping create the sound of "Sasha Fierce" on Beyonce's world tour. Ortlieb's Jazzhaus, 847 N. 3rd St., 8 tonight, $15, 215-922-1035, www.ortliebsjazzhaus.com.

Ellery Eskelin-Erik Deutsch-Allison Miller Trio: Three adventurous improvisers - on tenor sax, organ and drums respectively - combine forces and promise a thrilling combination. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $12, 215-387-5125, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Michael Olatuja Group: British/Nigerian bassist Olatuja is a prolific sideman with artists like trumpet master Terence Blanchard, but on his own he blends jazz with African influences and neo-soul grooves. Chris' Jazz Café Sunset Sessions, 1421 Sansom St., 5 p.m. Thursday, $10, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Michael Pedicin: Philly saxophonist can really get inside your head, with both his Coltrane-inspired playing and his doctorate in psychology. Collingswood Community Center, 30 Collings Ave., Collingswood, N.J., 7:30 p.m. Thursday, $10, 856-858-8914, www.jazzbridge.org.

CLASSICAL

Philadelphia Orchestra: Dutch-born Jaap van Zweden, now music director of the Dallas Symphony and chief conductor of the Royal Flemish Philharmonic, debuts with the orchestra. He's chosen Bruckner's unfinished Ninth Symphony, the composer's final work in which the gigantic, cathedral-like third movement serves as its finale. Up front, pianist Horacio Gutierrez, usually involved in powerhouse works, shows his lighter side in the Mozart Piano Concerto No. 19. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 tonight and tomorrow, 2 p.m. Sunday, $39-$125, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Colin Balzer: Canadian lyric tenor, accompanied by pianist Erika Switzer, offers songs by Haydn and Britten, as well as lieder by Schubert and Wolf. American Philosophical Society, 427 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Tuesday, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.

Mendelssohn String Quartet: On their farewell tour, this esteemed ensemble is going out with a flourish, offering three major quartets: Mendelssohn's Op. 13, Bartok's No.2 and Beethoven's penultimate Op. 132. Perelman Theater, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. Wednesday, $23, 215-569-8080, www.pcmsconcerts.org.