David Thomas and pedestrians
The Sound Of The Sand and Other Songs Of The Pedestrian

Released in October 1981.
Produced by Adam Kidron.

Out of print.

Release Notes

The head of Rough Trade Records, Geoff Travis, invited David Thomas to his offices during a break in the Pere Ubu tours for Art Of Walking . On a visit to the warehouse, he asked David, "If you could record with any guitarist, who would it be?" David responded, without hesitation, "Richard Thompson." Travis said Rough Trade would finance a solo record.

I was killing time in a Ladbroke Grove hotel in London's West End. I bought a cassette machine to record the sound of the traffic out my window. I started singing Sloop John B. I liked the result. Meanwhile, Geoff set up a meet with Richard. I went over and Linda made us tea. He said, "I don't know what you want me to do but I'll do it." Anton Fier was in town. I was a fan of the Young Marble Giants. Geoff arranged a jam with Richard, Anton and Phil Moxham. Richard came in, set up a small rehearsal amp and strummed his strings to check the connection. It was that sound . Anton and I looked at each other in amazement.

The Mik Mellen photo duplicated for the front cover was taken from the 'stage' at the July 4 1978 on-the-beach concert in Bratenahl OH by Pere Ubu and The Cramps.

Production Notes

Recorded by Phil Bodger at Regent's Park Studios (London), May to June 1981; except Happy To See You recorded by Paul Hamann at Suma, January 1981, along with As Shoes Go By. Overdubs recorded by Paul Hamann at Suma and in London. Mixed at Suma.

Album mastered by Adam Kidron at Nimbus, Monmouth, Wales, and cut at 45 rpm.
Digitally transferred and eq'ed by David Thomas and Paul Hamann at Suma, October 1996.
Cover artwork executed by Martyn Lambert from a photo by Mik Mellen.

Birds Are A Good Idea
David Thomas vocals
Richard Thompson guitar
Philip Moxham bass
Anton Fier drums & percussion
Tan-Tan trumpet (overdub)
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer (overdub)

Yiki Tiki David Thomas vocals
Richard Thompson guitar
Philip Moxham bass
Anton Fier drums & percussion
Tan-Tan trumpet (overdub)
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer & baby horn (overdub)

Crickets In The Flats Anton Fier drums & percussion
Richard Thompson dulcimer
John Greaves bass

Sound Of The Sand David Thomas vocals
Richard Thompson guitar
Philip Moxham bass
Anton Fier drums & percussion
Tan-Tan trumpet (overdub)
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer (overdub)

The New Atom Mine David Thomas vocals
Richard Thompson guitar & dulcimer
John Greaves bass
Anton Fier drums & percussion
Tan-Tan trumpet (overdub)
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer (overdub)

Big Dreams David Thomas vocals & whistle
Richard Thompson guitar
Philip Moxham bass
Anton Fier drums
Tan-Tan trumpet (overdub)
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer (overdub)

Happy To See You David Thomas vocals & keys
Alan Greenblatt guitar
Paul Hamann bass
Scott Krauss drums
Ralph Carney sax & musette
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer

Crush This Horn, Part Two David Thomas vocals
Richard Thompson guitar
John Greaves bass & piano
Anton Fier drums
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer (overdub)

Confuse Did David Thomas vocals
Richard Thompson guitar
Philip Moxham bass
Anton Fier drums & percussion
Tan-Tan trumpet (overdub)
John Greaves effects bass

Sloop John B David Thomas vocals
Chris Cutler drums
Tan-Tan trumpet
Adam Kidron steps

Man's Best Friend David Thomas vocals
Richard Thompson guitar
Philip Moxham bass
Anton Fier drums
Tan-Tan trumpet
Mayo Thompson accordion
Allen Ravenstine EML synthesizer (overdub)

Release History

• Rough Trade Records Rough 30 (UK) Oct 1981 lp.
• Rough Trade Records Rough US 18 (US) Nov 1981 lp.

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