In one embodiment a pick assembly comprises a rotatable drum comprising at least one block disposed on a circumferential surface of the drum. The at least one block comprises a cavity comprising a cylinder. A pick comprises a working end and an opposing base end wherein the base end is disposed within the cavity and comprises a piston that is slidably retained within the cylinder. In a second embodiment a pick assembly comprises a rotatable drum comprising at least one block disposed on a circumferential surface of the drum. The rotatable drum comprises a cavity comprising a cylinder. The at least one block comprises a first end and an opposing second end wherein the second end is disposed within the cavity. A pick comprising a working end is rigidly secured to the first end of the at least one block and the second end comprises a piston slidably retained within the cylinder.