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 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 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. 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. 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. Release and reception The song was released as a single on 3 December 2001. Four different releases were made available to the public, this included: two CDs, 7-inch vinyl, and cassette. The first CD released included two more covers, Ewan MacColl's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and John Lennon's "How?". The second CD contained a live version of "Caravan Holiday" and "Nice to be Out", both from Just Enough Education to Perform. The 7-inch vinyl only had "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for a B-side, as did the cassette format. A maxi-CD, released in Europe and Australia, includes all five songs but not the live version of "Handbags and Gladrags". Following on from the "Mr. Writer" critical backlash, the song received a negative review from Drowned in Sound reviewer Anita Bhagwandas. Bhagwandas described it as the "final drop in the Stereophonics' inevitable descent into pop mediocrity" and criticised the group for "selling out." Track listings Personnel Stereophonics Kelly Jones – lead vocals, guitar Richard Jones – bass guitar Stuart Cable – drums Additional Scott James – guitar Jools Holland's Rhythm and Blues Orchestra Technical Production – Laurie Latham, Stereophonics Engineering – Latham Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications 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. Three versions were recorded: a short, instrumental piece as the opening titles theme