An old-school music collector, at long last, sings paean to iPod

When the iPod first got popular in early 2002, I scoffed. Oh sure, it’s cool-looking, I said. Being able to have 15,000 songs accessible at the push of a button? Nice, yeah, but nothing will replace owning an album. I like having a shelving unit that covers most of an entire wall to hold all my CDs and records. Call me old school, but I still like to make mix tapes when I have the time. Not mix CDs: mix tapes. You know, those plastic things that melt if you leave them in the sun? Yeah, those.

Well, now it’s two days shy of 2006, and I am eating my words. I got an iPod for Christmas this year (thanks, Mom and Dad). And even though it sometimes pains me to say it: I love my iPod. Oh, how I love it. I love the clicking sound it makes while I scroll through my songs. I love how light it is in my hand. I love the fact that I can plug it into my car stereo, and create elaborate playlists for any trip. What songs most accurately convey my feelings about going to the store to buy cat litter and light bulbs? “Lost in the Supermarket” by the Clash? “Kitty” by the Presidents of the United States of America?

However, I’m certainly not getting rid of any of my CDs. Nor am I giving up on other, more material forms of receiving musical enjoyment. For example: Saturday night there will be numerous renditions of “Auld Lang Syne” performed in multiple genres, as venues and bands gear up to ring in the new year.

If you want to travel to Portland for your fun, may I suggest a few events spanning a wide variety of styles and scenes. For starters, the Space Gallery will host some of Portland’s best live acts, including the jangly indie rock of Phantom Buffalo and hip-hop DJ Gabe FM, with a party that starts at 9 p.m. with a $5 cover charge. The Big Easy Blues Club will bring in ’80s covers band the Awesome – a Portland six-piece that buys its Aquanet in bulk and actually utilizes long-forgotten ’80s instrument the keytar.

The Asylum will co-sponsor a New Year’s Bash with WCYY, featuring Jeremiah Freed, Twisted Roots, the Killing Moon (formerly Hampden natives Animal Suit Driveby) and many more. Finally, the State Theatre offers “A New Year’s Eve Rezolution,” an all-ages electronic music event featuring DJ Venom, DJ Tommie Gun, Popgirl 23 and other local and regional techno favorites. Tickets are $25 and are available at Bull Moose Music locations.

Thinking of hitting the slopes? There are a couple New Year’s shows lined up for Sunday River in Bethel. The traveling dance party that is Lovewhip will stop in to say goodbye to 2005 at the Sunday River Brewery, while sax man Sam Kininger and his band will play at Tango Mary’s. Kininger is best known as the horn player for jam favorites Soulive, but for a few years he’s been on his own, bringing his funky soul to clubs all over New England.

Further east, Orono will be a happening spot, while you’re downing champagne like water and searching for someone to lay a kiss on at the big moment. Soma 36 will host local bands Overdub, Soul Lemon and Roost, with doors opening at 9 p.m. A $6 cover charge includes a champagne toast. For fans of a harder edge, Ushuaia features Deadseason and Nobis – and those under 21 are in luck, it’s an 18+ show, unlike most of the other events.

Elsewhere, the Thirsty Whale in Bar Harbor will feature the music of rockers Mondo Charlie starting at 9 p.m. – and there’s free champagne! What could be better? The Blues Caf? in Orono will feature Eric Green and the Frozen Swamp Choppers, a champagne toast and door prizes for a $10 cover. Tickets can be bought at the caf?, or at Tropics North Tattoo in Orono.

Me, I don’t know where I’ll be, though probably in as many places as possible before the clock strikes midnight. I do know that if 2005 is any indication, 2006 will be another great year for live music in Maine – and I’ll be buzzing around town, plugged into my cute little iPod, hopefully with lots of mp3s from local bands to keep rockin’ out to.

It is advisable to call all venues ahead to confirm details. Emily Burnham can be reached at eburnham@bangordailynews.net.