Also this issue: Oh, the Humanity International male Vikter Duplaix says no way, computer. -A.D. Amorosi Jig Stars Danú turns heads by doing the same old thing. -Mary Armstrong Big Entrance PJ Harvey's pal John Parish makes Animals Move. -A.D. Amorosi Review: Philadelphia Orchestra -Peter Burwasser Ike -Patrick Rapa Danielle Howle -M.J. Fine The Eyeliners -Sam Adams King Crimson -A.D. Amorosi

March 6-12, 2003

music

Review: Common, Gang Starr, Talib Kweli, Floetry

by Elisa Ludwig

Common's four-ring Electric Circus Tour opened with Philly's own Floetry floating out a breezy set of soul and spoken word, including their Grammy-nominated anthem, "Floetic." Next came Talib Kweli, supporting his most recent album, Quality. His skills were undermined by a middling stage presence, flattening the otherwise chilling "Too Late," and dulling the party tracks "The Blast" and "Waitin' for the DJ." Still, Kweli pulled it together for some impressive freestyling, decrying the war against Iraq and asking the audience, "Do you think I look like DJ Premier?"

There was no mistaking the real deal, judging by the crowd's enthusiasm when Gang Starr came out. Premier and Guru won the night's historical loyalty award, turning out favorites like "Mass Appeal" (from 1994's Hard to Earn) and "You Know My Steez" (off 1998's Moment of Truth). Even so, the crowd's patience began to wear thin when Gang Starr used their stage time to promote two acts from their new label: NYG'z and straight-outta-Boston MC Krumb Snatcha.

Common, the only self-proclaimed carnie of the evening, emerged in his best boho circus attire -- plaid pants and a ski cap that left him looking not unlike Jughead. Accompanied by a jazzy rock band, he welcomed his audience to the Electric Circus before breaking out into "Ferris Wheel." In tandem with the psychedelic patterns projected behind him, Common was all energetic bluster, propelled by his flapping arms. His delivery was self-assured, and, in a rare hip-hop moment, he managed to turn his recorded effort into a powerful live experience. Indeed, tight musicianship and Common's control of the stage performed a kind of alchemy on the self-conscious pretensions of Electric Circus. What feels like too much ado on the album became, thanks to rousing guitars and stunning lights, an engrossing spectacle.

Common went on to salute both his elders -- taking on verses from "The World is Yours," "Big Poppa" and "C.R.E.A.M." -- and later, his "home away from home," in a freestyle where he shouted out the Reading Terminal's Basic Four. In a highlight, Kweli came onstage for an able rendition of "Respiration," minus the talents of Mos Def.

Nodding to his 2000 CD, Like Water for Chocolate, Common closed the show with versions of "The Light," "Funky for You" and "The 6th Sense." But before he did, he paused for the evening's most carnival-esque moment, wherein he made his case against war and President Bush and shouted down hate and materialism. Some not-very-subliminal flashes of the Coke icon appeared on the screen behind him. Who's running this circus, anyway?