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{{short description|1967 song by Mike d'Abo}}
{{short description|1967 song written by Mike d'Abo}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2021}}
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}}
}}
"'''Handbags and Gladrags'''" is a song written in 1967 by [[Mike d'Abo]], who was then the lead singer of [[Manfred Mann]]. D'Abo describes the song as "saying to a teenage girl that the way to happiness is not through being trendy. There are deeper values."<ref>{{cite news |work=Sunday Express |title=From Gladrags to Riches |last=Goodman |first=Chris |publisher=Express Newspapers |page=66 |date=9 February 2003}}</ref>
"'''Handbags and Gladrags'''" is a song written in 1967 by [[Mike d'Abo]], who was then the lead singer of [[Manfred Mann]]. D'Abo describes the song as "saying to a teenage girl that the way to happiness is not through being trendy. There are deeper values."<ref>{{cite news |work=Sunday Express |title=From Gladrags to Riches |last=Goodman |first=Chris |publisher=Express Newspapers |page=66 |date=9 February 2003}}</ref>

The first released version of the song was by [[Chris Farlowe]] in 1967, followed by [[Love Affair (band)|Love Affair]] on their ''[[The Everlasting Love Affair]]'' album in 1968, and later interpretations by [[Rod Stewart]] (1969) and [[Stereophonics]] (2001) were also commercially successful. An arrangement by [[Big George]] was the theme for [[The Office (British TV series)|''The Office'']] starting in July 2001.


The [[demo tape]] of the original version of the song was discovered in 2004 in a closet belonging to bassist [[Mo Foster]]. It was amongst a collection of studio recordings d'Abo had recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The collection was eventually released in 2004, on the [[Angel Air Records|Angel Air]] label, under the title ''Hidden Gems & Treasured Friends''.<ref name="SJPCD156">{{cite web|url=http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd156.htm|title=Hidden Gems & Treasured Friends|publisher=[[Angel Air Records]]|access-date=2009-06-07}}</ref>
The [[demo tape]] of the original version of the song was discovered in 2004 in a closet belonging to bassist [[Mo Foster]]. It was amongst a collection of studio recordings d'Abo had recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The collection was eventually released in 2004, on the [[Angel Air Records|Angel Air]] label, under the title ''Hidden Gems & Treasured Friends''.<ref name="SJPCD156">{{cite web|url=http://www.angelair.co.uk/sjpcd156.htm|title=Hidden Gems & Treasured Friends|publisher=[[Angel Air Records]]|access-date=2009-06-07}}</ref>
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| album = [[An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down]]
| album = [[An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down]]
| B-side = [[Man of Constant Sorrow]]
| B-side = [[Man of Constant Sorrow]]
| released = 1972
| released = May 1970 (US)
| recorded =
| recorded = 1969
| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
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}}
}}


In 1969, [[Rod Stewart]] recorded a version for the album ''[[An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down]]''. This version of the song was arranged by Mike d'Abo, who also played piano on the recording. The song failed to garner significant sales or airplay in the United States, but when it was re-released as a single in 1972, it managed to chart on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], peaking at 42 in March. In 1993, Stewart recorded a live version of the song during his session for ''[[MTV Unplugged]]''. This version was included on the album ''[[Unplugged...and Seated]]''.
In 1969, [[Rod Stewart]] recorded a version for the album ''[[An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down]]''. This version of the song was arranged by Mike d'Abo, who also played piano on the recording. The song failed to garner significant sales or airplay in the United States, but when it was re-released as a single in 1972, it charted on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], peaking at 42 in March.<ref>{{cite book |title= Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012 |last=Whitburn |first=Joel |authorlink=Joel Whitburn |year=2013 |publisher=Record Research |page=806}}</ref> In 1993, Stewart recorded a live version of the song during his session for ''[[MTV Unplugged]]''. This version was included on the album ''[[Unplugged...and Seated]]''.


Although it was never a hit single for Stewart in the UK, in recognition of its renewed popularity following its use for television series ''[[The Office (UK TV series)|The Office]]'' and Stereophonics returning it to the charts, he performed "Handbags and Gladrags" (backed by [[Phil Collins]] on drums) as his only song at the [[Party at the Palace]] in 2002.
Although it was never a hit single for Stewart in the UK, in recognition of its renewed popularity following its use for television series ''[[The Office (UK TV series)|The Office]]'' and Stereophonics returning it to the charts, he performed "Handbags and Gladrags" (backed by [[Phil Collins]] on drums) as his only song at the [[Party at the Palace]] in 2002.


The original record arrangement includes a "plaintive oboe phrasing".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Butler|first1=Jackie|title=A Special Audience with Mike d'Abo |url=http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/special-audience-Mike-d-Abo/story-23040586-detail/story.html|website=[[Western Morning News]]|access-date=23 September 2016|date=3 October 2014}}</ref>
The original record arrangement includes a "plaintive oboe phrasing".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Butler|first1=Jackie|title=A Special Audience with Mike d'Abo |url=http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/special-audience-Mike-d-Abo/story-23040586-detail/story.html|website=[[Western Morning News]]|access-date=23 September 2016|date=3 October 2014}}</ref>

''[[Record World]]'' said Stewart "sounds fabulous."<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Single Reviews|magazine=Record World|date=February 14, 1970|page=8|accessdate=2023-04-28|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/Archive-All-Music/Record-World/70s/70/RW-1970-02-14.pdf}}</ref>


In 1989, Rod Stewart's version of the song was used in the Season One episode of the TV series ''[[Midnight Caller]]'' entitled "No Exit".
In 1989, Rod Stewart's version of the song was used in the Season One episode of the TV series ''[[Midnight Caller]]'' entitled "No Exit".
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| artist = [[Stereophonics]]
| artist = [[Stereophonics]]
| album = [[Just Enough Education to Perform]]
| album = [[Just Enough Education to Perform]]
| B-side = {{ubl|"[[First Time Ever I Saw Your Face]]"|"[[How? (song)|How?]]"}}
| B-side =
* "[[First Time Ever I Saw Your Face]]"
* "[[How? (song)|How?]]"
| released = 3 December 2001
| released = {{start date|2001|12|3|df=y}}
| recorded = 2001
| recorded =
| studio =
| studio =
| venue =
| venue =
| genre = [[Soft rock]], [[post-Britpop]]
| genre = <!-- Do not add unsourced genres -->
| length = 4:46
| length = 4:46
| label = [[V2 Records|V2]]
| label = [[V2 Records|V2]]
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| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|51GuG6N2qHE|"Handbags and Gladrags"}}}}
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|51GuG6N2qHE|"Handbags and Gladrags"}}}}
}}
}}
In 2001, Welsh rock band [[Stereophonics]] released a version of the song on single. It was subsequently added to their previous album's re-release ''[[Just Enough Education to Perform]]'' as track seven and on their [[Decade in the Sun: Best of Stereophonics|first compilation album]] as the final track.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Enough-Education-Perform-Stereophonics/dp/B00005RT80 |title=Just Enough Education To Perform [Extra Tracks] |work=Stereophonics |date=1 July 2006 |access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decade-Sun-Best-Stereophonics/dp/B001ECE6D0 |title=Decade in the Sun: Best of Stereophonics |work=Stereophonics |date=10 November 2008 |access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref> The band originally recorded their version as a demo "for a laugh", but after the record company heard it they saw the potential of it being a single and subsequently had it commissioned as one.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bimm.co.uk/news/handbags-and-gladrags-stereophonics-keyboardist-tony-kirkham/ |title='Handbags and Gladrags' - Stereophonics keyboardist Tony Kirkham |publisher=BIMM |archive-url=https://www.webcitation.org/6Z4JGlm5y?url=http://www.bimm.co.uk/news/handbags-and-gladrags-stereophonics-keyboardist-tony-kirkham/ |archive-date=5 June 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=5 June 2015}}</ref> Despite receiving criticism it became one of their most successful singles: in Ireland it peaked at number three and was certified gold in the UK.
In 2001, Welsh rock band [[Stereophonics]] released a version of the song on single. It was subsequently added to their previous album's re-release ''[[Just Enough Education to Perform]]'' as track seven and on their [[Decade in the Sun: Best of Stereophonics|first compilation album]] as the final track.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Just-Enough-Education-Perform-Stereophonics/dp/B00005RT80 |title=Just Enough Education To Perform [Extra Tracks] |work=Stereophonics |date=1 July 2006 |access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Decade-Sun-Best-Stereophonics/dp/B001ECE6D0 |title=Decade in the Sun: Best of Stereophonics |work=Stereophonics |date=10 November 2008 |access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref> The band originally recorded their version as a demo "for a laugh", but after the record company heard it they saw the potential of it being a single and subsequently had it commissioned as one.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bimm.co.uk/news/handbags-and-gladrags-stereophonics-keyboardist-tony-kirkham/ |title='Handbags and Gladrags' - Stereophonics keyboardist Tony Kirkham |publisher=BIMM |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606034143/http://www.bimm.co.uk/news/handbags-and-gladrags-stereophonics-keyboardist-tony-kirkham/ |archive-date=6 June 2015 |url-status=live |access-date=5 June 2015}}</ref> Despite receiving criticism, it became one of their most successful singles; in Ireland, it peaked at number three, and it was certified gold in the UK.


===Release and reception===
===Release and reception===
The song was released as a single on 3 December 2001.<ref name="phonics disco">{{cite web |url=http://www.stereophonics.com/music/release/handbags-gladrags |title=Handbags & Gladrags |publisher=The Stereophonics Ltd |date=3 December 2001 |access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref> Five different releases were made available to the public, this included: two [[CD single|CDs]],<ref name="CD1"/><ref name="CD2"/> [[Maxi single|maxi-CD]],<ref name="maxicd"/> [[Gramophone record|vinyl]]<ref name="7vinyl"/> and [[Cassette single|cassette]].<ref name="cassette"/> The first CD released included two more covers, [[Ewan MacColl]]'s "[[First Time Ever I Saw Your Face]]" and [[John Lennon]]'s "[[How? (song)|How?]]".<ref name="CD1"/> The second CD contained a live version of "Caravan Holiday" and "Nice to be Out", both from ''Just Enough Education to Perform''.<ref name="CD2"/> The 7" vinyl only had "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for a b-side,<ref name="7vinyl"/> as did the cassette format.<ref name="cassette"/> The maxi-CD includes all five songs but not the live version of "Handbags and Gladrags".<ref name="maxicd"/>
"Handbags and Gladrags" was released as a single in the UK on 3 December 2001.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/UK/Music-Week/2001/Music-Week-2001-12-01.pdf |title=New Releases – For Week Starting December 3, 2001: Singles |magazine=[[Music Week]] |page=23 |date=1 December 2001 |access-date=21 August 2021}}</ref> Four different releases were made available to the public, including two [[CD single|CDs]],<ref name="CD1"/><ref name="CD2"/> [[Gramophone record|7-inch vinyl]],<ref name="7vinyl"/> and [[Cassette single|cassette]].<ref name="cassette"/> The first CD includes two more covers, [[Ewan MacColl]]'s "[[First Time Ever I Saw Your Face]]" and [[John Lennon]]'s "[[How? (song)|How?]]".<ref name="CD1"/> The second CD contains live acoustic versions of "Caravan Holiday" and "Nice to be Out", both from ''Just Enough Education to Perform''.<ref name="CD2"/> The 7-inch vinyl only has "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for a B-side,<ref name="7vinyl"/> as does the cassette format.<ref name="cassette"/> A maxi-CD, released in Europe and Australia, includes all five songs.<ref name="maxicd"/> In Japan, this maxi-CD was released on 9 January 2002.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/95282/products/468655/1/|title=ハンドバッグス・アンド・グラッドラグス {{!}} ステレオフォニックス|trans-title=Handbags and Gladrags {{!}} Stereophonics|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=26 November 2023}}</ref><ref name="maxijpn"/>


Following on from the "[[Mr. Writer]]" critical backlash, the song received a negative review from ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' reviewer Anita Bhagwandas.<ref name="dis review">{{cite web |url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/5274/reviews/2590-stereophonics-handbags-and-gladrags |title=Stereophonics Handbags and Gladrags |first=Anita |last=Bhagwandas |work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|date=19 November 2001 |access-date=1 April 2001}}</ref> Bhagwandas described it as the "final drop in the Stereophonics' inevitable descent into pop mediocrity" and criticised the group for "selling out."<ref name="dis review"/>
Following on from the "[[Mr. Writer]]" critical backlash, the song received a negative review from ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' reviewer Anita Bhagwandas.<ref name="dis review">{{cite web |url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/5274/reviews/2590-stereophonics-handbags-and-gladrags |title=Stereophonics Handbags and Gladrags |first=Anita |last=Bhagwandas |work=[[Drowned in Sound]] |date=19 November 2001 |access-date=1 April 2001 |archive-date=24 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124090119/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/5274/reviews/2590-stereophonics-handbags-and-gladrags |url-status=dead }}</ref> Bhagwandas described it as the "final drop in the Stereophonics' inevitable descent into pop mediocrity" and criticised the group for "selling out."<ref name="dis review"/>


===Track listing===
===Track listings===
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = CD 1<ref name="CD1">{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Stereophonics-Handbags-And-Gladrags/release/764715 |title=Stereophonics – Handbags And Gladrags |publisher=Discogs|access-date=10 April 2014}}</ref>
| headline = UK CD 1<ref name="CD1">{{cite AV media notes |title=Handbags and Gladrags |others=[[Stereophonics]] |year=2001 |type=UK CD1 liner notes |publisher=[[V2 Records]] |id=VVR5017753}}</ref>
| total_length =
| total_length =
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| length1 =
| title2 = [[First Time Ever I Saw Your Face]]
| title2 = [[First Time Ever I Saw Your Face]]
| lyrics2 = [[Ewan MacColl]]
| lyrics2 = [[Ewan MacColl]]
| length2 =
| title3 = [[How? (song)|How?]]
| title3 = [[How? (song)|How?]]
| lyrics3 = [[John Lennon]]
| lyrics3 = [[John Lennon]]
| length3 =
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = CD 2<ref name="CD2">{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Stereophonics-Handbags-And-Gladrags-Acoustic-CD/release/764708 |title=Stereophonics – Handbags And Gladrags (Acoustic CD) |publisher=Discogs|access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref>
| headline = UK CD 2<ref name="CD2">{{cite AV media notes |title=Handbags and Gladrags |others=Stereophonics |year=2001 |type=UK CD2 liner notes |publisher=V2 Records |id=VVR5017758}}</ref>
| collapsed = no
| total_length =
| total_length =
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| note1 = Live acoustic version
| note1 = live acoustic version
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| length1 =
| title2 = Caravan Holiday
| title2 = Caravan Holiday
| note2 = Live acoustic version
| note2 = live acoustic version
| lyrics2 = [[Kelly Jones]]
| lyrics2 = [[Kelly Jones]]
| title3 = Nice to Be Out
| length2 =
| title3 = Nice to be Out
| note3 = live acoustic version
| note3 = Live acoustic version
| lyrics3 = Jones
| lyrics3 = Jones
| length3 =
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = 7" vinyl<ref name="7vinyl">{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Stereophonics-Handbags-And-Gladrags/release/2021971 |title=Stereophonics – Handbags And Gladrags |publisher=Discogs|access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref>
| headline = UK 7-inch vinyl and cassette single<ref name="7vinyl">{{cite AV media notes |title=Handbags and Gladrags |others=Stereophonics |year=2001 |type=UK 7-inch vinyl sleeve |publisher=V2 Records |id=VVR5017757}}</ref><ref name="cassette">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handbags-Gladrags-CASSETTE-Stereophonics/dp/B00005S6PP |title=Handbags & Gladrags [CASSETTE] |work=Stereophonics |year=2001 |access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref>
| collapsed = no
| total_length =
| total_length =
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| length1 =
| title2 = First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
| title2 = First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
| lyrics2 = MacColl
| lyrics2 = MacColl
| length2 =
}}
}}
{{Track listing
{{Track listing
| headline = Maxi-CD<ref name="maxicd">{{cite web |url=http://www.discogs.com/Stereophonics-Handbags-And-Gladrags/release/2209697 |title=Stereophonics – Handbags And Gladrags |publisher=Discogs|access-date=1 April 2001}}</ref>
| headline = European, Australian, and Japanese maxi-CD<ref name="maxicd">{{cite AV media notes |title=Handbags and Gladrags |others=Stereophonics |year=2001 |type=European & Australian maxi-CD single liner notes |publisher=V2 Records |id=VVR5018733}}</ref><ref name="maxijpn">{{cite AV media notes |title=Handbags and Gladrags |others=Stereophonics |year=2002 |type=Japanese maxi-CD single liner notes |publisher=V2 Records |id=V2CP 118}}</ref>
| collapsed = no
| total_length =
| total_length =
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| length1 =
| title2 = First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
| title2 = First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
| lyrics2 = MacColl
| lyrics2 = MacColl
| length2 =
| title3 = How?
| title3 = How?
| lyrics3 = Lennon
| lyrics3 = Lennon
| length3 =
| title4 = Caravan Holiday
| title4 = Caravan Holiday
| note4 = Live acoustic version
| note4 = live acoustic version
| lyrics4 = Jones
| lyrics4 = Jones
| title5 = Nice to Be Out
| length4 =
| title5 = Nice to be Out
| note5 = live acoustic version
| note5 = Live acoustic version
| lyrics5 = Jones
| lyrics5 = Jones
| length5 =
}}
{{Track listing
| headline = Cassette<ref name="cassette">{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handbags-Gladrags-CASSETTE-Stereophonics/dp/B00005S6PP |title=Handbags & Gladrags [CASSETTE] |work=Stereophonics |year=2001 |access-date=1 April 2014}}</ref>
| collapsed = no
| total_length =
| title1 = Handbags and Gladrags
| lyrics1 = d'Abo
| length1 =
| title2 = First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
| lyrics2 = MacColl
| length2 =
}}
}}


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{{col-begin}}
{{col-begin}}
{{col-break}}
{{col-break}}
;Stereophonics<ref name="DITS">{{cite AV media notes |title=Decade in the Sun |others=Stereophonics |date=2008 |type=CD |publisher=V2 Records}}</ref>
'''Stereophonics'''<ref name="DITS">{{cite AV media notes |title=Decade in the Sun |others=Stereophonics |date=2008 |type=CD |publisher=V2 Records}}</ref>
* [[Kelly Jones]]&nbsp;– [[lead vocalist|lead]] [[Singing|vocals]], [[guitar]]
* [[Kelly Jones]]&nbsp;– [[lead vocalist|lead]] [[Singing|vocals]], [[guitar]]
* [[Richard Jones (Stereophonics)|Richard Jones]]&nbsp;– [[bass guitar]]
* [[Richard Jones (Stereophonics)|Richard Jones]]&nbsp;– [[bass guitar]]
* [[Stuart Cable]]&nbsp;– [[Drum kit|drums]]
* [[Stuart Cable]]&nbsp;– [[Drum kit|drums]]


;Additional<ref name="DITS"/>
'''Additional'''<ref name="DITS"/>
* Scott James&nbsp;– guitar
* Scott James&nbsp;– guitar
* [[Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra]]
* [[Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra]]
{{col-break}}
{{col-break}}
;Technical<ref name="DITS"/>
'''Technical'''<ref name="DITS"/>
* [[Record producer|Production]]&nbsp;– Laurie Latham, Stereophonics
* [[Record producer|Production]]&nbsp;– Laurie Latham, Stereophonics
* [[Audio engineering|Engineering]]&nbsp;– Latham
* [[Audio engineering|Engineering]]&nbsp;– Latham
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{{single chart|UK|4|date=20011215|rowheader=true}}
{{single chart|UK|4|date=20011215|rowheader=true}}
|-
|-
{{single chart|UKindie|1|date=20011215|rowheader=true|accessdate=22 November 2018}}
{{single chart|UKindie|1|date=20011215|rowheader=true|access-date=22 November 2018}}
|}
|}
{{col-2}}
{{col-2}}
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|63
|63
|-
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf|title=The Official UK Singles Chart 2001|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2001.pdf|title=The Official UK Singles Chart 2001|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref>
|89
|89
|-
|}
{|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
!scope="col"|Chart (2002)
!scope="col"|Chart (2002)
!scope="col"|Position
!scope="col"|Position
|-
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (Official Charts Company)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2002.pdf|title=The Official UK Singles Chart 2002|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref>
!scope="row"|Ireland (IRMA)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rte.ie/2fm/charts/top100_2002.html|title=Top 100 Songs of 2002|publisher=[[Raidió Teilifís Éireann]]|year=2002|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602113021/http://www.rte.ie/2fm/charts/top100_2002.html|archive-date=2 June 2004|access-date=16 March 2022}}</ref>
|57
|-
!scope="row"|UK Singles (OCC)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ukchartsplus.co.uk/ChartsPlusYE2002.pdf|title=The Official UK Singles Chart 2002|work=[[UKChartsPlus]]|access-date=22 November 2018}}</ref>
|115
|115
|}
|}
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===Certifications===
===Certifications===
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|accessdate=5 April 2019|type=single|award=Platinum|artist=Stereophonics|title=Hangbags and Gladrags|certyear=2019|relyear=2001}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|type=single|artist=Stereophonics|title=Hangbags and Gladrags|award=Platinum|relyear=2001|certyear=2019|id=2718-1691-1|access-date=2 May 2021}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|noshipments=true|streaming=true}}


==''The Office'' theme song==
==''The Office'' theme song==
In 2000, a version of "Handbags and Gladrags" was specifically arranged by [[Big George]] as the theme song on the BBC series [[The Office (UK TV series)|''The Office'']]. Three versions were recorded:
In 2000, a version of "Handbags and Gladrags" was specifically arranged by [[Big George]] as the theme song on the BBC series [[The Office (British TV series)|''The Office'']]. Three versions were recorded:


*a short, instrumental piece as the opening titles theme
*a short, instrumental piece as the opening titles theme
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|-
|-
|1974
|1974
|[[Mike D'Abo]]
|[[Mike d'Abo]]
|Album
|Album
|-
|-
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.trilogyrock.com/podcast/121-entrevista-mike-dabo-manfred-mann-band-of-angels-solitari.php Trilogy Rock: Mike D'Abo Interview (2009)]
*[http://www.trilogyrock.com/podcast/121-entrevista-mike-dabo-manfred-mann-band-of-angels-solitari.php Trilogy Rock: Mike d'Abo Interview (2009)]


{{Rod Stewart songs}}
{{Rod Stewart songs}}
{{Jon English}}
{{Jon English}}
{{Stereophonics}}

{{authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:1967 singles]]
[[Category:1967 singles]]
Line 405: Line 388:
[[Category:Stereophonics songs]]
[[Category:Stereophonics songs]]
[[Category:Jon English songs]]
[[Category:Jon English songs]]
[[Category:Television theme songs]]
[[Category:Comedy television theme songs]]
[[Category:1967 songs]]
[[Category:1967 songs]]
[[Category:Immediate Records singles]]
[[Category:Immediate Records singles]]

Latest revision as of 12:51, 27 June 2024

"Handbags and Gladrags"
Stateside (Australia) record cover
Single by Chris Farlowe
B-side"Everyone Makes a Mistake"
Released17 November 1967 (1967-11-17)
RecordedEarly 1967
GenreRhythm and blues, blue-eyed soul
Length3:30
LabelImmediate
Songwriter(s)Mike d'Abo
Producer(s)Mike d'Abo
Chris Farlowe singles chronology
"Moanin'"
(1967) 		"Handbags and Gladrags"
(1967) 		"The Last Goodbye"
(1968)

"Handbags and Gladrags" is a song written in 1967 by Mike d'Abo, who was then the lead singer of Manfred Mann. D'Abo describes the song as "saying to a teenage girl that the way to happiness is not through being trendy. There are deeper values."[1]

The first released version of the song was by Chris Farlowe in 1967, followed by Love Affair on their The Everlasting Love Affair album in 1968, and later interpretations by Rod Stewart (1969) and Stereophonics (2001) were also commercially successful. An arrangement by Big George was the theme for The Office starting in July 2001.

The demo tape of the original version of the song was discovered in 2004 in a closet belonging to bassist Mo Foster. It was amongst a collection of studio recordings d'Abo had recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The collection was eventually released in 2004, on the Angel Air label, under the title Hidden Gems & Treasured Friends.[2]

Chris Farlowe version

[edit]

In November 1967, singer Chris Farlowe was the first to release a version of the song, produced by Mike d'Abo.[3] It became a #33 hit in the United Kingdom for Immediate Records. This arrangement of the song included Dave Greenslade's piano blues-scale riff. The song was included as track 13 (of 14) on Farlowe's 1969 compilation album The Last Goodbye.[4]

Rod Stewart version

[edit]
"Handbags and Gladrags"
Single by Rod Stewart
from the album An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down
B-side"Man of Constant Sorrow"
ReleasedMay 1970 (US)
Recorded1969
Length4:24
LabelMercury
Songwriter(s)Mike d'Abo
Producer(s)Lou Reizner
Rod Stewart singles chronology
"Dirty Old Town"
(1971) 		"Handbags and Gladrags"
(1970) 		"You Wear It Well"
(1972)
Audio sample

In 1969, Rod Stewart recorded a version for the album An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down. This version of the song was arranged by Mike d'Abo, who also played piano on the recording. The song failed to garner significant sales or airplay in the United States, but when it was re-released as a single in 1972, it charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at 42 in March.[5] In 1993, Stewart recorded a live version of the song during his session for MTV Unplugged. This version was included on the album Unplugged...and Seated.

Although it was never a hit single for Stewart in the UK, in recognition of its renewed popularity following its use for television series The Office and Stereophonics returning it to the charts, he performed "Handbags and Gladrags" (backed by Phil Collins on drums) as his only song at the Party at the Palace in 2002.

The original record arrangement includes a "plaintive oboe phrasing".[6]

Record World said Stewart "sounds fabulous."[7]

In 1989, Rod Stewart's version of the song was used in the Season One episode of the TV series Midnight Caller entitled "No Exit".

Chase version

[edit]

In 1971, Bill Chase and his jazz/rock fusion group Chase recorded a version as a single. It was included on their 1971 debut album Chase. It was sung by Ted Piercefield.

Jon English version

[edit]

In 1973, English-born Australian musician Jon English released his version as his debut single, from his debut studio album Wine Dark Sea.

Stereophonics version

[edit]
"Handbags and Gladrags"
Single by Stereophonics
from the album Just Enough Education to Perform
B-side
Released3 December 2001 (2001-12-03)
Length4:46
LabelV2
Songwriter(s)Mike d'Abo
Producer(s)
  • Laurie Latham
  • Stereophonics
Stereophonics singles chronology
"Step on My Old Size Nines"
(2001) 		"Handbags and Gladrags"
(2001) 		"Vegas Two Times"
(2002)
Music video
"Handbags and Gladrags" on YouTube

In 2001, Welsh rock band Stereophonics released a version of the song on single. It was subsequently added to their previous album's re-release Just Enough Education to Perform as track seven and on their first compilation album as the final track.[8][9] The band originally recorded their version as a demo "for a laugh", but after the record company heard it they saw the potential of it being a single and subsequently had it commissioned as one.[10] Despite receiving criticism, it became one of their most successful singles; in Ireland, it peaked at number three, and it was certified gold in the UK.

Release and reception

[edit]

"Handbags and Gladrags" was released as a single in the UK on 3 December 2001.[11] Four different releases were made available to the public, including two CDs,[12][13] 7-inch vinyl,[14] and cassette.[15] The first CD includes two more covers, Ewan MacColl's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and John Lennon's "How?".[12] The second CD contains live acoustic versions of "Caravan Holiday" and "Nice to be Out", both from Just Enough Education to Perform.[13] The 7-inch vinyl only has "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for a B-side,[14] as does the cassette format.[15] A maxi-CD, released in Europe and Australia, includes all five songs.[16] In Japan, this maxi-CD was released on 9 January 2002.[17][18]

Following on from the "Mr. Writer" critical backlash, the song received a negative review from Drowned in Sound reviewer Anita Bhagwandas.[19] Bhagwandas described it as the "final drop in the Stereophonics' inevitable descent into pop mediocrity" and criticised the group for "selling out."[19]

Track listings

[edit]
UK CD 1[12]
No.TitleLyricsLength
1."Handbags and Gladrags"d'Abo 
2."First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"Ewan MacColl 
3."How?"John Lennon 
UK CD 2[13]
No.TitleLyricsLength
1."Handbags and Gladrags" (live acoustic version)d'Abo 
2."Caravan Holiday" (live acoustic version)Kelly Jones 
3."Nice to Be Out" (live acoustic version)Jones 
UK 7-inch vinyl and cassette single[14][15]
No.TitleLyricsLength
1."Handbags and Gladrags"d'Abo 
2."First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"MacColl 
European, Australian, and Japanese maxi-CD[16][18]
No.TitleLyricsLength
1."Handbags and Gladrags"d'Abo 
2."First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"MacColl 
3."How?"Lennon 
4."Caravan Holiday" (live acoustic version)Jones 
5."Nice to Be Out" (live acoustic version)Jones 

Personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[32] Platinum 600,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

The Office theme song

[edit]

In 2000, a version of "Handbags and Gladrags" was specifically arranged by Big George as the theme song on the BBC series The Office. Three versions were recorded:

  • a short, instrumental piece as the opening titles theme
  • a short, vocal piece as the closing titles theme
  • an alternative full studio version

Both vocal versions were sung by Waysted vocalist Fin Muir.

In Episode Four of Series One, a version performed by Ricky Gervais (in character as David Brent) was played over the end credits.

Version release history

[edit]
"Handbags and Gladrags"
Mike d'Abo (1970). The Mike D'Abo Collection, Vol I – Handbags and Gladrags. RPM (2001) via iTunes
Problems playing this file? See media help.
Year Artist Type
1967 Chris Farlowe Single
1967 Double Feature Single
1968 Love Affair Album
1969 Kate Taylor Album & single
1969 The Rationals Album (CREWE CR-1334)
1969 Rod Stewart Album
1971 Chase Album & single
1971 Gary Burton Album
1971 Jimmy Witherspoon Album
1973 Jon English Single
1974 Mike d'Abo Album
1975 Chris Farlowe Album (Live recording)
1977 Kirka Babitzin Album
1992 Mary Coughlan Album
1993 Rod Stewart Album (Acoustic recording)
2001 Stereophonics Single
2002 Rod Stewart Album (Live recording)
2003 Manfred Mann Album
2004 Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Album
2005 Chris Farlowe Album (Live recording)
2005 Dark One Lite Album
2007 Engelbert Humperdinck Album
2007 Waysted Album
2007 Jonathan Sass Album
2008 Jackie Trent Album
2008 Ol' Cheeky Bastards Album
2008 Karl Jenkins Album

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Goodman, Chris (9 February 2003). "From Gladrags to Riches". Sunday Express. Express Newspapers. p. 66.
  2. ^ "Hidden Gems & Treasured Friends". Angel Air Records. Retrieved 7 June 2009.
  3. ^ "Chris Farlowe - Handbags And Gladrags / Everyone Makes A Mistake - Immediate - UK - IM 065". 45cat. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  4. ^ "The Last Goodbye - Chris Farlowe | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
  5. ^ Whitburn, Joel (2013). Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012. Record Research. p. 806.
  6. ^ Butler, Jackie (3 October 2014). "A Special Audience with Mike d'Abo". Western Morning News. Retrieved 23 September 2016.
  7. ^ "Single Reviews" (PDF). Record World. 14 February 1970. p. 8. Retrieved 28 April 2023.
  8. ^ "Just Enough Education To Perform [Extra Tracks]". Stereophonics. 1 July 2006. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  9. ^ "Decade in the Sun: Best of Stereophonics". Stereophonics. 10 November 2008. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  10. ^ "'Handbags and Gladrags' - Stereophonics keyboardist Tony Kirkham". BIMM. Archived from the original on 6 June 2015. Retrieved 5 June 2015.
  11. ^ "New Releases – For Week Starting December 3, 2001: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. 1 December 2001. p. 23. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  12. ^ a b c Handbags and Gladrags (UK CD1 liner notes). Stereophonics. V2 Records. 2001. VVR5017753.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ^ a b c Handbags and Gladrags (UK CD2 liner notes). Stereophonics. V2 Records. 2001. VVR5017758.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. ^ a b c Handbags and Gladrags (UK 7-inch vinyl sleeve). Stereophonics. V2 Records. 2001. VVR5017757.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  15. ^ a b c "Handbags & Gladrags [CASSETTE]". Stereophonics. 2001. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  16. ^ a b Handbags and Gladrags (European & Australian maxi-CD single liner notes). Stereophonics. V2 Records. 2001. VVR5018733.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  17. ^ "ハンドバッグス・アンド・グラッドラグス | ステレオフォニックス" [Handbags and Gladrags | Stereophonics] (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  18. ^ a b Handbags and Gladrags (Japanese maxi-CD single liner notes). Stereophonics. V2 Records. 2002. V2CP 118.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  19. ^ a b Bhagwandas, Anita (19 November 2001). "Stereophonics Handbags and Gladrags". Drowned in Sound. Archived from the original on 24 November 2012. Retrieved 1 April 2001.
  20. ^ a b c Decade in the Sun (CD). Stereophonics. V2 Records. 2008.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  21. ^ "Stereophonics – Handbags and Gladrags" (in Dutch). Ultratip.
  22. ^ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media. Vol. 19, no. 52. 22 December 2001. p. 23. Retrieved 10 September 2020.
  23. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – Handbags and Gladrags". Irish Singles Chart.
  24. ^ "Stereophonics – Handbags and Gladrags" (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  25. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  26. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  27. ^ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  28. ^ "Ireland – Top Singles for 2001". Allcharts. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2018.
  29. ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2001" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  30. ^ "Top 100 Songs of 2002". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 2002. Archived from the original on 2 June 2004. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  31. ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2002" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved 22 November 2018.
  32. ^ "British single certifications – Stereophonics – Hangbags and Gladrags". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 2 May 2021.
[edit]
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