Bend Me, Shape Me
"Bend Me, Shape Me" is a song written by Scott English and Larry Weiss. It was first recorded by The Outsiders as a track on their album The Outsiders In in 1966. The best-known version of the song is the 1967 single released by The American Breed that peaked at No. 5 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in early 1968, No. 3 in South Africa,[1] and No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart.[2]
"Bend Me, Shape Me" | ||||
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Single by The American Breed | ||||
from the album Bend Me, Shape Me | ||||
B-side | "Mindrocker" | |||
Released | December 1967 | |||
Genre | Pop rock | |||
Length | 2:05 (single version) 2:25 (album version) | |||
Label | Acta Records 811 | |||
Songwriter(s) | Scott English, Larry Weiss | |||
Producer(s) | Bill Traut | |||
The American Breed singles chronology | ||||
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The American Breed's 2:05 single mix of this song was sped-up during mastering for release, while the widely available original 2:25 version was done at a normal speed. The following year, The American Breed released their last single, "Anyway That You Want Me", which borrowed its title phrase from "Bend Me, Shape Me". Co-songwriter Scott English later went on to write and sing "Brandy", which Barry Manilow later covered as his 1974 breakout hit "Mandy".
Chart history
Weekly charts
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Year-end charts
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Cover versions
There have been many other recordings of "Bend Me, Shape Me". The first version was released by The Models in 1966 on the MGM label. Other notable versions include one by Amen Corner with slightly altered lyrics, which reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart in 1968. There was also a hit disco single on Ariola/Hansa by Austrian singer Gilla in 1978.[12]
References
- Currin, Brian. "South African Rock Lists Website - SA Charts 1965 - 1989 Songs (A-B)". Rock.co.za. Retrieved 18 April 2018.
- "Bend Me, Shape Me (song by The American Breed) • Music VF, US & UK hits charts". Musicvf.com. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
- Go-Set National Top 40, March 27, 1968
- Flavour of New Zealand, 22 March 1968
- "SA Charts 1965–March 1989". Retrieved 7 May 2020.
- "Bend Me, Shape Me (song by The American Breed) • Music VF, US & UK hits charts". Musicvf.com. Retrieved 2016-01-18.
- Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles 1955–1990 - ISBN 0-89820-089-X
- Cash Box Top 100 Singles, February 3, 1968
- "Item Display - RPM - Library and Archives Canada". collectionscanada.gc.ca.
- Musicoutfitters.com
- Cash Box Year-End Charts: Top 100 Pop Singles, December 28, 1968
- Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. pp. 21/2. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.