Posts published in “Reviews”

(Archive November 2017) America’s Sweetheart Finally Evolves Into the Queen of Mean

By editorialteam on January 28, 2025

By Michael Parahiala | Observer Contributor

Taylor Swift, everyone’s favorite- or least favorite, depending who you talk to- pop star released a new song and music video August 27. “Look What You Made Me Do,” from her new album Reputation, already has over 5.5 million views, the record for most YouTube views in twenty-four hours, and opinions on the song and the singer alike are mixed at best.

Both the song and its music video are edgier than what most have come to expect from Swift. From imagery of her actually rising up out of a cage to hard hitting, angry lyrics promising that she is different than “the old Taylor” and that she and karma are coming for the people on a referenced list of names, Taylor seems to have changed her entire image. The video ends with multiple versions of the popstar fighting with one another; the singer openly mocking how she’s been perceived from the start of her career to current time. read more

(Archive November 2017) Alternative Country on the Harbor

By editorialteam on January 28, 2025

Featuring Sturgill Simpson and Opening Act Fantastic Negrito

By Jennifer Lamontagne | Observer Contributor

A smoky boat fire clouded the Harbor air before Sturgill Simpson took to the stage and fired up his special brand of alternative country music Saturday night at the Blue Hills Pavilion in Boston. Simpson rocked the house with his Kentucky swagger and heartfelt lyrics.

Fantastic Negrito, touring in support of “Last Days of Oakland” opened the show. The band performed a forty-minute set of heavy bluesy roots rock, which included “An Honest Man” and “In the Pines”. The band’s funky/jazzy beats were upbeat and energizing and the lead singer Xavier Dphrepaulezz sure knows how to work a crowd by weaving in his past as a person and performer in-between songs. read more

(Archive November 2017) It (2017) Movie Review

By editorialteam on January 28, 2025

By Shayna Rolon | Observer Contributor

Based on the cult-classic novel written by Stephen King, It, (directed by Andy Muschietti), sends off rather quick frights from jump scares but leaves something to be desired in terms of truly invoking fear within the viewer, the type of fear that would leave you sleepless the same night of watching it.

The setting of It takes place in the small town of Derry and begins with Georgie, the little brother of Bill Denbrough (Jaeden Lieberher), who goes out in the rain to sail a boat that his older brother had given to him. Georgie suddenly loses the boat as it falls into a gutter, and as he attempts to retrieve it, he meets the ominous Pennywise the Clown (Bill Skarsgard), who has the paper boat and taunts Georgie to enter the sewer, repeatedly chanting, “take it, take it…” read more

(Archive May 2017) Review of the Spring 2017 Literary Magazine, “A Certain Slant”

By editorialteam on January 8, 2025

By Deidra Brown | Observer Contributor

The cover to the 2017 edition of *A Certain Slant*.
Photo by Tom Hill Jr.

A Certain Slant, spring 2017 edition, is a literary magazine that features original poetry, prose, and artwork of many MWCC students. During the process of creating each yearly edition, any student is welcome to submit their work to Michelle Valois, the faculty advisor.

The artwork featured on the front and back covers, created by Kyle Johnson, is what caught my attention immediately. The vibrant colors and unique design were captivating. Upon receiving the magazine, I quickly brushed my hand across the front of the magazine due to the three-dimensional illusion created by the cover art. read more

(Archive May 2017) Review of “13 Reasons Why”

By editorialteam on January 8, 2025

By Brianna Stevens | Observer Contributor

Netflix’s *13 Reasons Why*
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Netflix%27s_13_Reasons_Why_title_screen.png

It’s 2 a.m. I should have been asleep hours ago, but here I am, crying my eyes out over 13 Reasons Why. If you’re like me, you, too, sobbed at the graphic depiction of suicide in the show. It was gut wrenching to watch.

If you have not seen it, 13 Reasons Why is based on the book by Jay Asher, which was published in 2007. The show tells the story of Hannah Baker, played by Katherine Langford, a teenage girl who decides to commit suicide, and leaves behind tapes explaining her 13 reasons for this choice.
I was impressed with this Netflix Original Series, and yet, disturbed. It was a bold move to show all the graphic scenes that they did, which was done against professional advice. A “viewer discretion” warning popped up before at least 3 of the episodes because of the graphic content depicting rape, suicide, and general violence. read more

(Archive April 2017) A Musical Review: Wicked is Wicked Awesome

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Courtney Wentz | Editor-in-Chief

Source: “Dennis Beck / Broadway Tour,” BroadwayTour.net

The Wizard of Oz is a fun movie, but Wicked is even more fun, dazzling, and has many surprising twists.

Wicked the musical tells the story of everything leading up to the death of the Wicked Witch of the West, but they do it with catchy songs like “Dancing Through Life” and “One Short Day.” Then there’s the annoyingly catchy song “Popular,” sung by Glinda about making Elphaba, the wicked witch, popular.

The stage was set up like the insides of an old timey clock, along with a mechanical dragon perched at the top of the stage. Anytime Elphaba used magic, the dragon’s eyes would glow red and smoke would come out of its nostrils. The Wizard also has a mechanical head that looked like it was floating, while he was talking to Glinda and Elphaba. read more

(Archive April 2017) How Chance the Rapper Shines a Bright Light on Rappers

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jamie Parker | News Editor

Chancelor Johnathan Bennett, also known as Chance the Rapper, has been making moves lately that show how different he is from other rappers. In the beginning of March, Chance donated one million dollars to Chicago Public Schools. This along with his message he raps, show that he is shining a whole new light on modern day rappers.

Chance the Rapper is a product of the Chicago Public Schools, which have gotten a lot of negative attention recently for their current state. This is what sparked his idea for the donation. Rising to fame without the help of a label has put Chance in a unique position of unrestrained artistry, and freedom. He seems to be using this freedom to convey a holistic sense to his listeners. With the message of God flowing strongly throughout his newest album, “Coloring Book,” he is truly proving to be doing the work of a greater being. read more

(Archive April 2017) Ned Flanders-Themed Metal Band Shows How Pursuing Your Ideas Pays Off

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Jason D. Greenough | Observer Contributor

Have you ever had an idea that you thought would be great, but then never built onto it because you second guessed yourself? Did something ever cross your mind, and you got excited about it, but feared that some people might look at it like a joke, so you passed up the opportunity? Well, I have a story about how going through with that one really strange idea can really turn out to be an awesome experience.

I love going to concerts. Metal and punk shows, mostly. The atmosphere is wonderful, and especially when there are lesser known bands on the bill, it makes it even more interesting, because I get to hear some new music that I usually wind up liking later on. Every band has something to offer, and when those opening acts blow the roof the place, which they often times do, I sometimes feel a sense of connection to the band, and it’s mainly due to the fact that I could be on that same stage if I just worked out a single idea longer than a week or so. I know I could be, but I second guess myself too much. I always have that feeling of connection, but it really hit me hard when I went to see Mac Sabbath at the Worcester Palladium on March 25^th. read more

(Archive March 2017) Interview/Review of Local Musician Julie Cira

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Bryon Harris | Observer Contributor

Julie Cira hails from the Happy Valley of Northampton, MA. She describes herself as alt-country/Americana, sometimes lo-fi indie rock, a femme-fatale, punk at heart. Cira is relatively new to the Western Mass music scene and has made a notable entry with her self-titled three song EP. All three songs on the EP display solid, engaging song-writing delivered by Cira’s warm and intimate vocals. It is clear that Cira has passion and heart. Her music is soulful. read more

(Archive March 2017) Book Review: I Was Here by Gayle Forman

By editorialteam on September 10, 2024

By Mariah Boisvert | Observer Contributor

I Was Here by New York Times bestselling author Gayle Forman and published by Penguin Random House LLC is a coming of age novel dealing with the loss of someone who is important to you. I loved this book from beginning to end. It deals with love, loss, friendship, secrets, mystery and forgiveness.

Open chapter one, “I regret to inform you that I have taken my own life. The decision has been a long time coming, and was mine alone to make.” – Megan Luisa Garcia read more