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.