On the surface, Phil The Agony’s latest album looks like it might be more about ideas than music; the first things you encounter are a title and cover art derived from a well-worn catch phrase and recycling icon, respectively. Listening to the album resolves these doubts favorably - although the environment is a topical undercurrent and genuine concern throughout, it is not the only subject, and when it is dealt with the subject is handled in a way that submits to the music, rather than vice versa. The title track and its accompanying remix are good songs, drawing in references to green in other forms (money, weed, the Great Gazoo) but essentially encouraging the listener to give some thought to the environmental impact of their actions. A broad handling of the topics works well in this context.
It’s important not to get too hung up on the title, since the album is at heart just good hip-hop music, not overly weighed down by messages. The same few collaborators turn up on multiple tracks, including Planet Asia, Krondon, and Chace Infinite, reflecting Phil’s West Coast base and the personal nature of the project, a friends and family affair. Talib Kweli makes an excellent appearance on one of the strongest pieces, “Hunters,” as well as on the title track, but this is not to undersell any of the others, as all of the guests seem to have been inspired and committed to bringing out solid performances.
Beat-wise, the music is effective; electronic hand claps, synth sounds, and piano samples are all heard at various times, set to laid-back tempos suited for late nights and slow driving. Darker pieces like “Turkey Bacon,” a story about trying to avoid the cops, find their compliment in these atmospheres, and all of the tracks seem appropriate to one degree or another for listening while smoking, consistent with one of the more obvious interpretations of the album title.
The album pulls off what it seems to want to accomplish, is edited well enough to keep from becoming boring, and the performances are all quality. Not every track can be equally strong, some may be a little more average-sounding and therefore forgettable, but there are strong enough pieces on here to render it a good release.
