Merge Records' year of living fabulously continues. The Durham-based label has picked up three nods in the latest round of Grammy nominations, for Arcade Fire's chart-topping "The Suburbs," including album of the year. That one's a longshot, but Arcade Fire looks to be the front-runner for best alternative music album. If that comes through, it will be Merge's first-ever Grammy. The album is also nominated for best rock performance by a duo or group with vocals.

The Grammys will be presented on Feb. 13.

Other Grammy nominations of local interest:

Carolina Chocolate Drops scored a nomination for best traditional folk album with their major-label debut, "Genuine Negro Jig."

Triangle gospel institution Shirley Caesar's "A City Called Heaven" was nominated for best traditional gospel album.

High Point "American Idol" Fantasia's "Back To Me" picked up nominations for best R&B album and best female R&B vocal performance. "Bittersweet," a track from her album, was nominated for best R&B song (a songwriter's award).

Monroe native Calvin Richardson's "You're So Amazing" got a nod for best traditional R&B vocal performance.

UNC-Chapel Hill alumnus Lewis Black's "Stark Raving Black' was nominated for best comedy album.

The latest round of Grammy nominations are out, mostly offering the usual top-of-the-charts dreck in the major catagories. Further down, however, some of our North Carolina folks picked up nominations:

Anthony Hamilton -- The Charlotte native picked up nominations in three categories: R&B Album, Male R&B Vocal Performance and Traditional R&B Vocal Performance.

Calvin Richardson -- The Monroe-born Richardson earned a pair of nominations, for R&B Performance By a Duo or Group With Vocals (shared with Ann Nesby) and Traditional R&B Vocal Performance

Foreign Exchange -- Little Brother main man Phonte Coleman's side-project scored in the Urban/Alternative Performance category.

David Holt -- From the mountains of Western North Carolina, Holt is nominated for Traditional Folk Album.

Mamadou Diabate -- The Durham resident and kora master picks up his second nomination, for Traditional World Music Album.

Yep Roc Records -- Triangle-based label looks to capture its second Grammy, for Beausoleil's "Alligator Purse" in the category of Zydeco or Cajun Music Album.