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"Handbags and Gladrags"
Single by Chris Farlowe
from the album The Last Goodbye
B-side(s)	"Everyone Makes A Mistake"
Released	1967
Format	7'
Recorded	Early 1967
Genre	Rock
Length	3:30
Label	Immediate
Writer(s)	Mike d'Abo
Chart positions
#33 (UK Top 40)
Chris Farlowe singles chronology
Moanin' (1967)	Handbags and Gladrags (1967)	Paint It Black (1967)

"Handbags and Gladrags"
Single by Rod Stewart
from the album An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down
B-side(s)	"Man of Constant Sorrow"
Released	1972
Length	4:24
Label	Mercury
Writer(s)	Mike d'Abo
Chart positions
#42 (US Pop)
Rod Stewart singles chronology
(I Know) I'm Losing You (1971)	Handbags and Gladrags (1972)	You Wear It Well (1972)

"Handbags and Gladrags"
Single by Stereophonics
B-side(s)	"Have a Nice Day"
Released	2001
Length	4:46
Label	V2
Writer(s)	Mike d'Abo
Chart positions
#4 (UK Top 10)
Stereophonics singles chronology
Step On My Old Size Nines (2001)	Handbags and Gladrags (2001)	Vegas Two Times (2002)

"Handbags and Gladrags" is the name of a song written in 1967 by Mike d'Abo then-lead singer of Manfred Mann.

Contents 1 Chris Farlowe version 2 Rod Stewart version 3 The Office theme song 4 Version release history

In 1967, singer Chris Farlowe was the first to release a version of the song. It became a #33 hit in the United Kingdom for Immediate Records.

In 1969, Rod Stewart recorded a version for the 1970 album An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down. This version of the song was arranged by Mike d'Abo himself, 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.

In 2000, a version of "Handbags and Gladrags" was specifically arranged by Big George as the theme song on the BBC comedy 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 alternate full studio version

All vocal versions feature the vocal performance of former Waysted vocalist Fin.

In series one, episode four, a version performed by Ricky Gervais (in character as David Brent) was featured over the end credits.

• 1967 - Performed by Chris Farlowe.
• 1967 - Performed by Double Feature as a single for Deram Records.
• 1968 - Performed by Love Affair on the album Everlasting Love Affair.
• 1970 - Performed by Rod Stewart.
• 1971 - Performed by Chase on their eponymous album. Charted as a single that peaked at #84.
• 1971 - Performed by Brian Marshall on his eponymous album.
• 1973 - Performed by Jon English on the album Wine Dark Sea.
• 1975 - Perfomed by Chris Farlowe on the album Chris Farlowe Band Live.
• 1992 - Performed by Mary Coughlan on the album Sentimental Killers.
• 1993 - Performed by Rod Stewart on the album Unplugged... and Seated.
• 2001 - Performed by Stereophonics as a single that charted in the top 10.
• 2002 - Performed by Rod Stewart on the live album Party at the Palace.
• 2004 - Performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on the album Symphonic Rock
• 2005 - Performed by Chris Farlowe on the album Hungary For The Blues.

v • d • e The Office

Series One: One • Two • Three • Four • Five • Six Series Two: One • Two • Three • Four • Five • Six Specials: Christmas Special Creators: Ricky Gervais • Stephen Merchant Cast: Ricky Gervais • Martin Freeman • Lucy Davis • Mackenzie Crook Characters: David Brent • Tim Canterbury • Gareth Keenan • Dawn Tinsley • more Elements: Handbags and Gladrags • Worldwide versions • Songs in the Show