Handbags and Gladrags

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]

"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"
Released	1972
Length	4:24
Label	Mercury
Songwriter(s)	Mike d'Abo
Producer(s)	Lou Reizner
Rod Stewart singles chronology
"Dirty Old Town" (1971) "Handbags and Gladrags" (1972) "You Wear It Well" (1972)
Audio sample
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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, 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".[5]

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 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.

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

"Handbags and Gladrags"
Single by Stereophonics
from the album Just Enough Education to Perform
B-side	"First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" "How?"
Released	3 December 2001
Recorded	2001
Genre	Soft rock, post-Britpop
Length	4:46
Label	V2
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.[6][7] 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.[8] 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.

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI)[27]	Platinum	600,000
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

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.

• Trilogy Rock: Mike D'Abo Interview (2009)