Song of the Day 1/2: The American Breed, “Bend Me, Shape Me”

This song, a No. 5 hit for the American Breed in 1968, was prophetically titled – several bands covered it in the ’60s, and it sounded different each time.

Credited to Scott English, best known for co-writing Barry Manilow’s “Mandy,” and Larry Weiss, who co-wrote “Rhinestone Cowboy,” it was first recorded by the Outsiders for their 1967 album “In.” To back singer Sonny Geraci’s soulful reading, the arrangement features a vaguely menacing piano intro and a staccato horn chart. For some reason it wasn’t released as a single.

Next to tackle the tune was a trio of New York City fashion models who billed themselves – what else? – the Models. Famed producer Tom Wilson gave it a full psychedelic intro and a couple of odd breaks near the end.

It took the American Breed to turn the song into a hit by giving it a galloping drum intro and beefed-up horn parts. Though this was the group’s highest-charting song, they had a few other singles reach the top 40. As the ’70s dawned they adopted a funkier sound and changed their name – first to the Breed, then Ask Rufus, and finally just Rufus, best known as the band that launched Chaka Khan.

A British band, Amen Corner, also had a hit with the song in 1968. Like the American Breed, their version featured more prominent horns, but they changed the arrangement even more by switching the key from minor to major. It reached No. 3 in the UK and the top 10 in several other countries. Lead singer Andy Fairweather Low and keyboardist Blue Weaver went on to long careers after Amen Corner disbanded in 1969.