Consumer Guide Album

David Thomas and the Pedestrians: The Sound of the Sand and Other Songs of the Pedestrian [Rough Trade, 1981]
It's not as if the last two Ubu albums didn't hint at such a consummation, but it's still a shock to hear Thomas dive like a fat swan into the art-rock he's accused of by prole ideologues. Smarter and funnier--more talented--than all but a few of the (mostly English) eccentrics who write oddly textured pancultural songs with drums but no beat about birds, shoes, hairpins, and other "simple things," he ain't winging it. But he is more eccentric than one might hope. Interesting Note (to "The New Atom Mine"): "This song does not toast The Physicist as an individual or a class. Rather, it's an expression of appreciation for the publishing of exciting information." B