It was my friend Pete O’Riordan who introduced me to Arthur Alexander, a largely unknown soul singer whose work was covered by some very famous artists. The Beatles covered this one on their first album but Arthur’s original is much better. I love the way he says “Give back my ring to me and you’ll be free”. He wants that ring back, doesn’t he? He’s kept the receipt and he’s taking it back to Argos. Though this song always reminds me of girl who lived round our way many years ago, also called Anna but charmingly nicknamed “Spanner”. Apparently, she undid anything with nuts.
Here’s a man who had his priorities right.

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