Yo La Tengo

Sept. 25, Roseland Ballroom, 239 W. 52nd St. (betw. Broadway & 8th Ave.), 212-777-6800; 8, $28.50 Indie rock legends Yo La Tengo won’t be playing their traditional holiday shows at Maxwell’s this year; but they will be playing songs off the new album Popular Songs tonight at your only chance to see the band before 2010.There will be a string section, a light show, openers The Black Lips and comedy from John Oliver.

Bottom Line: It’s a battle of the olds and the youngs—with the olds heavily favored to win.