It’ been over 20 years since Blockhead’s release Music by Cavelight hit the airwaves. That introductory record was a first chapter of the story of the sound from Tony Simon. It narrates his sampling prowess across a backdrop of crispy beats. The presentation is raw as each track reveals melodic undertones of hip hop dialed in with cuts from all across the musical landscape. It is clear that this New Yorker is unafraid to share his own personal take, layering in atypical sounds of guitar riffs or traditional instruments from India along the way. And, it’s sublime in its delivery. “My music is always very quirky and melody-driven.” That statement from Simon rings true to this day. And, apparently his stage name comes from the shape of his head? “While it’s not square, it’s pretty close.” (Wiki) One might think the moniker has more to do with the sometimes playful nature of his music.
Numerous releases came later and the collection is too voluminous to mention each here. But it is worth noting a few where Simon continued to form his own style amongst the myriad of choices in the genre or where his underworking elevates the collective. Clearly, it would be sacrilegious not to mention the collaborative history with Aesop Rock. These BU college besties bring it like no other and in 2021 released Garbology. The beats from Blockhead on that record carry as much meaning as the lyrical layering that Aesop rolls so easily off the tongue. Then in 2024 like Damu, Blockhead got the green light to peruse through the library music catalog of KPM taking what he pleased to develop another seminal work in his career, Luminous Rubble. The melding of those previous recordings into classic breaks reveals his great taste and the maturity of his age. “Back when I used to go record shopping a lot, I would pretty much buy any KPM record on sight. They were always a huge find at record stores. So to be able to tap into these records with no limitations was really nice.” (Bandcamp) The reinvention is marvelous.
Now on the heels of Mortality is Lit from 2024, Blockhead kicks out the latest downbeat installment, It’s Only a Midlife Crisis if Your Life is Mid. This six-track EP reads like a traditional storybook from Blockhead with its quirky titles evoking a little mind fuckery. But, to turn the pages of this aural plotline you can totally appreciate where his mind is at. These tracks carry a sometimes slower roll with an evident weight of emotion and thought. It is surely a singular work from Simon. Juxtaposed against the insane morality collapse at home or our brethren seething from a global equality imbalance, this record is a welcome reminder that hope is real even when if is dished up in 35 minute bites.
Track Listing:
1. Oh Deer 06:57
2. U Don’t Have To Call, Squirrel 05:34
3. Captain Save The Work 06:35
4. The War On Hugs 04:32
5. We All Chillin’ And Shit 06:13
6. That Olde Timey Sorcery 05:13
Buy here.
