Uncle Tony

Yesterday RJD2; today Blockhead. Blockhead is the moniker of Anthony Simon a hip-hop producer based in Manhattan. He is widely know for his production work on several Aesop Rock releases. Less well known is that Blockhead has released three solo albums: "Music By Cavelight" in 2004, "Downtown Science" in 2005 and "Uncle Tony's Coloring Book" in 2007. Blockhead's trademark (if he was to have one) would be that of making voice samples sound like they just finished inhaling helium. Annoying at times yes but like all good trademarks it forces you to make an association with the artist. For example, when I first heard "None Shall Pass" by Aesop Rock I knew that track was produced by Blockhead because it contained that trademark. Take a listen now:



While all of Blockhead's solo albums are worth hearing the one that I would recommend is "Uncle Tony's Coloring Book." Of the three it is the only one that was self-released and is therefore harder to obtain. The album is 13 tracks of sampling genius. Sounds that wouldn't normally work together are meshed masterfully by Blockhead making for an intriguing and varied listen. To give you just a taste I have posted the opening song "Coloring Book" which perfectly illustrates what I have just described.



Do what you must but get your hands on some Blockhead!