Nice tix: CSS, Willie Nelson, Sebastian Tellier

I don’t think Donkey, the latest album from Brazilian electro-pop band CSS is nearly as much fun as its punky-dancey debut album—it veers too awkwardly toward hard rock and it just doesn’t seem as smart-ass and clever as the first one. The band basically confirmed this at their Lollapalooza set—the new songs just didn’t fly. On the other hand, they’ve handed off their new tracks to the likes of Cut Copy and gotten some wicked results. The female-dominated band (now a quintet) has also gotten way more popular (British fashion magazine cover popular) and plays the Metro on December 14 with Kansas City dance punkers Ssion who were regular features at the famed OUTdanced! nights. This winter is all about stepping it up and keeping it underground, it seems. Tickets go on sale at noon Saturday.

Neil Young knows your 401k just took a kick to the mutual fund groin, so he’s giving you some extra bang for the buck—Willie Nelson opens up the Allstate Arena gig—which won’t buy your kids a house but will make a much better story in your old age. Tickets are still available.

Personally, I’m the most jazzed about the Sebastian Tellier (pictured) show slated for December 9 at Schuba’s. Tellier’s album was produced by a member of Daft Punk and his sound, to put it very crudely, is like a poppier Air fronted by a dirty minded Frenchman a la Serge Gainsbourg . His Sexuality is the front runner for year’s best cover art in my book—look it up—and includes a tune called “Sexual Sportswear.” Tellier may be the only hip person ever to enter the Eurovision song contest—his “Divine” has made it to the semi-finals representing France. Admit it, you’re curious. Tickets are on sale here.

More new on-sales:

NOVEMBER
21 Million Tongues Festival: Terry Reid + Mark Fry + Ellen Mary McGee; Empty Bottle, $12.
21 Savoy Brown featuring Kim Simmonds; FitzGerald's, $20.
22 Waco Brothers + Rosie Flores & The Pine Valley Cosmonauts; FitzGerald's, $15.
26 Lazer Crystal + Skeletons + NOMO; Empty Bottle, $8.

DECEMBER
2 Juliana Hatfield; Double Door.
7 Denison Witmer; Beat Kitchen. AA
12 Miracle on State Street: Lifehouse + Sarah McLachlan + Plain White T's; Chicago Theatre, $52-$72
14 Wu-Tang Clan; House of Blues. 17+, $45,
29–31 Umphrey's McGee Auditorium Theatre. Dec 30 AA. Dec 29, 31; 18+, $28
31 Future Rock + Daedelus + Dark Party; Abbey Pub, $25 advance.

JANUARY
25 Cradle of Filth + Satyricon + Septicflesh; House of Blues. AA