There was something about Anita Ward’s original disco and pop smash back in 1979 that never quite sat right with me. Yes it had the clichéd disco lyrics of the day including the ding-dong-ding-dong-dings, and as night follows day, it naturally had bells ringing too. But it wasn’t that. I just think the song never suited the singer’s voice – and the fact that Anita never released any records of note after the event perhaps underscored that she really was just a one-hit-wonder. And so prejudiced by what’s gone before I expected to dislike this version too. News flash! It’s rare for remakes to equal originals, let along surpass them, but FAMA’s reading of ‘Ring My Bell’ has taken the song to a whole new level. John Morales continues to shine after decades at the mix desk and newcomers Deep City Soul add more heat to this great update. Kudos to Nick Adams and Kenny Thomas’ burgeoning label on a highly inventive release.
5 Out Of 5
Reviewed By: Lewis Dene
