Brandy - Scott English ( original version of Mandy - Barry Manilow )

[chassie15]

is a song jointly written and composed by Scott English and Richard Kerr.

[HeidiPusskins]

My fave. The original....and the best. More heart and soul. The other one has just way too much gloss and glamour all over it.

[theandresamat]

I enjoy both versions, but I got to admit this one has more feeling than Manilow´s.

[RosyBubblecakes]

Oh my gosh, I love it! Love Barry's Mandy too but this is just beautiful. :)

[deadg00se]

OMG!!

After 37 years of living, I just learned that Barry Manilow's song was a cover!

I'm feeling exhilarated listening to this!

Great post!

[CherriGilham]

I SO love this version..........

[ollberto]

thank god barry manilow saved this song <3

[pinchpop2]

@ollberto manilow never saved this song ..he did take the soul out of it though

[Writeowl]

@pinchpop2 Barry Manilow turned it "white bread" with his nasal whine. Never knew this song could sound this good. Sounds like something from a 60s/70s soul singer, especially with the harmonies.

[TheNell44]

So much better than the covers.....reminds me of when I was small...I cried cos my friends dog was called Brandy and she died.

Best version by far...

[popytrev1]

love this song its awsome

[roscoegino]

Both versions good in their own way.

[TheSatanshunter]

thumbs up if you though he meant alcohol XD

[popytrev1]

gee this bloke got a awesome voice

[simonmoves]

i heard it was sold to manilow -after an agreement --this is the original best version--about his dog brandy--manilow is a pimp and thief-where is this guy scott english??????????thanks ever so much for posting in good nic

[SlimeAmTheBest]

0:21 is the Australian print 45

[miketheshanmanmangan]

Brandy becomes Mandy,Blue eyes in Georgia becomes My eyes adore you and Cindy Lou became Peggy Sue and Rock and roll Rolls On,

[escortRS1600i]

Me again 45rpm SINGLES

I bought this today in a charity shop in Swansea for 5p. I played it not knowing what to expect. I had no idea that Mandy was a cover version.

The version I bought though is a reissue from 1975 on the Mooncrest label (MOON 39).

PS, I know have an excellent condition of the Les Gray song you have posted.

Cheers

[45rpmSINGLES]

@escortRS1600i which charity shop in Swansea !

[gallyndra30]

Mandy, originally titled Brandy .

like this song .

[crescentwang]

this guy must be an alcoholic....

[whatmouth]

i fell in love to this song many years ago. sadly it was not to be. still makes me feel those feelings about the guy.

[olimcantaba]

I do remember liking this at the time, but for some reason thought 'Brandy' was a pet (dog?)! Though very different, I think Barry M's version is nice too.

[unhygenix32]

Like this one but love the barry version.

[MusicMadMaurice]

Barry Manilow didn't change the name to distance himself from the original but to avoid confusion with "Brandy, you're a fine girl". I was annoyed when "Mandy" was released that nobody in the radio business even mentioned that this song had already been recorded as "Brandy". It was as if Scott English hadn't even existed. Manilow had every right to record the song but I don't think Scott English should have been forgotten so readily.

[Claudius131]

For some reason I recall exactly what I was doing when I first heard this song on the car radio. I will filling up with gas at a station that has long gone.

The Manilow version can die without trace.

[ehead2222]

big nosed robbing c*nt =))

[LIT4NING]

Its about the drink brandy.Listen to the words

[Enerjee]

@LIT4NING - I never realised that ! Similar to Andy Fairweather Lowe's "Wide Eyed and Legless".

[LIT4NING]

@Enerjee- I read it many years ago.What convinced me is the line "you kissed me and stopped me from shaking and i need you today".You mentioned wide eyed and legless, probably a coincidence but I know that Scott English co wrote bend me shape me for Andy Fairweather Lowe.

[jomo1956daisy]

@LIT4NING yes you are right !!!

[cindy55intexas]

Wow! You learn something new every day!

[ilikeoldtv]

Yes!  This song has SUCH emotion! Perfection!

[boogerie]

is it just me or does Scott English sound like he's trying to imitate Cat Stevens?

[leonaofficial]

@boogerie it`s just you. In any case Scott was born in 1943 and Cat Stevens born in 1948 so on that basis Cat Stevens is trying to sound like Scott English LOL

[boogerie]

@leonaofficial point taken on the DOB of the respective artists, however Cat Stevens first album debuted in 1967 and peaked at # 7 on the UK charts and released "Mona Bone Jakon" and "Tea for the Tillerman" in 1970. "Brandy" on the other hand was released in 1971.

[leonaofficial]

@boogerie ......whilst Scott English`s first single was High On A Hill ....released in 1964

[boogerie]

@leonaofficial indeed. which was a "doo wop" number, which I doubt seriously sounded anything like Cat Stevens at any point in his career

[attiliobandiera]

@leonaofficial I'd say a little of the Bee Gees rather than of Cat Stevens. In 1971 nobody thought of any similarity with anybody. It was an international hit, but not worldwide. I bought the record in Zurich,: it was well placed in the german hit parade, but in Italy it remained unknown

[downunder5050]

Such feeling.

Sorry Barry M, nice but not close.

Sydney Australia.

[stever99991]

☺i have this singel lol the one ting left from wife no.1

[greasemonkey7740]

@stever99991 sounds like you got the best deal mate

[theincubus60]

for me the only and best version, much more feeling than whats his name barry who!!!

[wjamre]

@theincubus60 Personally I prefer Bunny Walters version; but both leave Manilow for dead!

[Enerjee]

@theincubus60 - I agree. This is a soulful performance and the one I remember first. When Barry Manilow recorded it with the name "Mandy" it cheapened it.  Had he kept the name "Brandy" it would have had more credibilty.

[BarackInABoxInc]

Horrible!!! Manilow's version is WAY better!!!

[ppaulmorris]

Brilliant reply. The cruder the reply, the weaker the argument. Game, set and match to me I think.

[DayGloClam]

I remember hearing this version when it first came out, and how much I liked it......and how much I disliked Manilow's cover version.

[bluekarma]

This version is way more powerful and emotional for me. I love the heartfelt vocals and the choral backing gives you chills! Wow! I am so happy to have found this! Man, this is good!!!!

[davejcheek]

beats barry manilow hands down. classic

[payitforwardeddie]

Thanks for posting this. Its ALWAYS been a favourite of mine. I played it a lot when I was a DJ in the 70s. Reminds me of my stupidity when I dumped my girlfriend in 71 when I thought she was two timing me. This IS the original....at least...its the same as the disc I have.

[roscoegino]

Both versions have merit. Scott's take has a kind of subtle funk arrangement which I like. His voice is bluesier. Manilow's cover is more romantic, more wine and dine with a melancholic arrangement.

[baz4111]

@roscoegino

Your comments on Manilows version sums up everything i dislike about it!

[GeoStratocaster]

English has the more interesting voice imo, Manilow's voice is purer but lacks the feeling and intensity of this version. Manilow's is better produced, but the essence of this track lies in it's looser use of the instruments. Also, first versions have to be respected, others who record later are just karaoke singers, copycats really. They should record their own material, not try to be better than originals, they rarely ever are.

[tyreburster]

I have a copy of the single of this. In the UK at least it was released on Horse Records, a Trojan Associate.

[baz4111]

I still have this record. Still pissed off that Barry 'big nose Manilow' stole it and had such a massive hit with it! The original was much more classier.

[soihoy]

I was told it was about the drink , brandy ..you kissed me and stopped me from shaking ?

[noneesie]

Thanks so much for this - been looking for a very long time, Hated what manilow did to this song.

[moeders1955]

love it !!

[raeputa]

The song was originally written by New Zealander Bunny Walters and he was writing this song about his favourite dog. He actually sang the original.

[45rpmSINGLES]

@raeputa - Bunny Walters version of Brandy wasnt recorded by him until 1972 and was a # 4 hit in New Zealand in 1972.

Scott English wrote the original song and had a hit with it in 1971 !! So sorry your facts are wrong.

[lovely460]

@45rpmSINGLES agreed!!! 

[67steinip]

@45rpmSINGLES I was about to say the same, hehe and it just annoys me when people say that "the song is by Barry Manilow" because it's not "written by him"... It's not enough to change 2 letters in a song and make it yours.

[Bernix73]

@raeputa The suggestion that Scott English wrote the song about a favorite dog is apparently an urban legend. English has said that a reporter called him early one morning asking who "Brandy" was, and an irritated English made up the "dog" story to get the reporter off his back.[1]

[reverendflash]

@raeputa

The story about the dog was made up by composer Scott English who was just having fun with the press.

[roscoegino]

@raeputa that's a coincidence. the "brandy" by the o'jays was also about a dog.

[zaniac100]

@raeputa New Zealanders claiming things... again. Scott English wrote the song and had a hit with it before Bunny Walters. The dog story was a joke.

[kentishbloke]

@raeputa fraid you're wrong. best do your homework before making categorical statements. some have sued for less :))

[moleman1996]

@raeputa considerin his was released in 1972, and English released it in 1971? The song was written by Scott English.

[Starkulf]

Thanks for re-posting this track.

[arizonaghost1]

Scott recorded this version on Janus records

[jonbd3rd]

ha ha ha!!!!! i liked it.

[broncobra]

cool original version.

[CeppoBill]

benvenuti su boyager!

[Rezerio]

secondo alcune biografie (vedi: "My shocking confessions" 2003)

parrebbe che Barry Manilow fosse in realtà Jim Morrison e che

"Mandy" fosse una sigla usata dai giovani dell'epoca per dire: my and you!

[490manu]

@Rezerio ciao, stò facendo ricerche per barry manilow, anch'io ho sentito questa storia da un programma deejay tv il programma in questione si chiama almoust true, che dicono che in realtà sia jim morrison, ma sinceramente non vedo nessuna assomiglianza come timbro di voce e gestualità, vorrei capire un pò di più, sè hai qualche notizia in merito fammela sapere, ti ringrazio. ciao!!

[wsbk79]

anch' io ho seguito il programma di deejay l'altra sera e come voi ho iniziato a cercare ulteriori notizie, quindi...teniamoci informati :-) grazie...a presto!!!

[TheGrooveThatCounts]

Great version, actually stunning compared to Barry's boring hit version and Westlife's wallpaper cover. It uses the metaphor of alcohol, but I think it's really about love. Random question, but what's the Bonanza record sleeve in the video? I've never heard of that label...

[CultureSchock]

Manilow's is the non-alcoholic version. This is much better! As with most covers the original is usually the best. However there are always exceptions to the rule.

[Rastis35]

And yes, I'm almost certain that it is about alcohol. Hearing this version over the cover "Mandy."

[Rastis35]

This song is even better than Manilows IMO. I'm just not a Fanilow at all. Was surprised to see that Mandy was just a cover, thanks for posting this :)

[watermanandyg]

Peaked at #91.  Spent 2 weeks on the chart.

[greasemonkey7740]

@watermanandyg no it didn,t get correct facts please

[candykoko59]

Thankyou for posting. this is by far the best version love it

[teamamazing1]

had no idea it was a cover - this is absolutely outstanding, thanks!

[jonaszomasz]

is it all about alcoholism?

[MrChavez24]

wow gud song i like barry manilows a but beter but there both really gud... btw wat the hell is a "brandy"??? is that sum dude????? O.O

[Rastis35]

Brandy is a female name? Not sure where you're at, but I'm pretty sure it's fairly common.

[Watto51]

Yeah, a big nose and.......a great, great, voice:o)

[greaserleo]

barry manilow has a big nose.

[Fnuller92]

Great song :D I like both this one and Barry Manilows :) They are amasing

[Fnuller92]

*Manilow's

*amazing

[garytheparfitt]

thank you so much been searching for years

[stumpydolphin]

it was famous in britain in 1971

[Brooklyn388]

hahaha i wonder why this would never famous xD

[qetuo777]

I only knew the Manilow version until now, but I much prefer this one, which is very unusual. Normally I would tend to like what I know. Even English's exaggerated falsetto sounds good, but I especially like the funky off-beat drumming during the chorus.

[scootwhoman]

I heard this on the radio in the little backwater Western town I lived in, then went to San Francisco and heard the other 'Brandy', by Looking Glass. No one seemed to have heard of John English in the big city. This has always been my favorite version, perhaps because it is not so flat emotionally.

[vevejay]

Thanks I have't heard this since 1971 glad someone kept a copy. Love it.

[ppaulmorris]

I bought them them both but prefer Barry Manilow's version.

[NormbrettaMod]

@ppaulmorris

Just because you think something is so it doesn't make you right you narrow arrogant prick.

[ppaulmorris]

@NormbrettaMod A quality reply with a wonderful use of The Queen's English. I sure that your parents are proud of such a cultured reply from their child.

[NormbrettaMod]

@ppaulmorris

wot the hell iz woz specin gd english ther dis is bad english u moron dnt change da subject u prik

[hyrohero1]

hmmm..

i like barry manilows version better...

he seems to be more calm and draw the words out, and sings more calmly, wich is something i like...

but this version isnt bad at all...

[englishsandy]

telecaster1963 you have indeed the right impression I am from England.

Could it be the bloke and ponsey that gave it away.

I stiill stand by what I said this is the better version and Manilow can tak a long walk off a short pier.

[englishsandy]

Barry Manilowhas nothing onthis bloke,not a thing.Just a great song and to me it will always be BRANDY and not poncey Mandy!!!!

[telecaster1963]

...Why do I have the impression you are from GB?

[merger4]

Def the best version, thats my opinion.

[6216anita]

This was my aunt Val's favourite song , she was my favourite person - and it is SO GOOD to hear this again!!!

[rosemarymclaughlin]

I always said this song existed but no-one would believe me

[merger4]

sure is the best version ,

[serclfs]

Is this about alcohal? DON'T THUMB ME DOWN! AGFAGAFGAFGA NOOOOO!

[nevhawkins]

Absolutely magnificent, always was much better than Manilows poor copy Mandy. Reminds me of a woman I knew many years ago..... sweet memories. Well done for putting it out there.

[stumpydolphin]

not heard this for years thanks

[drnrg31]

The story about the song being about his dog was just to get the reporters off his back. It's about alcholsm. First time I hear it and I do agree that Manilow's version sucked the life out of it.

[MusicDude86]

Great post!!!!

[AlyTennyson]

OMG... tears running down my face... BIG THANKS!!! I havent heard this since it was a hit... have thought about it MANY times... could never find it... everything was the Manilo version, which sucks in comparison.....

MUCH THANKS!...Beautiful!

DAMM I knew I always had good taste in music!

[throbbylovegusset]

Amen!

[LOBBYTHEROBBER]

First time I've heard this, I always thought Manilow wrote it. What a great song sung with such feeling.

[sylviesteve]

This being the original has so much more feeling in it.. It means something to the singer

[percy8ferry]

This version CRUSHES Manilow's version.

[boxerfreakflo]

CAN YOU POST OTHER SIDE IS BRILL .

[glamslam74]

great post thanks 5*****

[davekm43]

Love this I like Manilow's version, but this has that little extra pace. LOVE IT

[kaattz]

thanks dave for sharing,

heard it the first time:)

nice song!!

[Baskerville22]

...and more character in the voice

[davekm43]

Yes I agree.

[superman11978]

Not surprisingly I find this to be way better and way less cheesy than the Manilow cover. I almost always prefer originals, with a few rare exceptions (covers by The Beatles). I just don't have a lot of respect for singers who can't write their own music.

[Enerjee]

@superman11978 - Barry Manilow used to be an advertising and radio jingle writer before he became a singer. That's where his cheesiness comes from ("Bermuda Triangle" anyone?)

[prettybionic]

Awsome melody...good work matey!

[Harryaitch]

Isn't this about an achoholic ?

[Enerjee]

@Harryaitch - apparently, yes. The line, "Well, you kissed me and stopped me from shakin'. And I need you today, oh Brandy" is certainly appropriate.

[tickabow]

great song pity it was about his dog

[hunkydaboyz]

that was an untruth ,english ws getting hasselled one day by a reporter who kept asking him what the song was about , he got shitty and said the 1st thing that came into his mind , to get rid of the guy he said it was about a dog

[tickabow]

opp,s sorry i stand corrected

[hunkydaboyz]

no poblem

[ultrakool]

nah, you're thinking of shannon

[Julizza86]

Barry Manilow took this song change them a little and poof it was a hit.

Poor Scott! But I love this one better!

[coveralbums]

this was the better version, originally from 1971. Pity He never had another hit.

[sixtiesarewe]

jeez i thought i was goin crazy tellin my family i heard this before manilow go bless scott english

[eddy7elly7]

Heard this on a bus for the first time in Hereford 1971.

It hasemained in my top ten since.

Has no one yet arrested Manilow for murdering this record with his pop version.?

[greasemonkey7740]

Manilow has been punished he told people he wrote this song and now look at his nose

[eddy7elly7]

Right on but respect to pinnocchio for stopping him being best at that!

[Enerjee]

@greasemonkey7740 - yes, but look at Scott English's nose !

[ironhead309]

very nice! but i have to agree, barry's "mandy" is a little better

[Amoneth]

Nice version for Scott English

But better for Barry Manilow as "Mandy".

[mrdee11091]

i recall this track on one of them complimations thanks for th post this song was later caled mandy by other artists thanks

[rslitman]

I actually heard this on the radio (WASH-FM in DC) a couple of times when it came out in 1971. A few years later, when I heard Barry Manilow's "Mandy", I recognized the tune immediately. I have heard that the title was changed to avoid confusion with the 1972 hit "Brandy (You're a Fine Girl)" by Looking Glass.