Here’s a weird one: this brief early-’80s incarnation of Yes, which appeared only on the Drama album, came long after their early-’70s glory days and predated the band’s “Owner of a Lonely Heart”-fueled comeback. Vocalist Jon Anderson is gone at this point ” the singer here is none other than ex-Buggles frontman Trevor Horn (who later formed the Art of Noise and wrote songs/produced albums for artists such as Elvis Costello, Malcolm McLaren and Belle and Sebastian). The song also appears with the title “I Am a Camera” in remarkably in a remarkably different form on the second Buggles album. If you happen to find Yes’ convoluted prog-rock as stimulating as I do (are Yes still hipster anathema? I”’m out of touch), this song is musically on par, though certainly not as thrillingly caustic and abrasive as anything on Close to the Edge or Relayer. Unfortunately, the lyrics are downright laugh-worthy, thanks in no small part to a certain Mr. Show sketch. Steve Howe’s electrified steel guitar is insane, as always, and the band’s outfits belong in some sort of future hipster hall of fame.

(Originally written for Prefixmag.com)