November 13-19, 2003

music

Sound Advice

Get Out.

Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra

Simon Rattle succeeded the ailing Claudio Abbado just last year as the conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic, one of the greatest orchestras in the world. Touring the U.S. with them is Tasmin Little in the Violin Concerto by Gyorgy Ligeti. She has described it as the most difficult violin concerto ever composed. The orchestra gets a workout too, and uses a quartet of ocarinas.--Lou Camp

Sun., Nov. 16, 2 p.m., $48-$178, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.

Peter, Paul and Mary

"Puff, the Magic Dragon" is one of those songs that, like "Yellow Submarine," people don't really like once they start celebrating double-digit birthdays. "Lemon Tree," "This Land is Your Land" and "If I Had a Hammer" have become such archetypical folk songs that, for most of us, they've ceased to resonate. "500 Miles," though, is simply perfect. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they play it on Saturday.--Nancy Armstrong

Sat., Nov. 15, 8 p.m., $20-$68, Kimmel Center, 260 S. Broad St., 215-893-1999.

Dimmu Borgir

Remember heavy metal before the days of jump-suited sissies whining about their divorced parents and unfaithful girlfriends? Y'know, back when it was actually dangerous and, let's face it, frightening? That's the school of thought that spawned Scandinavian troupe Dimmu Borgir, from their inverted-cross necklaces to candid lyrics about Satan. But if image isn't your thing, pay attention to the music when they play the Troc Saturday: tommy-gun guitar riffs, intricate drum patterns and -- what's this? -- classical piano fills. You'll gape in amazement while you shiver in terror.--John Vettese

Sat., Nov. 15, 7 p.m., $21-$23, all ages, with Nevermore, Children of Bodom and Hypocrisy, The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 215-922-LIVE.

The Natural History

Max Tepper had spent years as a big-shot N.Y.C. publicist to the stars (Dave Matthews Band, The Roots) when he decided he was sick of hyping and wanted to start rocking. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, but he easily pulls it off with brother Julian on bass and drummer Derek Vockins. The Natural History's Beat Beat Heartbeat (Startime International) is 11 minimalist minor-key symphonies in just under a half-hour, with Tepper's baritone swooning over fuzz-box backings. Head over to Doc Watson's tonight and thank him for quitting his day job.--John Vettese

Gillian Welch

Sans Norah Jones, and indoors this time, Gillian Welch returns for a headlining jaunt in honor of her it-ain't-old-so-it-must-be-new Soul Journey. Absent 10-minute Dylan pastiches, the album has been passed over by the critics who swooned for Time (The Revelator), but it's her warmest and most varied collection of songs. Welch and her co-everything, David Rawlings, have loosened up over the years, and now make an amiable onstage duo.--Sam Adams

Mon., Nov. 17, 8 p.m., $17.50-$19.50, The TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011.

Rancid

After hitting mainstream pay dirt with the 1995 classic And Out Come the Wolves, Rancid's subsequent two releases were unremarkable excuses to tour. Their Y2K self-titled CD boasted 22 songs but maybe two standouts, and it almost seems a joke that their new album is titled Indestructible. Still, it's their most solid disc since Wolves. Crusty punk zeal and energy permeate each song, but the set is hook-heavy enough to keep you coming back for more. Sure, they're touring off of it, but they have a good excuse this time.--John Vettese

Thu., Nov. 13, 8 p.m., $16.50-$18.50, with Tiger Army, The Slackers and Roger Miret & The Disasters, The Electric Factory, Seventh and Willow sts., 215-336-2000.

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