| "Bend Me, Shape Me" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) One of side-A labels of US single | ||||
| Single by The American Breed | ||||
| from the album Bend Me, Shape Me | ||||
| B-side | "Mindrocker" | |||
| Released | December 1967 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| 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 | ||||
| ||||
"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 In in 1966. The best-known version in the US 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,[2] and No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart.[3]
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".
A video was also produced. The band members are seen working out in a gym and performing on stage.[4]
- ^ Stanley, Bob (2022). "The Summit: Frank, Dean and Sammy". Let's Do It - The Birth of Pop Music: A History. New York: Pegasus Books. p. 516.
- ^ 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.
- ^ ""Bend me, Shape me", The American Breed". YouTube. Retrieved 23 September 2023.