Unexpected Surprise | Archers of Loaf Reunite @ Cat's Cradle 1/16/11 | Hi Def Videos of Concert

          Last Saturday night was a homecoming for The Love Language, who have made a name for themselves nationally this year, at Cat's Cradle [Jan. 16th]. After enlisting a Carrboro band, Cellar Seas [not really up-and-coming, but they don't have a disc out yet] and a special guest I headed to the Cradle ready for some up-and-up pop music to forget about this bitter cold NC has been facing this past week. I really didn't expect there to be a big-name band slipping between the two bands, maybe a well-known, local Merge artist playing alongside the LL. Boy, was I mistaken.

           I idly slept through the 90's when it comes to music. I had no idea who the older fellas taking the stage were instead of the LL. I did recognize Mac McCaughan and Jon Wurster from Superchunk and one of those bearded guys from Megafaun, so I figured something was up because the LL is worthy of these names but I didn't think . Then I got the word from my editor at Diversions that Archers of Loaf were about to play.

Me: Cool, I'm texting my dad, he'll know who this is.

My Buddy Garrett [who was at the show]: No Shit, Archers of Loaf, they broke up a decade ago.

My Dad texted me back that they were along the lines of Superchunk
    Me: legit, I can dig this [I'm putting two and two together after seeing Mac and Jon]

           I had no idea who these guys were and they struck me as a little hard for my scene after the first song. I was definitely hearing the Superchunk vibes and by the second song I was sold, even though it wasn't my usual cup o' tea. The set was full of energy and seemingly flawless, if I didn't know they had broken up 12 years ago and they hadn't told the crowd, I would have thought they were on tour with the LL. I'm assuming the best of the best/easiest to remember songs made up the set list, but regardless they made an impression and I'm going to scouring record stores and eBay for some AofL vinyl. I did however listen to Icky Mettle, their first album and it's beyond anything I would have expected, it's great.

           Check out Pt. 2, 3, & 4 [to view to whole concert in hi-def!!!!] after the jump & the set-list as well.

[MP3] The Love Language Release a Christmas Song | "Gsus"

From Stu McLamb of The Love Language:

"It may be late but it's just in time! Me and BJ holed up in his room yesterday and today and wrote and recorded this Christmas original. The rest of the band was out of town so we decided to include voicemails they left us. this also marks the song debut of our humble manager and mentor Geoffrey Sawyer. He's the dude that sounds like Barry White at the end. "

Head over to The Love Language's Blog to find a download link. 

[YTE Year End] Top Albums of 2010 | 35 - 11

Here it is, the functioning purpose of blogs in December, The List. Here is 35-11. I'll reveal the top 10 at a later date. There are a few videos and mp3s included, download/watch them and savor the last 355 days.

35) Avi Buffalo – Avi Buffalo

Truth Sets In

34) Horse Feathers – Thistled Spring

33) Phosphorescent – Here’s To Taking It Easy

32) Midtown Dickens – Lanterns

31) Carolina Chocolate Drops – Genuine Negro

Cornbread and Butterbeans Live

30) Alejandro Escovedo – Street Songs of Love

 Street Song

29) Deer Tick – The Black Dirt Sessions 

28) LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening 

27) Kings Go Forth – The Outsiders Are Back

26) Mandolin Orange – Quiet Little Room 

25) School of Seven Bells – Disconnect From Desire 

24) Local Natives – Gorilla Manor 

Who Knows Who Cares
23) The Tallest Man On Earth – The Wild Hunt 

22) Sleigh Bells – Treats 

21) Arcade Fire – Suburbs 

20) Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More 

19) Vampire Weekend – Contra

18) Lost In The Trees – All Alone In An Empty House
 Song For The Painter

17) Harlem – Hippies 

16) Future Islands – In Evening Air
In Evening Air
Vireo's Eye

15) The Love Language – Libraries
Heart To Tell
Anthophobia 

14) Futurebirds – Hampton’s Lullaby
APO

13) Delta Spirit – History From Below 

12) Toro Y Moi – Causers Of This

11) Titus Andronicus – The Monitor

[VID] The Love Language | "Heart To Tell"

One of the best songs of the year gets some visual representation. Here's a little -happy-go-lucky taping of one of their shows. It looks to be The Pour House over in Durham, NC. A Love Language concert is highly recommended, if you haven't seen them before. They really bring it live and get the crowd dancing. I'd have to say this song conjures up feelings of joy and summer parties on the beach, but hey, it's a great song and fun video. Grab the awesome mp3 while you're watching the video. [if you don't already have it yet]

The Love Language - Heart To Tell [via AD]

[VIDEO] The Love Language | "Lalita" [Live on KEXP]

My favorite band with Chapel Hill roots....? 

The have matured and had a few lineup changes since this was shot, but seeing them twice in April, they are going someone. The oldie yet SO GOODIE, is going to be followed up with some awesome tunes in the coming months. Paste Magazine is looking forward to their release.

The Love Language | Libraries

first single from Libraries

The Love Language - Heart To Tell

Here is the first single from the Love Language, their first Merge Record product. It it the first single off their upcoming album, Libraries, out July 13th. This Triangle band has recently hit it big with their major label signing earlier this year. They have been a staple in the area as long as I've been here [2 years] but with the backing of Merge, they are sure to strike some gold on Libraries.

Upcoming Shows:
04-15 Raleigh, NC The Pour House
04-22 Greensboro, NC Earth Day Celebration at Center City Park
04-24 Washington, DC Sweetlife Festival
04-28 Chapel Hill, NC Memorial Hall w/ St. Vincent
09-11 Raleigh, NC Hopscotch Festival w/ Public Enemy