The All-American Rejects have officially unveiled their cover of Harvey Danger's iconic 1997 track "Flagpole Sitta," marking the first major release from SPIN Records. After taking a break from touring, band members Tyson Ritter and Nick Wheeler drew inspiration from nostalgic moments spent reminiscing on a tour bus, prompting their decision to reinterpret the beloved '90s anthem.
Members Ritter and Wheeler explained that the idea for the cover emerged as a joke during one of their nostalgic listening parties. However, what began as lighthearted banter quickly transformed into a serious recording project, with a dedicated studio session taking place in Nashville. The band aimed to foster creativity and collaboration without the pressures typically associated with recording, which Wheeler described as a delightful experience.
Covering "Flagpole Sitta" aligns with the current cultural trend of revisiting nostalgic tunes. Although it’s common to refer to Harvey Danger as a one-hit wonder, Ritter and Wheeler expressed their deep respect for the band’s sound and songwriting prowess, emphasizing their admiration for the enduring relevance of the song's original lyrics.
This cover is expected to resonate with both longtime fans and new listeners by combining the familiarity of the iconic track with the All-American Rejects' evolution over the years. The band hopes this project will reignite interest in their music, connecting two generations through their shared appreciation for the genre. The cover can be listened to here. For further details regarding the release, you can read SPIN’s article here.