August 14-20, 2003

musicpicks

Black Eyed Peas

Hip-hop

Are they bidding for the Digable Planets crown or what? With new full-time femme MC Fergie on the hooks and (occasionally) the rhymes, L.A.'s Black Eyed Peas got the gender mix and cool grooves down pat. But whereas the Planets were lyrically infused with socially-conscious '90s liberalism, the extent of the message on BEP's Elephunk (A&M) seems to be "Get on the floor and move ya booty." This isn't necessarily a bad thing, though. The Justin Timberlake collaboration "Where Is The Love" notwithstanding, the album's cuts are canned energy; even the unfortunately titled "Let's Get Retarded" -- with its steady rock guitar and a heavy-hitting chorus -- makes it tough to sit still. To bring added visual appeal and dancing incentive to their TLA gig, founding members Will. I. Am and Apl de Ap have a penchant for pulling backflips and breakdancing moves mid-song. It's cool like dat.

Fri., Aug. 15, 9 p.m., $16-$18, with Tha Spark, The TLA, 334 South St., 215-922-1011.

—John Vettese