Album Review: You're The Fake by Kay Reed – A Funky Slice of 1987 Magic
Alright, let’s talk about Kay Reed’s You’re The Fake, a little gem from 1987 that blends funk, soul, and electronic vibes with a heavy dose of disco swagger. Released under After Five Records, this album might not be a household name today, but it’s got enough groove to make you hit repeat (and maybe even bust out some dance moves in your living room).
First off, the title track “You’re The Fake (Vocal)” is an absolute banger. It kicks off with this lush, shimmering synth line that feels like stepping into a neon-lit roller rink. Kay’s vocals are smooth yet sassy—like she’s calling someone out while wearing sequins and platform heels. The lyrics? Bold and unapologetic, perfect for anyone who’s ever had to deal with shady people in their life. I mean, who hasn’t wanted to call someone out as a fake at least once? This song just gives you permission to do it with style.
Then there’s “You’re The Fake (Instrumental Bandtrack),” which strips things down and lets the band shine. Without vocals, you really notice how tight the rhythm section is—the bassline slaps harder than most modern tracks dare to, and the horns add this celebratory vibe that makes you wanna grab a friend and spin around in circles. Honestly, this version feels like the cool older sibling of the vocal cut—it’s less in-your-face but still full of personality.
The production team deserves props too. Hats off to H. Wayne for steering the ship as producer, because everything sounds polished without losing its raw energy. And can we take a moment to appreciate General Crook for mastering this thing? The clarity on those instruments pops through even on crappy speakers, which is no small feat for '80s music. Shoutout also goes to D. Cameron for writing such memorable hooks—you don’t forget lines like these easily.
Now, here’s the kicker. Listening to You’re The Fake feels like finding a forgotten treasure chest at a thrift store. It’s nostalgic but fresh, familiar yet surprising. In a world where so much music tries way too hard to impress, this album keeps it real. Like, almost too real—Kay doesn’t hold back when she calls out the fakes among us, and honestly? That honesty feels kinda rare these days.
So yeah, if you’re into retro sounds or just need something funky to brighten up your day, give You’re The Fake a spin. Just don’t blame me if you end up dancing alone in your kitchen. Oh, and one last thing—how wild is it that this whole project came together thanks to folks like Donald Burnside and Milton Crump? Feels like they were onto something special, even if the rest of the world didn’t catch on right away. Guess sometimes being ahead of your time means waiting for everyone else to catch up.
