On October 30, 1981, “Rough Trade” label released “The Sound of the Sand and Other Songs of the Pedestrian”, the debut David Thomas studio album. It was recorded May – June 1981, at “Regent’s Park” in London, and was produced by Adam Kidron and Peter Walmsley.

Personnel:

The Pedestrians:

• David Thomas – lead vocals, design
• Richard Thompson – guitar, dulcimer
• Allen Ravenstine – synthesizer
• Mayo Thompson – accordion
• John Greaves – bass guitar 
• Philip Moxham – bass guitar
• Anton Fier – drums, percussion
• Eddie “Tan Tan” Thornton – trumpet

The Golden Palominos:

• Richard Thompson – guitar, dulcimer
• John Greaves – bass guitar, piano
• Anton Fier – drums, percussion
• Eddie “Tan Tan” Thornton – trumpet

The Trees:

• Allen Ravenstine – synthesizer
• Alan Greenblatt – guitar
• Paul Hamann – bass guitar
• Scott Krauss – drums
• Ralph Carney – saxophone, oboe

The Eggs

• Eddie “Tan Tan” Thornton – trumpet
• Chris Cutler – drums

• Paul Hamann – engineer
• Phil Bodger – engineer assistant
• Adam Kidron – engineer, mixing, mastering
• Anne Clarke – assistant producer
• Martyn Lambert – design
• Peter Walmsley – design
• Mik Mellen – photography
• Shirley O’Loughlin – producer assistant
• Sue Johnson – producer assistant
• Geoff Travis – executive producer

Track listing:

All lyrics by David Thomas, all music as noted.

1. The Birds Are a Good Idea – Philip Moxham, David Thomas, Mayo Thompson
2.  Yiki Tiki – Anton Fier, Mayo Thompson, David Thomas
3.  The Crickets in the Flats – Anton Fier
4. Sound of the Sand – Philip Moxham, David Thomas
5. The New Atom Mine – Anton Fier
6. Big Dreams – Philip Moxham, David Thomas
7. Happy to See You – David Thomas
8. Crush This Horn Part 2 – Anton Fier, David Thomas
9. Confuse Did – Anton Fier, David Thomas
10. Sloop John B – traditional
11. Man’s Best Friend – Anton Fier, David Thomas, Mayo Thompson, Eddie Thornton