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

Mute Math: Earnest, electronica and funk-laced Louisiana rockers got a lot of attention appearing on the sound track for "Twilight" and are now celebrating their peace-seeking "Armistice" album. Good stuff. As Tall As Lions open. Online ticket purchases include a three-track music download. TLA, 334 South St., 9 tonight, $27, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Subdudes: With their warm 'n' sultry vocals, light acoustic instrumentation and minimalist percussion, these Bayou rockers boast a uniquely balmy, bouncy sound. And the fresh-cut album bunch "Flower Petals" is one of their best. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 tonight, $30-$40, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

All That Remains: Who says hard core can't have hooks? With Lacuna Coil, Maylene & the Sons of Disaster and From Sword to Sunrise. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 7 tonight, $20, 215-922-6888, www.thetroc.com.

Jill Hennessy: You know her as the strikingly pretty title character of "Crossing Jordan" and as a core player on "Law & Order." But before she was a TV star, Hennessy was a folksinger in Toronto, and now she's back at the music in earnest. The songs are dark, dramatic and personal, and well-matched to her full-bodied vocals, somewhat evocative of Tracy Chapman and Joan Armatrading. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 tonight, $13, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

School of Seven Bells: Dream pop trio rings our bells with coded communiqués, silky vocal tones and synthesized swirls. Composed of Benjamin Curtis (of the esteemed Secret Machines) and the identical twins Alejandra and Claudia Deheza (formerly of On!Air!Library!). Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30 tonight, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Mat Kearney: Pop crooner reaches for the romantic skies and falsetto high notes with ease. Apt for fans of the Fray and David Gray. Diane Birch, a dusky-toned, singer-songwriter in the Dusty Springfield-to-Duffy soul/pop continuum, is the worthy opener. TLA, 334 South St., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $20/$23, 215-922-1011, www.livenation.com.

Lili Anel: Now Philadelphia-based, this seasoned pop chanteuse has a haunting voice, beautiful diction and gloriously refined melodic aura about her. Think of Phoebe Snow, Edith Piaf, Nina Simone, Norah Jones. That's the company Anel's keeping, as she unveils tunes from her new "Every Second In Between" album produced by Glenn Barratt. Lizanne Knott opens. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St. 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 215-928-0978, tinangel.com.

Porcupine Tree: Kings of the hard progressive scene duke it out on a bill with the equally regal, rocking King's X. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $26, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

Snow Patrol: Seems too soon for a blast of this chilly, wintry music, though it's pretty stuff. Pop punksters Plain White T's lighten the load and lower the crowd demographic. Tower Theater, 69th and Ludlow streets, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $22.50 (in four-pack) to $43, 877-598-8696, www.livenation.com.

Will Hoge/Alternate Routes: Good-time soul-rocker and laid-back Americana band prove that golden rule that sometimes "less" really is "more." Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Ten Out of Tenn: Coming 'round again with a new cast, this 10-pack of Nashville-based troubadours is a great tool for discovery: you of them, and they of you. Includes Madi Diaz, Kyle Andrews, Andrew Belle, Joy Williams, Ashley Monroe, Mikky Ekko, Sarah Siskind, Trent Dabbs and K.S. Rhoads. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 8 p.m. Sunday, $13-$15, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Sick of Sarah: Thrashy, brashy female five has tons of "been there, done that, now get outta my face" attitude. And the tunes to back it up. With Donora and Action Design. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 7 p.m. Sunday, $8, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

James McMurtry & the Heartless Bastards: Heartland-style storyteller mixes dark humor and true grit. Perverse could be worse. Sellersville Theater, Main and Temple streets, Sellersville. 7:30 p.m. Sunday, $21.50-$33, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com.

Great Lake Swimmers: Graduates (with honors) of the Canadian folk-pop school. Complimentary openers include With The Wooden Birds plus Sharon Van Etten. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Tuesday, $12, 215-2739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Charlotte Martin: While trained for opera, Martin is now devoted to lustrous pop and alt-folk in the Kate Bush, Tori Amos vein. Area fave Matt Duke shares the stage. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, $19-$27, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Tina Dico: Danish modern popster, first known here from her sultry guest vocals with Zero 7, shares her romantic doubts and ambitions in a wistful, intriguing fashion, with questions left unanswered. Upstairs at World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St., 8 p.m. Wednesday, $19, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Faust: Ever ones to make head spins with their sprawling, spaced-out sturm und drang, these German legends were innovators of the "Krautrock" school that also kicked out Can and Kraftwerk. Still innovating, Faust is hosting a workshop rather than a concert here, inviting like-minded musicians to bring their axes and accessories to schmooze first, then collectively improvise new tunes. Listeners invited. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $10, 866-468-7619, www.r5productions.com.

Arctic Monkeys: Northern English rockers have actually lived up to their promise as "the new Smiths" and "New Pulp" and now, with their heavier-sounding "Humbug" album, "the New Arctic Monkeys." 8 p.m. Wednesday, Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, $25, 215-627-1332, www.livenation.com.

Ditty Bops: As their name suggests, Amanda Barrett and Abby DeWald are sure cute, fun and colorful, serving up fresh yet "vintage" styled ragtime and swing tunes. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8 p.m. Thursday, $16, 215-928-0978, www.tinangel.com.

HIP-HOP, R&B

WyldLyfe: Philly-based band combines elements of hip-hop, reggae rock, R&B and pretty much anything else that sounds good. They'll be joined by Nicole Tranquillo, a soulful singer originally from Reading. World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., 11 tonight, $10, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com.

Aftermath vs. Okayplayer Party: Two of the most prominent hip-hop collectives of the past decade will face off as DJ Statik and DJ Aktive pit the respective camps' discographies against each other. Fluid Nightclub, 613 S. 4th St., 10 tonight, $5, 21-plus, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

Kool & the Gang: With a 40-plus-year career and more than 70 million albums sold worldwide, this Jersey City-based funk group is responsible for some of the most memorable music of the '70s. Tropicana Showroom, 2831 Boardwalk, Atlantic City, N.J., 9 tonight and tomorrow night, $25, $35 and $45, 609-340-4000, www.tropicana.net.

Shwayze: The California-based MC is touring the nation with Cisco Alder, Cold Flamez and Beardo. Also in the lineup is one of the best up-and-coming rappers in the last few years, Atlanta's B.O.B. Trocadero Theatre, 1003 Arch St., 7 p.m. tomorrow, $16, 215-922-5483, www.thetroc.com.

Pointer Sisters: These three singing siblings from Oakland, Calif., have been entertaining audiences since the late '60s with hits like "I'm So Excited" and "Yes We Can Can." Bally's Atlantic City, Boardwalk at Park Place, Atlantic City, N.J., $35, $55 and $75, 609-340-2000, ballysac.com.

Frequency Heat Holders: The lineup for the 40th anniversary season opener is definitely eclectic, with music from Flying Lotus, Shabazz Palaces and the SNS Ensemble, with visuals by Peter Kirn and Jason Senk. Painted Bride Arts Center, 230 Vine St., 7:10 p.m. tomorrow, $20, all ages, 215-925-9914, www.paintedbride.org.

Tastytreats: Special guest DJs Scratch of EPMD and Ultraviolet of Bee Eater Records will join resident DJ Mike Nyce for another installment of one of Philly's best weekly parties. Hosted by Yameen Allworld. Fluid Nightclub, 613 S. 4th St., 10 p.m. tomorrow, $10, 21-plus, 215-629-3686, www.fluidnightclub.com.

Philly Unplugged: Soul singer Lydia Rene highlights a great assortment of talent at this monthly showcase. Also performing are Kenny Wesley, Aaron Brown, Scoop the MC and Smash N Grab. Warmdaddy's, 1400 S. Columbus Blvd., 7 p.m. Monday, $15, 215-462-2000, www.warmdaddys.com.

Candyland: The weekly party that combines candy, board games and great music has found a new home. Featuring DJ Mike Nyce on the ones and twos. The Arts Garage, 1533-35 Ridge Ave., 10 p.m. Thursday, $5, 21-plus, 215-765-2702, www.theartsgarage.com.

ALTERNATIVE

Barred for Life: Local group of photographers and musicians has been documenting Black Flag fans sporting "the bars" tattoo. To raise money for their upcoming tour, there's a bike race/punk points scavenger hunt kicking off at Bob and Barbara's, followed by an afterparty upstairs at the Khyber with the Get Bent DJs spinning punk and metal. Tomorrow night is a show at the Exit Skate Shop with Aneurysm Rats, Copout, Backwoods Payback and Autolyze. Bob and Barbara's, 1508 South St., 5 p.m. today, $5, 215-545-4511. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, free, 215-238-5888. Exit Skate Shop, 825 N. 2nd St., 8 p.m. tomorrow, $6, 215-425-2450, www.myspace.com/barredforlife.

forgetters: Members of Jawbreaker and Against Me debut their new band with Onion Flavored Rings and Philly punk supergroup Amateur Party. Barbary, Frankford and Delaware avenues, 6:30 tonight, sold out, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Screaming Females: After opening for the Dead Weather and Throwing Muses, the Jersey femme-shredding band plays with Philly's Brown Recluse, who just released their debut on classic indie pop label Slumberland. Also: DFA label's Free Energy and Bad Temple. Pilam, 3914 Spruce St., 8 tonight, $8, www.myspace.com/thepilam.

Health: Electro-punk band is the latest arrival from the underground L.A. scene that includes No Age and Abe Vigoda. With Pictureplane and West Philly's Tickley Feather. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 tonight, $12, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Lebowski Fest: A celebration of all things related to the 1998 Coen brothers cult comedy, "The Big Lebowski." Fans of the film (aka "Achievers") gather to drink white Russians, throw some rocks and party with an array of Dudes, Walters and Maudes. Electric Factory, 7th and Willow streets, 8:30 tonight, $22, all ages, 215- 627-1332, www.livenation.com.

Sean Bones: Brooklyn, N.Y., reggae rocker is inspired by the likes of the Clash and English Beat. Khyber, 56 S. 2nd St., 9 tonight, $10, 215-238-5888, www.thekhyber.com.

Pilooski: Parisian DJ, best known for his hit remix of Frankie Valli's "Beggin' " as well as tracks by Prince and Elvis, joins the Broadzilla crew for his first visit to Philadelphia. Silk City, 5th and Spring Garden streets, 10 tonight, $5, 215-592-8838, www.silkcityphilly.com.

Trus'me: Manchester DJ who recently collaborated on LCD Soundsystem's "45:33" project does his first Philly date at the Robotique party. Kung Fu Necktie, 1248 N. Front St., 10 tonight, $3, 215-291-4919, www.kungfunecktie.com.

Branden Daniel and Everybody Gets Laid: Seattle garage rockers (and eternal optimists) top a bill filled with much of the same: Mondo Topless, the more post-punk Casual Viking and Dark Horse & the Carousels side project Far Out Fang Tooth. M Room, 15 W. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. tomorrow, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

Mono: Japanese band known for epic instrumentals akin to Mogwai and Explosions in the Sky. Maserati opens. First Unitarian Church, 2125 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $12, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

Zombie Prom: Get ready for Halloween with music by Live Not on Evil, the Young Werewolves, DJ Robert Drake & Dave Ghoul and zombie makeup stations from Terror Behind the Walls. Trocadero, 10th and Arch streets, 8 p.m. Sunday, $7-$10, 215-922-LIVE, www.thetroc.com.

Wavves: Noise-pop duo has come a long way since they last played The Marvelous in Philadelphia, topping tons of critics' lists and playing European festivals. With Ganglians and Reading Rainbow. First Unitarian Church, 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10, all ages, 215-821-R5R5, www.r5productions.com.

The Soft Pack: Blogger buzz band from San Diego mixes gothy doom with California surf. Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $12, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.

Girl in a Coma: This band, a mix of the Smiths and Patsy Cline, always delivers. With Black Gold, Marianne Dissard and Post Post. M Room, 15 W. Girard Ave., 9 p.m. Thursday, $8, 215-739-5577, www.themanhattanroom.com.

JAZZ

Elio Villafranca Quintet: Cuban-born pianist (and former Philly resident) combines the Afro-Cuban rhythms of his homeland with sharp, modern compositions from his adopted one. 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.

Ablaye Cissoko & Volker Goetze: Unusual duo combines Cissoko's Senegalese kora and Goetze's spacious German trumpet. Calvary United Methodist Church, 48th Street and Baltimore Avenue, 7:30 tonight, $10-$30, 215-729-1028, www.crossroadsconcerts.org.

Kenny Werner Trio: Pianist has a knack for assembling groups that work magically off his own playful eccentricity, especially his trios. One of the best, whose individual members' increasingly busy schedules have kept from performing much of late, includes bassist Johannes Weidenmuller and Philly-born drummer Ari Hoenig, who'll reassemble this weekend. Chris' Jazz Cafe, 1421 Sansom St., 8 and 10 tonight and tomorrow night, $20, 215-568-3131, www.chrisjazzcafe.com.

Oliver Lake Organ Quartet: Founding member of both the World Saxophone Quartet and St. Louis' groundbreaking Black Artists Group, saxophonist Lake is a free jazz pioneer. His quartet features organist Jared Gold, trumpeter Freddie Hendrix and drummer Bill McClellan. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 8 p.m. Sunday, $12, 215-387-5125, www.arsnovaworkshop.com.

Esperanza Spalding: Hailed by David Letterman as his coolest guest ever, Spalding straddles the boundary between modern jazz and neo-soul, doing credit to both. Grand Opera House, 818 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del., 8 p.m. Thursday, $27-$42, 302-652-5577, www.grandopera.org.

CLASSICAL

Philadelphia Orchestra: The season begins with a grand Gallic flourish, as conductor Charles Dutoit continues this year's celebration of Hector Berlioz. The composer's early "Resurrexit" and his flaming "Te Deum" for organ, tenor John Tessier and the Philadelphia Singers are the mighty bookends. In between, Dutoit has scheduled Saint-Saens exultant Third Symphony, subtitled "The Organ" for its surging, concertolike keyboard role. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Broad and Spruce streets, 2 p.m. today and 8 p.m. Tuesday, $10-$120, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia: Nine wind players of the ensemble head to Lansdale to open this outreach season. The program features 12 Duos for two horns by Mozart, Beethoven's Mozart Variations for two oboes and English horn and Mozart's glowing Serenade, K.388. Lansdale Center for the Performing Arts, 311 W. Main St., 7:30 tonight, $40, 215-362-1296, www.landsalecpa.org.

Orion String Quartet: Esteemed ensemble will perform all four String Quartets by American master Leon Kirchner, a mighty task. Kirchner's music is cerebral and complex with an underlying passion, and these works provide an overview of an eminent creator. Roberts Hall, Marshall Auditorium, Haverford College, 370 Lancaster Ave., Haverford, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $15, 610-896-1011, www.haverford.edu/music.

Philadelphia Orchestra: In the official season opening gala, actor Alec Baldwin will visit the orchestra to narrate Copland's "Lincoln Portrait." Charles Dutoit will also conduct Berlioz's scorching "Roman Carnival" Overture and Saint-Saens' Third "Organ" Symphony. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, 8 p.m. tomorrow, $60-$140, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.

Keystone State Boychoir: Thirty alumni of the vocal ensemble, under the direction of Joseph Fitzmartin, team up for an afternoon of varied anthems. First Presbyterian Church in Germantown, 35 W. Chelten Ave., 3 p.m. Sunday, free-will offering, 215-843-8811, www.fpcgermantown.org.

Philadelphia Orchestra: Charles Dutoit conducts a stunning program of two masterworks, beginning with the complete score of Bartok's eerie, explosively orchestrated ballet "The Miraculous Mandarin." Pianist Yefim Bronfman guest-stars in one of the Everests of keyboard prowess and endurance, the magnificent Brahms Second Piano Concerto. Verizon Hall, Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce streets, 8 p.m. Thursday and Oct. 2-3, $10-$120, 215-893-1999, www.philorch.org.