It would be easy to dismiss the members of Blur as Yank-hating snobs. From their disdainful comments about touring in America to their formulaic reliance on British influences (the Kinks, the Jam, the Buzzcocks, and David Bowie), these big-in-England rockers may not appeal to the non-Anglophilic. Yet thanks to its strong, lush pop hooks, Blur’s Parklife transcended the band’s drawbacks. And if one can believe the fickle U.K. press, The Great Escape, due out in the States this week, is even better. With Whale at 9:30 p.m. at the Black Cat, 1831 14th St. NW. $15. (202) 667-7960 (SK)