SUNDAY, MAY 13: Congrats, Part Time Punks, on your two-year anniversary. I can always rely on Sunday nights at the Echo for a good time with live bands, great music, drinks and an overall welcoming environment. When L.A. locals Softboiled Eggies (a band whose members exude cool) graced the stage, I knew that it was time to let loose and dance. I can’t help but say I love this band! Every song is catchy, and each sound from the guitar, drums, tambourine, and my favorite instrument—the glockenspiel—complimented the others so well that the feeling was pure jubilation. When Ariel Pink played, I couldn’t help but laugh. While strolling around downtown earlier that afternoon, I had observed a homeless man walking around and mumbling to himself, inaudibly, about his problems—this unfortunate soul’s behavior bore a striking resemblance to how Ariel performs. I had heard that each of his performances is different, and, this being my third time seeing him, it proved to be yet another bizarre experience. Like the times before, high hopes had been demolished, but for some odd reason I didn’t mind it this time. I think the realization that he just doesn’t seem to care what people think has a strange appeal when he sings. The night ended with Stock and White’s always rad DJ set, mixing everything from Orange Juice to the Raincoats. This night was definitely fun. (AR)