I K E E P G I V I N G B A D P E O P L E G O O D R E V I E W S

wear me

We all know exactly who you’re talking about Anthony Cal Chuchesta

Anthony, if you really want to review old nazi marching anthems you can just tell us.

Mr. Fantano, it has come to my attention that you are reviewing artists whom have been guilty of using "swear words". I cannot continue to support your content until you stop endorsing this problematic behavior

Some consider melon a problematic artist

If shit hits the fan, are you still a fan?

Seems a bit hypocritical coming from the guy who starts every video quoting entire Benito Mussolini speeches.

Very well said

I respect your stance on the issue, but you didn't have to call XXXTentacion the N word, with the hard R no less.

Im problematic fandango, review me.

Takeshi69 likes em ages 6-9

I think its less about deliberately drawing an ethical line in the sand, like a personal boycott of an artist (though obviously people can do this as well if they so choose). I think that often its a much more simple question of being unable to look at that artists' work again in the same way, after discovering something sinister about them. Like, I used to really love everything Louis C.K. did, he is a very funny guy, and his comedy specials and TV series have this empathic quality to their tone and humor that let him talk about serious subject matter, and get into really dark comedy with a smile. But after hearing about all of his creepy behavior, I just cant watch any of his shows without thinking about that. It's not a matter of deliberately deciding that I refuse to support him, its simply that this new context has transformed his work. You can't just choose to forget that he's a total creep, that knowledge is with you. Whether that knowledge is enough to put you off from watching his work will depend on how viscerally the details of it get to you, I suppose.

who's here after the unreviewable Kanye album?

I think it's ok to enjoy the art of bad people, but if you feel that way, don't go out of your way to give them your money.

the art vs artist thing always makes me feel conflicted, especially as an artist myself. I can't separate the two, i know how much an artist's beliefs and values affect what they create. I can appreciate someone's talent but once I've learned something bad about an artist I've admired... It really changes the way I engage with their art. That doesn't mean I'll completely cut out that art from my life if it still holds value to me, but I have to be mindful of how I engage with it. I don't know, its complicated. But I agree that you, as a professional reviewer, can't simply _not_ talk about influential artists, this is your job. I just wish more professionals acted as... professionally as you do about it.

I choose to draw no line. I separate the artist from the art. If someone finds Hitler's mixtape hit me up.

The thing I have with problematic artists is giving them MONEY through streams and music views. They just do not deserve my money. Any songs by people I morally can’t support that I listen to are on lyric videos that some twelve year old made or a reupload on Soundcloud that doesn’t give said artist any money.

true but lets not draw the line for some artists and not others... too often i see people saying they wont listen to, let's say X, but then bump Chris Brown every weekend. Let's keep it consistent if you want to draw a line

Now 5 years later he shames anyone who listens to Chris brown and Kanye west joe progressive melon .

6:07 When you haven’t told somebody you’re vegan in 6 minutes...

Thankyou for this. I've spend a lot of time wrestling with myself over listening to Brand New after all the controversy surrounding Jesse Lacey and it's nice to hear someone like you holding a similar opinion. At the end of the day I still find it difficult to still listen to artists like this but ultimately it's all up to how you feel about it. If it makes you personally uncomfortable then you should probably avoid it. If not then go ahead. At the same time always be aware of what the artist did, and don't completely pass it off as not happening either.

Review Charles Manson's music

This is a healthy perspective, thank you for sharing! Artistic confidence can easily turn into self indulgent ego stroking. It is the understanding of this force that helps differentiate artists who just have that thing you can't explain.

I love Burzum but that does not make me a white supremacist. I love Chief Keef but that does not mean im a murderer.

Review Charles Manson's album

Great video. Enjoyed your bit about Dancer In The Dark. I'm so excited to hear you discuss it on the Sardonicast!

Fantano you're quickly becoming my favorite KZfaqr. You're very good at making both serious and memey videos and reviews that are interesting and engaging. Nice vid, melon

Do a Radiohead Madness Bracket MELONHEAD!!

I really hate it when people use "problematic" in this way as if it's problematic to a specific agenda, rather than their actions just being reprehensible.

I think a big issue currently facing the music community right now is that morality is sort of a currency now when it comes to musicians. People forget that musicians are people too, make mistakes just like everyone else, and also can be shitty human beings like everyone else. If you hold your favorite artists to such a high moral standard you are missing that basic fact and will be disappointed. Not trying to draw attention away from legit issues, but its aikin to how fundamentalist Christians look at morality.

Fully agree. My personal philosophy on this: You can never really know that if an artist is truly good. They might have done terrible things thats not public information. This means that enyone that you think is a virtuous person, might not be. And since the publicly avaible information about any given artist is arbitrary, the judgment about that artist will naturally be arbitrary too. This is the foundation for how i judge art. As best as i can, try to never take anything else besides the artwork itself into account, when im experiencing art. I only take what the artist has presented. If i start to put other things in the mix, i feel like that taints the artists vision. And i think thats disrespectful against the artist. I dont judge how ethical the artist is, how hard it was to make, or how long they worked on it. If i did, then i would judge the ARTIST, and not the artwork. If i want to judge that, then that has to be a seperate judgement. Of course its hard to not be baised like this, but i think its important to try.

I think this is one of the best vids you’ve ever put out.

Definitely agree with all the points you made. People say if you still listen to the music after finding out what someone did, then you're showing support for that artist, but I view it more like this: if I DON'T listen to it, I'm not going to get the money back that I spent on it and because I bought it in the first place, said artist already has my money, why not continue enjoying the art that I paid for if I like it? It doesn't mean I support what the person did, I'm just consuming the art that I paid for. It makes more sense to cease purchasing anything from them in future rather than to all together stop listening to the work I fell in love with in the past. (And in the personal case I'm referencing, the artist may have written and sang the song, but he's not my reason for liking it. I originally fell in love with the lyrical content and the music video which had some of my other favorite people in it. The artist himself was only in it for like 2 seconds. Yet if people knew I listened to it they'd call me out for "supporting" a shitty person.)

You're so brutally honest. This is why we love you.

This is completely valid. You actually enlightened me on how to approach artists who are involved in acts I find questionable. Respect!

I disagree with the point made at around the 11:00 mark. Often times the art itself is not separate from the artist, meaning that it is often a reflection of the artists self. Maybe not in the movie industry but certainly very often in the music industry.

Thank you for this. These are my exact thoughts on this subject and you said it in a clear and articulate way. I've always been too afraid to put them into words because I feel people just don't want to understand these days. It's always a "you're with us or against us" tribal mentality bullshit when the conversation is a lot more nuanced than that.

Thanks Antony, this has been a personal struggle for me, great vid

Damn melon, uploading this just as I finish watching hollywood exposed videos. U must be psychic

Nice video.

Ty Anthony, hopefully now people will stop getting on me/ others for continuing to love Brand New. Made a lot of valid points.

I look forward to my dose of fantano every day. thanks man

Surprised at the lack of Deathspell Omega comments

bring back World Peace

I personally separate the art from the artists 99% of the time. But i find this whole movement of "don't support thisbecause of this" to be weirdly fixated solely on sexual abuse. Not saying that sexual abuse isnt a legitimate reason or people are stupid for not separating the art from the art. I just think it's kind of strange and inconsistent to claim to not want to support problematic artists but it seems to me not only is that considered by far the most common offense but it seems to be considered the worst offense by far. Yet, even worse shit like murder is not only not considered equally unacceptable, it's fucking completely acceptable. like 6ix 9ine is a pretty common example. Which is fine but those same people will scream free tay-k. So supporting murderers is fine. It's ok that he was involved in the murder of a young chick or beating up an elderly man or all the other murders and crimes he's committed. I just don't see any logical reasoning behind what is or isn't acceptable. The only reason I can come up with is this started with the me too movement and is actually not actually this open dialogue about what is or isn't acceptable. It's just the same debate people have been having ever since the me too movement. It is what it is so lets be honest about it and not act like this discussion is this open all encompassing thing.

You perfectly articulated the very complex moving parts involving the ideal of virtue and the layers of shame and fear and paranoia some might experience when wanting to promote or support artists and people at large. Thank you for your contribution To remove the weird stigma our society has pertaining to “religion” The truth of the matter is, we are extensions of the universe The universe is by nature, gruesome and terrifying Dark but also light We are just bodies who will consistently be taken over by all energies and frequencies “Good” or “bad” High or low We will be “sinful” and have misdeeds And we will be “holy” or practice “good will” It’s so good to talk about this objectively so that we can remove as much shame as possible and just be naturally and fearlessly, human

“The killinary realm” lol Fantano I love you

Personally, I think this entire concept of "separating art from the artist" is really not hard to get behind, and something that many millions of people do every day, even if they say they would "never." This fact is validated by one instance alone and that is the Chris Brown phenomenon. After he did that to Rihanna, literally no more than a year or 2 later he had number 1 hits and was the hot feature on literally every artists song. His music was still bumping at clubs and parties and people jammed to his next several albums like nothing had happened. People like to think that they would "never" support someone who did bad stuff, but clearly they do. In my opinion, enjoying a particular song and disliking the person who made it are totally separate and you can do both at once. What it comes down to is whether or not you personally are willing to listen to or support someone who did bad stuff. If your morals get in the way of you being able to enjoy something, then you are not obligated to still enjoy it or still listen to it.

The killanary realm? That sounds like a very scary place, anthony 😳

This is a good discussion to have. Thank you Anthony.

Great video! Love the opinions and thoughts.

Can't wait for your Chris Brown reviews to drop!

Anthony,you can’t label every African American artist “problematic” just because of their skin color.

You've made a video about a very similar topic in the past and made most of the same points. Big respect for bringing this up to newer fans.

I like your approach to dealing with problematic artists because you make sure to mention what's problematic about them (e.g. XXXtentacion and, more recently, 6ix9ine) and in doing so allow your audience to take in all the facts on this artist and this piece of art so that they can make a decision on whether or not to buy it. A lot of the artists you review I either haven't heard of or don't know anything about beyond the name, so it's helpful that you still review problematic artists because for me it means that's one less artist I might pick up an album by without realising they're problematic. By reviewing these artists despite their problematic nature, but without ignoring that nature, you contribute to the overall discussion and keep your viewership informed in a way that you simply couldn't if you outright refused to review these artists.

100% agree. I dislike a lot of artists, but don't hate their art. Simple as

To me it seems that a lot more artist in today’s world have some kind of fucked up past. Why is this so damn common now?

to the point at 7:11, I would say paying for the art does contribute in some cases to protecting that person from facing justice as it contributes to their ability to fight legal battles (albeit in an indirect fashion).

Thank you so much for saying this stuff, Fantano. It’s about time that someone articulated the fact that who an artist is an an individual doesn’t really have much to do with their capacity for talent.

One of the biggest examples of this for me is Phil Spector. He helped produce some of the most amazing songs and albums ever made and I think his actions are absolutely horrific

Hopsin's existence is problematic

Woah.... this video is very nicely structured. Wow, I’m impressed.

Some good points there man nice work

Nuanced take, melon, i agree with you mostly, especially about why you review these problematic artists. What i want to add, however, is a note on our responsibility, especially in the wake of the #metoo movement, to have higher standards for artists moving forward. I think its kind of a moot point boycotting older artists, unless you do have a visceral reaction, but i think for folks like me, without a platform like yours, where our entire power is in our consumption and attention, to not give it to artists that create a dangerous environment in music scenes.

I think one distinction you forgot to make is how relevant the transgression is to the current success of the music. For example, if a band continues to use their earnings, position or fame to perpetuate a problem, then I'll cut them off. If it's something minor done in the past that they are no longer doing or supporting with their music then whatever.

Cant wait to hear you on the Sardonicast, Mr Melon! Thanks for the preview

I think the main thing is that your platform is so wide-reaching that reviewing a problematic artist will be directly responsible for a (albeit possibly short) surge in purchases for that artist after a review is dropped regardless of positivity. Do you want to knowingly support these artists monetarily, indirectly or otherwise? If so, go for it man. But just know that you, yourself, Anthony, are making these people more money.

So damn important and a point that will have to be made again in another 20 years when a new generation has to step up and learn this lesson.

the term problematic is *very* problematic

Even after I found out Anthony is an alt-right musiccritic I didn' stop watching his show

Probably one of your most articulate and eloquent videos.

If you find that you rid yourself of art made by someone who did something "reprehensible"...whatever that might mean to you...you'll soon find you have no art to consume. And even your own is tainted.

this is a really good album *throws it*

best video ive seen on this issue tbh, long overdue

Yeah Dancer in the Dark is fucking brilliant! Can't wait to hear you and Adam, Alex & Ralph talk about it.

Great points. But I just cannot agree. Yes it's true on paper all the points on crimes and artistic output of a person being separate. However I believe in real life, by supporting artists that commit heinous crimes, it normalizes and diminishes the actions of these people. I believe there is a reason people who assault or sexually abuse people get ostracized from many parts of society. And it's a great sign of American/western values that this happens. We're inviting the celebrities into our homes when we make the abusers household names. You shouldn't invite a criminal to work for you, right? Why should you pay an artist your time I am so glad you're such an open and awesome creator that you make this kind of video and conversation though! Needs to be spoken about more

wifebeater wednesdays

My only issue is, let's talk about one of these South Florida rappers for example- pick any one of em cause most of em have a case against them right now. My issue is, if you do listen to them, actively, and stream or buy their music, or even mention their name, the money/clout associated with that doesn't just fall into some void. If you buy someone's album, they get paid for it. It's funding their pockets. And unless they personally want to change their ways you're literally funding shitty behavior you know? And that money allows them to stay on the platform of someone who may be just as talented with none of the bs. Idk that's just my take. Like, if someone is playing a catchy song, don't be that dick to ruin the moment and tell them to turn it off, but be aware that if you personally buy into it, then your money is going directly to them

I like the music of the band Shining and other DSBM (depressive/suicidal black metal), but my answers to their moral decisions include, not buying their albums/merch, and not attending shows. essentially not giving them money because they use it to tell people to unironically kill themselves,

Do you have to mention in every video that your favorite book is Mein Kampf?

Ofcourse Melon had to throw in being Vegan in the video just like Logic does with being Biracial in his music

I think this feeds into the issue many people have, myself included, that people you don't like can say things you do like, and you can appreciate it. To a much harsher degree, but I think the idea stands.

nice video antnee, and nice vocabulary

a shining vegan moment in this one, we stan a legend

Look, everyone of us in here will turn up the sound if Ignition Remix comes on the radio. We're capable of separating art from the artist.

Yay! Mister List is back!!!

I think you hit the nail on the head with that last point man, it's ignorant to ignore the quality of the art and it's ignorant to ignore the issues that surround it as well

Hm

Just tell them that if they do anything bad then you won't wear the yellow flannel when reviewing their album. That'll make them think twice.

While I don't agree with your stance here, you communicated it very well and I understand where you're coming from. Much respect, my friend

I think my outlook on it is the aspect of giving the artists money by supporting them. I think it's okay to separate the art from the artists, but when you stream or their music or attend their shows you are giving that person monetary gain. If you listen to the music or already own the music is one thing, but giving the artist money is where I end up drawing the line.

review John Wayne Gacy's new album I'm a Good Guy Once You Get to Know Me.

If you buy past Crystal Castles albums, wouldn’t you be supporting Alice as well through royalties and other pay? I understand not buying future releases without her and I won’t be, but buying albums she was on puts money in her pocket as well.

Most of us have done bad things. .

Hey Anthony, huge fan, always have been. I'd like to sort of play the devils advocate and pick your brain regarding this. I recently watched the most recent John Oliver show posted on their youtube page, which dealt with addressing the topic of removing confederate symbols from public places, and the backlash by those who support such symbols to remain where they are, etc. I wouldn't have normally jumped to make this comparison but some of the things you said reminded me of some things stated in that episode. I suppose my question is, would you say that the heat/controversy/taboo surrounding that topic is comparable to this uproar about the support of successful artists who've done, or been accused of, terrible acts? Surely I understand that, for instance, that crystal castles album isn't on display on some blown up canvas in a park as a monument, but in the sense that it's pedaled in stores and in a sense, omni-permeable, not just in a centralized location, I would imagine some folks could see the support and spread of such content/symbolism as being even worse than the support of leaving such statues in place. (For the record I don't think that, and personally I feel all art should be taken separately from its creators, but I can somewhat empathize with where some of these people feeling how they do are coming from).

Antoine Trivago, review watch out

Do a classic review of a GG Alan album

Agreed. I've always been able to separate the artist from the art. Why i connect to a song could be for reasons that aren't a reflection of the artist or even myself.

I get a lot of shit from people because I do like a few musicians who are labeled problematic (accused or convicted) and I just appreciate the talent they bring not who they are as a person. For example, I like Melanie Martinez and I was shocked by the accusations made against her and I'm not going to stop listening to her music, but I will definitely look at her a different way.