Soundadvice

Get Out!

Every once in a while, you can catch a glimpse of those unforgotten talents from Philly's neo-soul era. This week it's Bilal, the vocalist whose raw lyrics and piercing falsetto shot him to the top of the soul charts in 2001 with debut 1st Born Second (Interscope). Expect his theatrical stage show to include a mix of those debut tracks, cuts from Internet-leaked follow-up Love For Sale, and a few covers like Radiohead's "High and Dry."

—Deesha Dyer

Fri., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., $30-$50, North by Northwest, 7165 Germantown Ave., 215-248-1000, nxnwphl.com.

As members of the Mammals, Michael Merenda and Ruth Ungar helped break down the barriers between strict traditionalist folk music and anarchic acoustic rock. Then they got married (aw). Their duo project is still stylistically diverse, but lacks the vigor of their old band. Gentle melodies and romantic couplets still charm, though, and the songs call to mind another group of wedded indie folkies: Ida. Cuddle up and share the love.

—John Vettese

Thu., Dec. 13, 8:30 p.m., $10, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0770, tinangel.com.

For the second year in a row, 215hiphop.com and hip-hop group OuterSpace are spreading a little holiday cheer with something strictly "for the kids." Patrons are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to the Khyber this Saturday, where King Magnetic, Reef the Lost Cauze, Illvibe Collective and DJ Akshun will be performing. The gifts will be distributed throughout North Philly and you'll get half-off admission. It's win-win.

—Deesha Dyer

Sat., Dec. 15, 10 p.m., $5-$10, with OuterSpace, Reef the Lost Cauze, King Magnetic, Illvibe Collective, DJ Akshun, DJ CruCut, the Nicklez Network, DJ Tactics, Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888, info@215hiphop.com.

Working from the notion that good artists borrow and great artists steal, idiosyncratic sister duo Nerissa and Katryna Nields manage both on their 14th album, Sister Holler. Based on the premise that folk music evolves as it is passed down, each song was inspired by a pre-existing tune. So there are bits and pieces of old spirituals, sea chanteys and even Pachelbel's Canon in D. Expect plenty of strong familiar harmonizing on newer songs as well as on those charmingly quirky older numbers.

—Nicole Pensiero

Fri., Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m., $16, with Trina Hamlin, Tin Angel, 20 S. Second St., 215-928-0770, tinangel.com.

Jimi's dead and the '60s are over, but if you close your eyes and listen closely to Philly band Caveman's infectious instrumental jazz rock grooves, you just might convince yourself that these guys opened for the Doors at the Fillmore West.

—Ptah Gabrie

Sat., Dec. 15, 9 p.m., $10, The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 267-671-9298, iourecords.com.

You can always spot the bands that are fronted by writers, record store clerks and other people (sorta) in the biz: They try to sound like everything cool, all at once. Psych, '50s rock, psych revival, shoegaze, avant punk, revival revival, and whateverthehell. Greyhounds, the outfit of local promoter Daniel Ralston, has this multiplicity complex going on, but they also have the good sense to anchor to their sound in the frontman's forceful baritone. With its Springsteen-via-Sonic Youth bent, "So Much Money in the World" is a triumphant tune that should give hope to rock-geek songwriters everywhere.

—John Vettese

Sun., Dec. 16, 8 p.m., $8, with the Sky Drops, Squaaks, the Mural and the Mint, Khyber, 56 S. Second St., 215-238-5888, thekhyber.com.