"Now I'm not saying this album is automatically good because it's popular, but I am saying it's not automatically BAD because Anthony Fantano is popular." YES, oh my god THANK YOU - I feel that way strongly about a lot of music and you articulated that feeling so perfectly

Tragedy struck me too, when I heard Dance Monkey for the first time. And then again, and again, and again.

They truly were a Tones And I Welcome To The Madhouse

Welp the music still got flagged BUT it's still up! Consider the Gameboy just a fun little gimmick for the episode

I can't believe that the GBA turned this album into a hypnagogic pop masterpiece.

So many people who do videos like this go for full throated comedy. It becomes a standup routine, and there’s no sense of being genuine, it’s just an AVGN style takedown of the album in question. Which is fine, if showing off their comedy chops is all they are going for, but you manage to have a good amount of comedy and laughs while also coming across as sincere and open-minded about the albums.

your channel is absolutely my favorite music review channel because you're the only one that seems to approach every album in good faith. there was a creator called Brad Taste In Music that i used to watch who spouted nothing but cynicism and recycled Fantano opinions, and eventually people got sick of that gimmick. you are a genuine music reviewer coming from an unbiased place and i love that

my theory for child's play is that tones was trying to imitate the melanie martinez/billie eilish style of lullaby-esque music. obviously melanie is MUCH more on the nose about it, but billie eilish has definitely leaned into it too - the industry has definitely taken notice of the fact that having that kind of childlike softness contrasting with darker, more hate/rage-fueled topics is pretty damn lucrative.

i haven't listened to the full song so i can't comment on how well she actually pulled it off, but i figured i'd add my two cents in anyway.

More than ever you have my respect; the nuance of  "I don't like it. I get it, I understand it and I'm glad it exists, but it's not for me" is sorely lacking in most places, and it makes your critique so much more valuable.

Thank you for not devolving into histrionic hyperbole. Hail Ringo.

I’m not the biggest fan of tones and I myself but I am so happy you brought up the Fantano issue, and how if he makes a bad review it suddenly turns most other Internet music critics into the angry video game nerd but for "bad" albums.

I still can’t believe Tones and I won the election
Truly a moment of all time….

I think some people underestimate how hard it can be to be vulnerable in your art. I have enough trouble being honest when someone asks me “what’s wrong”, I can’t imagine how hard it is to release a whole album about it. I’m not saying that makes the album good by any means, but I don’t think it should be so easily dismissed either. In a world of AI “art” and soulless slop, I think it’s more important than even ever that we appreciate the weirdness that comes with being a human with actual emotions. If that makes any sense, idk maybe it doesn’t.

I’m glad this review came out when it did. My family suffered a loss recently. My relatives are struggling with grief much more than I am, but your words at the end were still really nice to hear. We’re all going to the memorial next weekend, I hope your words can give me the strength I need to support my family during this time.

This is one of the most underrated channels on YouTube. So many music review channels are so negative or chase trends, your takes are always so refreshing.

This series deserves WAY more success than it has. Keep up the great work, Cactus Malpractice!

At first i thought the album was actually mixed like that and i was thinking "damn this is a bold move"
Awesome review as always
Thanks for being wholesome

I liked the gameboy filter, reminds me of listening to a party from around the corner

Thank you for actually playing snippets of the songs, I know it’s risky and difficult to pull off and even though it’s muffled and sounds like I’m listening to it dolalr store AirPods it atleast gives me an idea of what the song is and the points you’re making.

You just seem like a good man, Garrett. It's rare to see anyone talk about their opinions for 44 minutes and still come off so genuine and kind. That's why I keep watching.

I've only heard the one song. She may very well have the worst voice I've ever heard. I'm not sure I'm going to be able to get through this episode

FIFTEEN TIMES?!

YOU HAD TO LISTEN TO TONES AND I FIFTEEN FUCKING TIMES

I’m largely indifferent towards this album, but I honestly think the gameboy advance speaker sound elevates it by a lot. the kind of shitty synth + cheesy samples all sound intentional with that grainy filter over them, in a way that the original doesn’t manage. if the actual album sounded like it does in this video I’d probably listen to it pretty often