Blockhead might not yet be very commonly known but, in the realms of hip-hop production, he is ace in my books. With a few solo LPs in the bag, Blockhead is also infamous for producing some of Aesop Rock’s best tracks, working alongside people like Cage, Slug & Murs as well as contributing to the hip-hop comedy troupe, the Party Fun Action Committee. Add to this list the forthcoming (and awesomely named) Uncle Tony’s Coloring Book LP, and it definitely becomes hard to say that the dude keeps to himself.
Uncle Tony’s Coloring Book is next level shit. Not only does it have some of Blockhead’s most interesting beats but they are mashed up with all sorts of funky samples (the mandolin on “Grape Nuts and Chalk Sauce”, for instance, or the reverberating guitar on “Duke of Hazard”) that transform “another beats record” into “holy old school batman, another BEATS RECORD!”
And, as you dig further… it just keeps getting better. “Squirmy Worm” switches between a rubbery didgeridoo beat, soft chanting, reversed electronic noises and smooth saxophone… all by the half-way point. The juxtaposition is not only ridiculously innovative but downright awesome. Other tracks, such as the album opener “Coloring Book”, sample from old spanish guitar records, finally bridging the gap between Esquivel & hip-hop. It is impeccable.
Fast forward to track 6 & watch as Blockhead shifts gears, locking into a late 70’s/early 80’s electro-funk groove on “Put Down Your Dream Journal and Dance”. And, just as soon as you start wishing for it to never end, “The Hucklebuck Slice” comes out of nowhere, feeling like a lost 007 take, with horns, stand-up bass & xylophones. And so the album continues, dropping references so fast that you might just want to throw up your hands in exasperation. I’d liken the experience to Controller7, if the Controller was more able to be more focused & maintain that focus for 58 minutes worth of beats. Blockhead definitely gives you the most bang for yer buck.
But, for real - this is one of the best beats albums I have heard in ages. Maybe I’m just a sucker for Blockhead’s retro leanings but I come out of every track on the album feeling sucker punched. You’ll definitely want to cop this one come August.
block rockin’ beats always come first:
Blockhead - Coloring Book.
Blockhead - Squirmy Worm.
Uncle Tony’s Coloring Book will be released August 14th from the surreal & respectable Ninja Tune Records & can be preordered from undergroundhiphop.com. Til then, visit Blockhead’s official site (I spent way too much time playing with the drums on his header) & myspace.
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