{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Wait, This Is a Classic?","home_page_url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/blogs\/wait-this-is-a-classic\/","feed_url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/blogs\/wait-this-is-a-classic\/json","items":[{"id":"o384-2161-6af60281772b7","url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/blogs\/wait-this-is-a-classic\/post\/west-side-story-a-timeless-love-story-or-a-product-of-its-time\/","title":"\"West Side Story\": A Timeless Love Story or a Product of Its Time?","date_published":"2026-11-12T18:16:33+00:00","summary":"Two rival gangs, one forbidden romance, and a soundtrack that has stood the test of time. But does the original 1961 film adaptation of \"West Side Story\" still deserve its legendary reputation?","content_html":"

Inspired by William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, the original “West Side Story" (1961) takes a familiar love story and places it in the streets of New York City. The film follows Tony, a former member of the Jets, and Maria, the sister of Bernardo, leader of the rival Sharks. When the two meet and fall in love, their relationship becomes caught in the middle of a growing conflict between the gangs. What follows is a tragic story about love, loyalty, prejudice, and the consequences of hatred. It is a story that audiences have known for generations, but watching it today raises an interesting question that we always examine in this blog series: does it still have the same impact today?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

One of the first things that makes “West Side Story" stand out is its music. With a score by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the film is filled with songs that have become recognizable far beyond the musical theater world. The music does more than fill the silence between scenes. It helps tell the story, introduces characters, and communicates emotions that ordinary dialogue sometimes cannot. Even if you have never watched the movie, there is a good chance you have heard at least one of its songs.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

The choreography is another reason this film feels so different from many musicals. The opening sequence, in particular, introduces the Jets and Sharks through dance rather than relying on a lengthy explanation. The characters seem to communicate through every movement, making the choreography feel like an essential part of the storytelling instead of simply an entertaining performance. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

However, what makes “West Side Story" interesting is not just its romance or music. Beneath the colorful costumes and memorable dance numbers is a much darker story about prejudice, immigration, and belonging. The rivalry between the Jets and Sharks reflects larger social tensions, particularly the discrimination faced by Puerto Rican communities. The film attempts to show how stereotypes and hostility can divide people, even when they share the same neighborhoods and experiences. These themes remain relevant today, which is one reason the story continues to be discussed decades after its release.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

That does not mean the original film is without its problems. Watching it through a modern lens, some of its casting and portrayal of Puerto Rican characters are difficult to overlook. Several Puerto Rican roles were played by non-Latino actors, and the film's approach to representing the community has been criticized. Some of its characterizations and cultural details also feel dated. Appreciating an older movie does not mean ignoring the ways it falls short, and “West Side Story” is an example of a classic that deserves both recognition and criticism.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Still, it is difficult to deny the film's influence. The original Broadway production opened in 1957, and the 1961 film brought the musical to an even wider audience. Its combination of music, dance, and serious social themes helped establish a new standard for what a musical could accomplish. The film also received ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture, making it one of the most celebrated movie musicals in history.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

So, does “West Side Story" still hold up? I think it does, although perhaps not in every way its original audiences experienced it. Its portrayal of certain characters has not aged particularly well, and some parts of the story feel tied to the era in which it was made. But its music, choreography, and central message still have an undeniable impact. It reminds audiences that love cannot always overcome prejudice, that hatred has consequences, and that people are often caught in conflicts much bigger than themselves.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

“West Side Story” earns its classic status. It is not a perfect film, but between its unforgettable soundtrack, groundbreaking choreography, and willingness to tackle serious issues, it remains an important piece of musical and cinematic history. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/384\/6aaad4f1240eafb245d.png","author":{"name":"Greenlee Powers"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/3689\/blogs\/posts\/87169"},{"id":"o384-2161-6ae4c88fa8fbc","url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/blogs\/wait-this-is-a-classic\/post\/little-women-a-classic-that-still-understands-growing-up\/","title":"\"Little Women\": A Classic That Still Understands Growing Up","date_published":"2026-10-30T16:40:47+00:00","summary":"Four sisters, big dreams, and nearly 160 years of readers falling in love with their story- but does Louisa May Alcott\u2019s \"Little Women\" still deserve its place among the greats? ","content_html":"

Published in 1868, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Little Women <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>follows the March sisters, Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy, as they navigate growing up during the American Civil War. Living with their mother while their father is away, the sisters experience the everyday struggles of family life, from financial difficulties to arguments, heartbreak, and figuring out who they want to become. It might not sound like the most exciting premise by today's standards, but that is part of what makes this book interesting. There are no elaborate fantasy worlds or world-ending conflicts. Instead, Alcott builds a story around the complicated experience of growing up.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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One of the most interesting things about <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Little Women<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> is how different the four sisters are. Meg values stability and family, Jo dreams of becoming a writer and refuses to fit neatly into society's expectations, Beth is gentle and compassionate, and Amy wants to develop her talents and experience a more sophisticated life. They are not perfect characters, and they do not always make the right decisions. They can be selfish, stubborn, jealous, and occasionally frustrating. But that is exactly what makes them feel real. Rather than presenting one perfect version of what a young woman should be, Alcott gives readers four different personalities with four different ideas of what a meaningful life looks like.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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And then there is Jo March, arguably the character who makes this book feel especially relevant today. Jo wants to write, create, and make something of herself. She has ambitions that extend beyond simply finding a husband, and she struggles with the limitations society places on women. For a book written in the nineteenth century, that is a pretty compelling idea. Even now, readers can relate to the pressure of choosing a future, deciding what success means, and wondering whether the life everyone expects you to want is actually the life you want. Jo's determination to pursue her own interests makes her feel less like a character trapped in the past and more like someone who could exist in the present.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Of course,<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> Little Women<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> is not without its flaws. The pacing can feel slow, especially for readers accustomed to contemporary novels that move quickly from one major event to another. Some of the language and moral lessons reflect the time in which Alcott was writing, and not every conflict will feel equally relatable to a modern audience. The story also places a great deal of importance on family responsibilities and personal virtue, which may not appeal to every reader. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Still, there is a reason the story has remained popular for generations. The March sisters' experiences are rooted in a particular historical period, but their struggles with identity, independence, ambition, and relationships are not limited to the nineteenth century. The novel was also inspired by Alcott's own experiences growing up with three sisters, giving its family dynamics a sense of personal familiarity. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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So, is Little Women actually a classic, or is it simply a book that has been around long enough to earn the title? I think it deserves the recognition- not because every page is exciting or every idea has aged perfectly, but because it gives readers something worth thinking about. It asks what it means to grow up, how much of ourselves we should change for other people, and whether success has to look the same for everyone. Those questions have not disappeared just because the world has changed.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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The verdict? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Little Women earns its classic status. It may take a little patience to get through, but beneath the old-fashioned language and nineteenth-century setting is a story about growing into yourself. And honestly, that is an experience that never really goes out of style.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/384\/6aaad4f1240eafb245d.png","author":{"name":"Greenlee Powers"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/3689\/blogs\/posts\/87017"},{"id":"o384-2161-6abfeaf33d907","url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/blogs\/wait-this-is-a-classic\/post\/ramones-the-album-that-helped-define-punk-rock\/","title":"\"Ramones\": The Album That Helped Define Punk Rock","date_published":"2026-10-02T17:33:39+00:00","summary":"Four chords, fast songs, and a whole lot of attitude, but does the Ramones\u2019 debut still deserve to be called a classic?","content_html":"

There are some albums that you listen to and immediately understand why people call them classics. The Ramones’ self-titled debut album is one that could immediately be called a classic. Released in 1976, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>is only about half an hour long, and most of the songs barely make it past two minutes. The music is loud, fast, and stripped down. There aren’t long guitar solos or complicated arrangements. Instead, the album relies on short songs, catchy melodies, and tons of energy. And this became the blueprint for all punk music that followed. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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To understand why <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>had such a big impact on the rock scene, you have to look at what rock sounded like in the mid-1970s. Rock had become bigger and more elaborate, with long songs, complicated arrangements and massive productions. However, in 1974 four guys from Queens, Joey, Johnny, Dee Dee and Tommy Ramone, had formed a band in New York which quickly became connected to the emerging punk scene. When they recorded their debut album, they reportedly did it for just over $6,000, which was a tiny budget compared to the elaborate recordings being made by many major rock artists at the time like Led Zeppelin. The result was an album that sounded almost deliberately simple. The Ramones were stripping it back down to the basics. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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The album opens with “Blitzkrieg Bop,” which is arguably one of the most recognizable songs in punk rock. It has a simple guitar riff and a memorable chant, making it very easy to get stuck in your head. From there, the album moves quickly through songs like “Beat on the Brat,” “Judy Is a Punk,” “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue” and “Loudmouth”. Most of the songs are short, and the album rarely slows down. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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If you are listening to <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>today without knowing anything about the band’s history, it’s easy to wonder why this album is so special. The guitar isn’t particularly complicated, the songs are repetitive, the lyrics can be silly, and the production sounds much rougher than what we are used to hearing from modern rock records. But I think this is what makes this album important. Their music demonstrated that a band didn’t need elaborated production or complicated songwriting to make something memorable. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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The album’s influence is probably the biggest reason it became a classic. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>wasn’t a massive commercial success when it was released. It reached only No. 111 on the U.S. album chart, but its cultural impact was much larger than its sales suggested. The band became particularly influential in the United Kingdom, where their music helped inspire the developing punk scene. Their influence can be heard in bands such as the Clash and the Sex Pistols, as well as generations of punk, alternative and rock musicians that followed. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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That’s what makes <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>so interesting to revisit today. When you listen to the album more than 50 years later, you are literally hearing a blueprint for a genre. The fast tempos, simple guitar riffs, short songs, and rebellious attitude all became some of the defining characteristics of punk rock. Of course, that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone listening today is going to love the album. If you prefer polished production, complicated instrumentation or songs that take their time developing, the <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>might not immediately be your things. But I think everyone can appreciate what this album did for the punk genre as a whole. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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A classic doesn’t necessarily have to sound timeless, sometimes its importance comes from what it changes and <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>is a perfect example of that. So, do <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>still hold up? In my opinion, I think it absolutely does. This album, like I’ve stated before, is the blueprint for all modern punk rock. This album is a classic because you can hear its influence in any punk rock song you hear today. Four musicians took simple songs, loud guitars, and a lot of energy and created something that would influence music for decades to come. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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So, is <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Ramones <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>a classic? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Yes, I think it absolutely is. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

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Sources: <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

allmusic.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n

theguardian.com<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/384\/6aaad4f1240eafb245d.png","author":{"name":"Greenlee Powers"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/3689\/blogs\/posts\/86667"},{"id":"o384-2161-6aaad7941771f","url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/blogs\/wait-this-is-a-classic\/post\/discovering-the-cult-classic-empire-records\/","title":"Discovering the Cult Classic \"Empire Records\"","date_published":"2026-09-16T17:53:00+00:00","content_html":"

Some movies everyone seems to know are classics like <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Titanic<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> or <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>The Godfather.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> You hear the titles constantly, see the posters everywhere, and eventually accept that you’re supposed to love them. Then there are movies where you hear someone call them a “classic” and think, “Wait…this is a classic?” And that was my reaction to <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Released in 1995, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>follows a group of young employees working at an independent record store as they deal with relationships, friendships, personal problems, and the possibility of their beloved store being taken over by a large chain, Music Town. Over the course of one very chaotic day, the employees try to keep Empire Records (and each other) from falling apart. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

The movie was not exactly a massive success when it first came out. In fact, its theatrical release was relatively quiet. There was a production budget of $10 million, but in total, the film only earned approximately $300,00 at the box office. But over time, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>developed a devoted following and became what we now call a cult classic. And honestly? I can see why. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

So…Why is it a classic? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

I believe the biggest reason <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>has lasted is because of its characters. The movie isn’t really about the plot. If you’re looking for a tightly constructed story with perfectly developed conflicts and resolutions, this movie probably isn’t for you. Instead, <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>is about a group of young people who feel like they’re stuck somewhere between childhood and adulthood. I don’t know about you, but I am a sucker for these types of films. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

There’s Corey, who is struggling with her feelings and expectations for her future. There’s A.J., who is trying to decipher his feelings for Corey. There’s Deb, who is dealing with personal struggles while trying to find her place among her friends. And then there’s Mark. Mark, the one who gambled away Joe’s (the owner of Empire Records) money. Mark, the one who seems to exist on an almost entirely different planet. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

They are messy, dramatic, funny, immature, and frustrating. Especially Mark. I facepalmed multiple times while watching! But that’s what makes them feel so real. The characters don’t always make the smartest decisions, but that’s part of the point. They are young people trying to figure themselves out while working jobs that, at least for a moment, give them somewhere to belong. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

One thing I have to talk about when discussing <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Records<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span> is the soundtrack. Talk about insane because it was! The soundtrack is packed with alternative and rock music from the 1990s, featuring artists like The Cranberries, Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, and The Lemonheads. The soundtrack brings the film’s personality to life. It immerses you as a viewer. Suddenly, you are a teenager in the 1990s, blasting punk rock while dusting off vinyl records. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Does it still hold up?<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

This is where I have mixed feelings. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>is not a perfect movie. For instance, some of the dialogue can feel overly dramatic, and some characters are exaggerated. Certain storylines could have been handled with more depth, but I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

I believe that part of the appeal of <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>, at least to me, is that it feels like a ‘90s movie. It isn’t trying to be some timeless piece of art in the traditional sense. The clothes worn, the music played, the humor spoken, and the attitude portrayed all make <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>a ‘90s time capsule. And that’s why it works. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

So, is <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>Empire Records <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>actually a classic? <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

I think it is…a cult classic. Let me explain. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

It isn’t a classic because it’s the most technically perfect movie ever. Nor is it a classic because it was a huge success when it came out. Instead, I think it’s a classic because people remember it. People obviously connected with these characters and still connect with the music. They connected with the idea of a little independent place that felt like it belonged to them. And even decades later, people are still discovering it. That’s what makes this film a cult classic. It’s a movie that doesn’t become important because movie critics unanimously declared it brilliant. It becomes important to a particular group of people refusing to let it disappear. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Don’t expect this movie to be perfect. Expect it to be fun, messy, extremely ‘90s, and full of people who care way too much about a record store. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

Which I believe is the whole point. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n

 <\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/384\/6aaad4f1240eafb245d.png","author":{"name":"Greenlee Powers"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wpsrhd.com\/_app_pages\/stations\/3689\/blogs\/posts\/86441"}]}