CIVILIAN

First released in the UK by Chrysalis Records on March 3, 1980, this would be the last time these five superstars of the classic era of progressive rock music would ever collaborate with each other.

1. "Convenience (Clean And Easy)" (3:14) with an opening like this, I might think I was going to hear some A-ha, Go- Go's, or The Buggles. (8.5/10)

2. "All Through The Night" (4:20) like a neophyte classic rock wannabe-band. Other than in Derek vocals, where is the amazing spirit of bull-headed pioneering and independence? Where is there any evidence of the band members' training in classical music. (8.125/10)

3. "Shadows On The Street" (3:18) at least it's engaging, pleasant, melodic, and interesting. (8.666667/10)

4. "Number One" (4:39) more radio-minded straight-laced arena rock. Another lyric based on reaction, reflection and anger (at the fans' accusations of the band's selling out to the record companies and music industry)? Perhaps the music itself is intended as a "fuck you" to critics, the record industry, and "fans." (8.666667/10)

5. "Underground" (3:48) a song that feels like something from YES Drama or Asia's first album. A nice musical weave with some nice instrumental performances, it's just that the MOODY BLUES-like choral vocals feel weird. (8.75/10)

6. "I Am A Camera" (3:33) this is not the Buggles/Yes song, despite the odd coincidence that all three came out in 1980. It sounds more like a combination of The Who and Asia. Not a bad song for 1980 but just so sad for all the talent this band had demonstrated from 1970 to 1977. (8.66667/10)

7. "Inside Out" (5:51) another song that feels quite fitting for the time and musical sounds and styles being published in 1980, even opening with a very pleasant proggy-like sound--like something from a UK or early AMBROSIA song. The band even released it with a pretty cool sci-fi/futuristic "official music video" version! It kind of mirrors Talking Heads' "The Overload" in mood and sonically. (8.875/10)

8. "It's Not Imagination" (3:59) Ending of the album ("That's All There Is") Early Brian Eno?! Roxy Music? No: Robert Fripp?! Previewing the Flock of Seagulls. (8.75/10)

Total time 32:42

In my opinion, this album is an indicator that the band could have been a great contributor to/elevator of the "New Wave" music of the 1980s. But they were done; the spirit of their totally unique progressive rock soul had moved on long before this album came about.

C+/3.5 stars; in my opinion this is not a totally dismissive contribution to Prog World, it is merely a reflection of the direction prog-inspired artists would be taking over the next few years.

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