John's Track of the Week: T.I.'s "I'm Back"

Song: I'm Back

Artist: T.I.

Album: I'm Back - Single

Rating: 8.0

This song isn't necessarily that new (it's been around for a couple weeks), but nonetheless warrants a discussion since we haven't yet delved into T.I.'s first comeback single. "I'm Back," T.I.'s initial foray back into the rap game after his yearlong incarceration for gun possession, is fairly self-explanatory. He was gone, now he's not, thus he's "back" as the song's title and main theme suggest. But it's not necessarily that simple.

The logic behind 2008's Paper Trail was to ensure T.I. wouldn't be forgotten by the mainstream public during his year away. Business-wise, it was a smart move. The best hip-hop album of 2008 (per this blog's opinion at least) provided people with a steady slew of guest stars, radio singles and tons of potential for repeat listens. Now, he's returned explaining to you what he's allowed to happen over the course of the past year (mostly begrudgingly), and with Paper Trail on your mind, you'll actually perk up your ears when he attempts to rectify the situation. With copious amounts of material, and a newfound chip on his shoulder to boot, chances are we'll be hearing a lot from T.I. prior to the formal release of his next studio effort on August 24. In the meantime, check out the single below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Most Prolific Artists of the Decade: #1-10]

Most Prolific Artists of the Decade: #1-10

Our latest list-- the Most Prolific Artists of the Decade-- looks to chronicle the most important (for better or for worse) artists of the decade. For one reason or another, be it their positive (or negative) cultural significance, landmark moments for music, staying power or otherwise, these artists mattered a great deal this decade.

In no way is this a list of our favorites of the decade. On the contrary, many of our favorites are not present, while others whom we're actually not fans of, have made the list. So without further ado, check out our the fifth (and final) part of our Most Prolific Artists list below. Next to each artist's name, you'll see a basic numeric list of all primary recordings this decade. For many of these, their impact should probably be self-explanatory. Enjoy, and if you haven't yet read our list of the Best Songs of 2009, or Best Albums of the Decade, read up on those too.

10. T.I. -- 6 LPs (Most recent: 2008's Paper Trail)/2 EPs, P$C -- 1 LP (2005's 25 to Life)

9. Conor Oberst -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2009's Outer South)/1 EP, Bright Eyes -- 8 LPs (Most recent: 2007's Cassadaga)/4 EPs, Desaparecidos (1 LP/1 EP), Monsters of Folk (1 LP)

8. Arcade Fire -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2007's Neon Bible)/1 EP

7. Justin Timberlake -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2006's FutureSex/LoveSounds), 'N Sync -- 2 LPs (Most recent: 2001's Celebrity)

6. Jay-Z -- 7 LPs (Most recent: 2009's The Blueprint 3)

5. The White Stripes -- 5 LPs (Most recent: 2007's Icky Thump)/1 EP

4. Lil' Wayne -- 5 LPs (Most recent: 2008's Tha Carter III)/1 EP/10 Mixtapes

3. Animal Collective -- 8 LPs (Most recent: 2009's Merriweather Post Pavillion)/4 EPs

2. Kanye West -- 4 LPs (Most recent: 2008's 808s & Heartbreak)

1. Radiohead -- 4 LPs (Most recent: 2007's In Rainbows)/3 EPs

[Previously on Animal Noises: Most Prolific Artists of the Decade: #11-20]

Best Albums of the Decade: #21-30

We've reached the midway point of our countdown to the best album of the decade, and with that, the increasing possibility that your favorite record was, indeed, left off of our list. Still, don't feel too offended. There's enough albums on this list to fit just about anyone's tastes, so I'm sure you'll find something to your liking. Check out #21-30 below. All album streams are via Lala.com.

30. Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?, The Unicorns (2003)

29. Terrorhawk, Bear vs. Shark (2005)

28. The Blueprint, Jay-Z (2001)

27. Sung Tongs, Animal Collective (2004)

26. You're A Woman, I'm A Machine, Death From Above 1979 (2004)

25. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, Spoon (2007)

24. Digital Ash In A Digital Urn, Bright Eyes (2005)

23. Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer?, of Montreal (2007)

22. Paper Trail, T.I. (2008)

21. Graduation, Kanye West (2007)

[Previously on Animal Noises: Best Albums of the Decade: #31-40]

Weekly Top 10: Songs Without Choruses

The days of the one size fits all, hook-heavy, verse/chorus/verse formula are long gone. These days, songs come in many shapes and sizes, and although we have nothing wrong with a good catchy chorus, this week's Top 10 highlights our favorite songs that do without. These tunes make it on their own merits, without the help of a memorable rallying point. They stand out for their unique structures and varying styles. Check them out below.

[Previously on Animal Noises: Weekly Top 10: Songs About New York]

Weekly Top 10: Pop Songs You Can't Get Out Of Your Head

As our weekly "top 10" series continues, an interesting topic arises this week. Pop songs you can't get out of your head. Begrudgingly, you'll probably agree with most of these. Not all involve negative connotations though, believe me. Others you probably look back fondly at. Regardless, these will all be clouding your mind for the rest of the week. Enjoy below.

New T.I., "Make You Sweat"

T.I. sure isn't letting this whole "jail" thing stop him from making music. Or rather, perhaps he's trying to make us much as possible so everyone's still talking about him for the year he's locked up. Either way, I approve. The King of Southern Rap's got another new track out, this one by the name of "Make You Sweat". I'll tell you it's got a great beat, but barely resembles the popular and catchy tunes we heard on Paper Trail. And this isn't a bad thing. It would seem that the man still has enough "swag" to go around, so for that, this track will be appreciated. Check it out over at Pitchfork.

T.I. Trailer For "Remember Me"

I'm guessing T.I.'s video for new track, "Remember Me" (featuring Mary J. Blige), is either really long or really epic, because that's the only way I could see a music video warranting a trailer. Still, with the rapper headed to prison for a 366-day stint, I guess he feels a statement has to be made so you don't forget about him. The trailer alludes to T.I. being locked up, so I'll assume that this is what the video revolves around. For those interested, you can check out the trailer below. Also, in case you were wondering, Paper Trail: Case Closed (the re-release of the hit 2008 album, with five new tracks) will be out sometime in August.

Grammys Performances

In a quick follow-up to last night's post on the Grammys, I figured I'd add the videos from two of the more notable live performances.  Radiohead's use of the USC Marching Band is interesting, and admittedly, I would probably criticize any other artist for doing it.  For some reason though, it works for this rendition of "15 Step".  And then there was "Swagga Like Us".  I'm stil undecided as to how I feel about this one.  I guess the black and white thing was cool, but, the song just seemed a bit off.  Plus, we probably could have done without the very pregnant M.I.A.  Anyway, check out the videos below.

Congrats to the 2009 Grammys Winners

Normally I'd just ignore the Grammys, but this year, it seemed that the powers that be went out of their way to actually listen to music, rather than just base it upon radio play and record sales.  That being said, I wanted to congratulate the following Animal Noises mainstays for their respective awards, as well as laugh at Katy Perry and the Jonas Brothers for failing to win awards.

Animal Noise Congratulates:

Kings of Leon

Best Rock Performance by Duo or Group with Vocals, "Sex on Fire"

Radiohead

Best Alternative Music Album, In Rainbows

Best Boxed Set or Special Limited Edition Package, In Rainbows

Lil' Wayne

Best Rap Solo Performance, "A Milli"  

Best Rap Song, "Lollipop" (Feat. Static Major)

Best Rap Album, Tha Carter III

Jay-Z, T.I., Lil' Wayne & Kanye West

Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group- "Swagga Like Us"

Best of 2008: #14, T.I.

Rank: #14

Album: Paper Trail

Artist: T.I.

Label: Grand Hustle/Atlantic

In at #14, we've got my pick for best hip hop record of the year, T.I.'s Paper Trail.  Another Grammy-nominated album on the list, this may be the definitive party playlist of 2008.  Track after track, collaboration after collaboration, I was hooked in on first listen, as T.I. compiles a superstar cast to lay yet another claim to being the "King of Southern Hip Hop".  Now, I'll admit that Paper Trail is extremely radio friendly, with instant hits like "Whatever You Like", and though I can probably do without one or two of the several samples taken from M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes", I can't say there's much left to be desired here.

You know how nearly every rap album, save the best and most memorable, have those couple of filler tracks?  Not present here.  No, I can't think of one song on Paper Trail that I would consider it being better off without.  I'll stop that train of thought there, before this turns into pure T.I. homerism.  This 16-track club theme song starts with strong opener "56 Bars (Intro)".  From there, some of the money tracks include "On Top of the World," featuring Ludacris and B.o.B., the aforementioned "Whatever You Like," and of course, my personal favorite, the fun and talent-packed "Swagga Like Us".  The track features Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil' Wayne, and, like the album itself, was nominated for a Grammy (best rap compilation).  Everyone I know agrees that no track has kicked that much ass this year, so look for it as the standout of the record.  Some comparisons for this one- Young Jeezy, Young Buck, The Game.

Best Track: "Swagga Like Us"