Pop Music

Now that the big-name, outdoor concert season is winding down, it’s time to shift attention to some new and old favorites in some intimate and especially appealing indoor settings.

The short list starts with the reliable Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds (Sept. 18, Wiltern Theatre), whose compelling leader has long been my nomination for rock’s patron saint of troubled souls. After that dose of gloom, sassy pop-rock tunesmith Liz Phair (Sept. 24, Mayan Theatre) should be just the right brightener.

And, finally, Elliott Smith (Sept. 22-23, Roxy) will take us back into the shadows, though not as deeply as Nick Cave. Smith’s “XO” is one of the early favorites in the album of the year competition.

After those cerebral popsters, it’ll feel good to step onto the dance floor for back-to-back shows at the Hollywood Palladium: first, the exuberant Garbage (Sept. 26 and 28) and then trip-hop pioneers Massive Attack (Sept. 27).

For a final taste of the outdoors, there’s the plentiful Newport Folk Festival bill of John Hiatt, Joan Baez, Richard Thompson and more (Sept. 20, Greek Theatre) . . . rock en espan~ol standouts Aterciopelados (Sept. 26, Greek Theatre) . . . and the tasty pairing of Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal (Oct. 1, Greek Theatre).

And to add variety to the fall offerings, there are Latin pop sensation Juan Gabriel (Oct. 16-18, Universal Amphitheatre) and country legend George Jones (Oct. 11, House of Blues).