New Morrissey Single: I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris

Morrissey is due soon! Aw, yes. She'll be named "Years of Refusal", and we're expecting her in March! Personally, I have been generally pleased with late works from Moz -- You Are The Quarry is one of my favorites -- and this new track seems to continue the legacy of that and Ringleader of the Tormentors.

I'm Throwing My Arms Around Paris is now on Morrissey's Myspace. I've only listened about five times and my general impression is that it contains all the elements we typically associate with Mr. Steven Patrick. It's definitely no return back to a Smiths track, but so far, so good. Too bad he's not making a stop in Los Angeles this spring.

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The Ultimate L.A. Fusion Food: Korean BBQ and Tacos

KOREAN BBQ TACOS. My mouth salivated when I heard about them. My mouth was salivating while I was eating them. My mouth is salivating right now thinking about them. The hybridization of L.A. cultures is now complete, as evidenced by this fusion of fomerly unacquainted, yet quintessentially Angeleno foods (I can't believe you guys haven't met yet!). Kogi takes its mission for fusion seriously, offering not only the delicious BBQ with a light refreshing salsa, but other specials like a kimchi quesadilla and Korean horchata (Korchata). While gourmet on-the-go is not typical for taco trucks, Kogi has executed the idea with resounding success. Tacos and beverages are $2 a pop. Burritos and specials are around $5. Expect a bit of a line, and prepare to eat on the curb. I recommend 3 tacos for a hungry person, and 4 tacos if you have to wait more than twenty minutes. The burritos are a bit heavy for me (scrambled egg, hash browns, and tofu! yeow!), but for a hungry man it may be the cure for what ails you You'll be served by ultra-friendly people at a random street corner. The young entrepreneurs utilize mediums like Flickr and Twitter, so you'll know exactly where the traveling truck will be. A rough schedule is posted on their website. Contrary to what you might think appropriate, the truck does not remain parked at Wilshire and Alvarado (heh). Venice seems to be their main location, but I have caught them twice in Little Tokyo. For a Korean girl who has ousted meat, the tofu tacos may be a saving grace. Thank you, Kogi.

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January Shows in L.A.

Winter is still in full swing, and east coast musicians are being drawn in by Los Angeles' (literal and figurative) warmth. A few days in January will undoubtedly inspire conflict:

• January 20 - Crystal Antlers at the Smell OR The Walkmen and Beach House at the Henry Fonda
• January 22 - Chromeo at the Key Club OR High Places at the Echo
• January 23 - Jay Reatard at the Echoplex OR Animal Collective at the Henry Fonda?

I have highlighted my choices, although it should be noted I would much rather see AC at the Troubadour, and catch Jay Reatard on the 23rd. ...And were in not for already seeing Crystal Antlers twice, the 20th would have undoubtedly been a difficult call. Worry you not if you should miss a great show; Coachella is coming up...

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The Best $8 You'll Spend in January

If you are holding back on shows because you spent $45 on an Animal Collective ticket or are saving for Coachella, here's one exception that you should consider. On Thursday, experimental Los Angeles duo Gangi (undoubtedly one of my favorite emerging L.A. bands) will be headlining a show at Spaceland with Daedelus and Gaslamp Killer (KXLU/L.A. Record Presents... 8:30pm, 21+). This should be a spectacular show.

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