February 12-18, 2004

music

Sound Advice

Get Out

classical/rock

Matt Haimovitz

Like mixing medicine in the applesauce, classical-influenced musicians like Rachel's or Rasputina are willing to try a little trickery to gain the attention of the under-30 crowd. Cellist Haimovitz is no exception. He's trying to take the sound out of Carnegie Hall and into CBGB (which he's done). His version of classical music foregoes the stuffiness and reservedness. Both in performance and on record, Haimovitz infuses his music with the passion and energy of rock while exerting his Julliard-honed skills to cut past the divide between high and low art.--Paul Burress

Thu., Feb. 12, 8:30 p.m., $12, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0978.

rock/pop

South

London-based trio South got off to an auspicious start in ’01 with their dreamy, groove-laden dance-pop debut, From Here On In, which drew comparisons to everyone from Doves to U2. Their Dave Eringa-produced follow-up, With the Tides, is a bit sharper-edged -- a gloriously atmospheric collection augmented by Joel Cadbury’s warm vocals, crisp electric guitars, synth loops and some snappy percussion.--Nicole Pensiero

Mon., Feb. 16, 8 p.m., $12, with Metric, North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.

rock/pop

deSol

Asbury Park-based Latino pop-rock combo deSol is gearing up for its Curb/Warners debut release and touring like mad. The seven-member band -- led by New York-bred singer/guitarist Albie Monterrosa -- is wildly energetic, yet tight enough to get its culturally diverse audience to not only dance but also sing in hybrid "Spanglish." "We use our music to unlock the passage to the spirit world," Monterrosa says with utter sincerity. "When you're coming from the spiritual, you're always passionate."--Nicole Pensiero

Sun., Feb. 15, 7 p.m., $14, with Futureman, North Star Bar, 27th and Poplar sts., 215-684-0808.

rock/film

Quest for Sleep

That indie rock legends Superchunk have kept at it for 14 years without a) making it big or b) shooting each other, proves that these are four people who clearly enjoy each other's company. Quest for Sleep is a documentary of the band's 2001 American/European/Japanese tour, shot by the band members themselves. If drummer Jon Wurster's tour diary (at www.superchunk.com) is any indication, this will play out like the halfway between Lost in Translation and This is Spinal Tap. Videos, concert footage and a raffle are also scheduled at these free screenings (which do not include the band).--Brian Howard

Thu., Feb. 12, 8 and 11 p.m., free, Doc Watson’s, 216 S. 11th St., www.plainparade.org.

rock/pop

Gossip/Young People

Oh, man, this show is going to be gooooood. In the first place, you have the ever-spitfiery Beth Ditto of the Gossip and Katie Eastburn of Young People leading the way, both of whom reach down into the deepest reaches of their lungs as they spin their twisted songs of the South. And speaking of the country's nether regions: You have two wholly different spins on gray-state music history, with the Gossip tearing through stripped-down, mic'ed-up, gender-bent blues, and Young People blurring its bluegrass-tinged melodies through lush, gorgeous curtains of feedback. And, most importantly: You have the opportunity to buy both bands' most recent records -- Young People's outstanding War Prayers (Dim Mak) and the Gossip's blistering Undead in NYC (Dim Mak) -- thus providing more incentive for both of them to stay out on the road forever, or at least until they decide to put out a split live LP.--Maura Johnston

Wed., Feb. 18, 6 p.m., $8, all ages, The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 267-671-9298.