MUSIC

Pop & Jazz

Previews by August Brown (A.B.) and Chris Barton (C.B.). Air The French synthetic-pop duo long ago foreshadowed the sense of Gallic cool that now reigns over electronica today. But on recent albums, especially the latest, “Love 2,” the duo has, intriguingly, simultaneously turned toward the romantic and the minimal. The pristine Disney Hall acoustics should only underscore the meticulousness and emotional grandeur. (A.B.) Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. Today, 8 p.m. $35-$55. (323) 850-2000.

The Black Eyed Peas Their ubiquitous recent singles have made the skulls of anyone within earshot of a radio go “Boom Boom Pow” for months now. But the backpack rappers-turned-commercial leviathans define pop music like few other acts right now: pan-ethnic, hook devoted and lyrically so-dumb-it-might-be-brilliant. Hate all you want to, but copying their swagger seems like a pretty solid financial bet now.(A.B.) Staples Center, 1111 S. Figueroa St., L.A. Mon., 7:30 p.m.; Tue., 6:30 p.m. $49.50-$89.50. (213) 742-7300.

Paul McCartney After his beloved headlining turn at Coachella, let it be definitively said that it’s cool to love the Cute Beatle again. Yep, that includes Wings, “Ram,” and the whole goofy Macca catalog. Is there a better setting for “Silly Love Songs” than with a hearty pour of Chardonnay at the Bowl? Nope, except now your smarmy hipster kid might even be a bit jealous. (A.B.) Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. Tue.-Wed. $50-$350. (323) 850-2000.

Brad Mehldau Let it never be said that Brad Mehldau lacks ambition. The gifted pianist and composer’s latest is a reunion with uber-producer Jon Brion and percussion gadfly Matt Chamberlain, who joined Mehldau’s trio on 2002’s eclectic “Largo.” But instead of re-creating that record’s arresting, electronics-flecked sound, Mehldau has upped the ante on “Highway Rider” by teaming with saxophonist Joshua Redman and a full orchestra for a sprawling, two-disc travelogue of sorts that might be his most fully realized work yet. (C.B.) Largo at the Coronet, 366 N. La Cienega Blvd., L.A. Tue., 8 p.m. $40. (310) 855-0350.