Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix, is a product of the evolution of musical styles throughout the years. It originated as a popular 1940s standard, by Lew Brown and Charlie Tobias, but has been reinterpreted, rearranged, and remixed countless times since. Nowadays, the song resonates with young music lovers and finds new listeners with each generation. The ongoing attention to the remix is evidence of its enduring popularity.
Within the contemporary music landscape, there are several versions of the Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix. Notable versions have been released by Ed Sheeran in 2011, X-Factor finalists One Direction in 2010, an EDM version by German band Paul Kalkbrenner in 2014, and a rendition by Louis Armstrong in 1967. Each of these versions has retained the original call and response lyrics, articulating a message of commitment and loyalty despite changing times and trends. Consequently, the song is entrenched in many different cultures, from the United States and Western Europe to Australia, Japan and beyond.
Through the remix, this classic pop hit has been reinterpreted to stay relevant and captivate new audiences. Paul Kalkbrenner’s EDM version loops the original a cappella vocals to create a dance track, while Ed Sheeran’s version has cleverly integrated the car horn noises and electric chords of its 1940s version to link the remix to its Jazz roots. Other versions remain close to the original arrangement, such as One Direction’s, but still manage to refresh the song’s sound to attract new fans.
The unexpected success of Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix marks a victory for the song’s large collection of producers, who have worked hard to keep the song in circulation despite the year-on-year developments in music genres and production methods. Due to its complex history and the variety of styles it incorporates, the song embodies a huge range of sounds, allowing listeners to enjoy the delight of listening to a tune that has spanned multiple generations and music genres.
It may be somewhat surprising to some that a 70-year-old song still enjoys sustained popularity. But, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix provides a bridge between the nostalgia of the past and the excitement of the present. The remix brings together multiple generations of fans and allows older listeners to share their love for the song with their children and grandchildren. In this way, it has gained an almost timeless life, inviting fresh and poignant modern interpretations, while still reminding its faithful followers of simpler times.
Origin
First written and recorded by Lew Brown and Charlie Tobias in the early 1940s, Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree is a standard swing track that became a massive hit for The Andrews Sisters. Since then, it has been covered by a range of renowned performers, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Harry Connick Jr. In the contemporary era, the song found a new home amongst producers who reworked the track to give it a modern twist. Ed Sheeran and One Direction provided popular radio-ready renditions, while the Paul Kalkbrenner version brought an edgy Electronic Dance Music (EDM) look and feel to the song.
Popularity
Due to the diverse history and sound of the Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix, the track has evolved to become a favourite amongst many music fans. On streaming services, the track is one of the most streamed versions, consistently appearing as one of the top ten versions. It continues to appear in popular films, notably in the 2017 film Baby Driver, and many more ambitious independent film productions. Its presence stretches far beyond film and streaming services however, with the track still being heard across the world on the radio, at clubs and other nighttime venues.
Critical Reception
The remix version has been favourably received overall by critics. Its endless adaptability and postmodern layers have been praised by a variety of reviewers, and the EDM twist of certain versions is highly sought after by music aficionados. Huffington Post has stated that the diverse sounds of the remix make it truly unique, while Clash Magazine has commented that the remix’s evergreen quality ensures it remains a classic. Pitchfork has noted that the track has ‘stood the test of time’ but also that its contemporary remixes make it ‘one of the most innovative pop tunes ever created.’
Innovative Production
Not only have the Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix’s lyrics and melodies adapted over the years, but the production methods for the track have also been advanced as technology develops. Originally recorded in the 1940s on analogue equipment, the song has since been recorded on digital systems, giving the track a smoother, crisp edge. Similarly, the track’s softer aspects have been enhanced, improving upon its original sound. Despite this, olde time elements such as the car horn sound has been maintained in the remix, helping to bring together the old and the new to create what has now become a timeless classic.
Cultural Impact
The Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix has had a deep and enduring cultural impact across the world. In the UK it was declared a classic by BBC Radio 2, while further afield in South Africa the song has become a national standard across all radio stations. Its usage in popular culture has seen it used in live performances by the likes of The Killers during their 2017 tour, and on daytime TV programmes such as The Graham Norton Show. Not limited to radio and television, the track has become a key feature of many video games, notably the popular racing game Forza Horizon. All of these instances add to the track’s overall popularity and ensure its place in modern music culture.
Musical Collaborations
The Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree Remix has inspired several other musical collaborations, with original writers Lew Brown and Charlie Tobias often collaborating with other producers to create or update their classic hit. In 1967, Louis Armstrong and Sterno Eve provided a unique and timeless approach to the track, while more recently, Sheeran and One Direction gave the tune a modern pop overhaul. Other recent collaborations include the combined work of Ben Folds and Regina Spektor, and the ever-expanding roster of old-time performers brings with it an ever increasing list of remixes, rehashes and re-recordings.
