The Music Scene
A critically acclaimed producer who has worked extensively with Aesop Rock and released several quality instrumental hip-hop albums, Blockhead is known for creating moody soundscapes, thick with multiple layers and constantly changing grooves. *The Music Scene* is his fourth solo full-length and continues where his last one, *Uncle Tony\'s Coloring Book*, left off, taking us on a ride filled with freaky loops, heavy-hitting drums, and random snippets of dialogue and sound effects. A few of the tunes can get a little boring, but most are entertaining enough on their own that you\'ll never miss the rapper. Be sure to check for \"Which One of You Jerks Drank My Arnold Palmer,\" the bass-heavy \"Pity Party,\" and the upbeat horn and clap-laden \"Tricky Turtle.\" Not everybody will be able to dig Blockhead\'s style, but if you\'re into DJ Shadow, RJD2, or Kid Koala, this is right up your alley.
For now, let's leave aside the question of what makes instrumental hip-hop "hip-hop." (Samples? Breakbeats? A certain general texture or mood or variety of funkiness?) Instead of worrying about genre or categories, let's just focus on the quality of the music on Blockhead's third Ninja Tune release, which is close to jaw-dropping.