Critic's picks - pop music

Xiu Xiu - at the Paradise, Wednesday. The avant-garde indie rockers are touring behind this year's "Women as Lovers," a fine, grim fusion of catchy hooks and experimental noise. Carla Bozulich's Evangelista and King Eider, Common Eider open the show. Doors are at 7, music starts at 8. Tickets are $18 at www.livenation.com or 617-562-8800.

Chris Isaak - at the South Shore Music Circus, Thursday. So he hasn't put out new music since 2002; Isaak is still a cool, quality crooner. And rumor has it there's an album in the pipeline and fresh tunes on the set list. British soul singer James Hunter opens the show at 8. Tickets are $42.25-$57.25 at www.ticketmaster.com or 617-931-2000.

RZA - at the Middle East Downstairs, Thursday. The Wu Tang Clan member performs as his alter ego, Bobby Digital, to celebrate the release of "Digi Snacks," the third, themed album in RZA's homegrown side project. Doors are at 8, music starts at 9. Tickets are $25 ($28 day of show) at www.ticketmaster.com or 617-931-2000.

- Joan Anderman