Handbags and Gladrags

"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."
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".
Chris Farlowe version.
In November 1967, singer Chris Farlowe was the first to release a version of the song, produced by Mike d'Abo. 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".
Rod Stewart version.
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, 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".
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".
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.
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.
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 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. Five different releases were made available to the public, this included: two CDs, maxi-CD, 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. The maxi-CD 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."
"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:
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.