[Bill Saunders]

Welcome to my one and only song with a reggae beat! I wrote the lyrics whilst skiving with countless others on Brighton beach in 1990. I think it was a Wednesday afternoon in July, it was a scorcher and far too nice to be stuck in an office! Taken me almost 27 years to get around to recording it.

https://soundcloud.com/bill-saunders/roasting-on-the-stones

Thanks as ever if you take a listen.

ROASTING ON THE STONES

Same view, different scene
The windswept warmth of summer seas
The lazy heat, no holiday
Reminds me of a guilty feeling in distant days

Seagulls flying over burning skins
Seaweed odours blowing in

Office girls plan sick days with full intention
And their striking lack of beach wear demands attention
From promanarding old men surveying the beach
Oh but what they see is way beyond their reach

Hot stones crazy laughter
Cannot hide heavy shades, penetrating eyes

Oh at this time of year
You can find us all here
A chance to rest our weary weary bones
By roasting...roasting on the stones

Sea spray salty lips
Paparazzi radio with travel tips
Against a back cloth of shimmering hotels
Tired Guchis squeak towards their wishing wells
Can't close my mind to what I cannot find

[Paulski]

Hi Bill
Nothing like a reggae beat to put us all on the beach
I liked this - takes some unexpected turns in chord progression and it's got a catchy beat.
Took a while to get to the hook though 
Enjoyed the ride
Paul

[shadowfax]

Good song, I agree with Pauski..the hook should appear earlier...

[pompeyjazz]

Loved the bass on this one Bill. Nice dynamics and clean sound and like the harmonies as well. Interesting time changes as well into the chorus. I thought this was full of interesting ideas. You're getting better and better all the time

[Skub]

There's just something about a reggae beat that make me smile....ALLRIGHT MAAAN,I BE JAMMIN. 

Cool song Bill,the lyric and the rhythm brightened my day.

[Steng]

Really complex rhythmically, but nice and tight none the less. Lovely bass and the words are great...made me chuckle here and there. Paints a great picture.

[Bill Saunders]

Thanks guys, your encourement is much appreciated.

I am sorry that whilst I am in the throes of emigrating I don't have as much opportunity to listen properly to others' songs on decent equipment, hence I've been quieter than of late commenting on others' songs.

If anyone has the inclination to take a listen, are there any comments on the mix and production of this one?

Much appreciated.

[Martinswede]

Hi Bill!

Nice song. But I think your vocal style/mix makes the
singing stand out a bit too much.

My favorite part is when you sing 'radio'. My least favorite
is, and I'm sorry to say it, the 'roastin' part.

On the mix and production I'm still lost in the dark.

Cheers,

- Martin

[Yodasdad]

Mr Saunders,

Could you stop by my office at your earliest convenience please, there's a matter I need to discuss with you.

It is regarding a song of yours that has been bought to my attention, I do hope this was not posted online during work hours or using company equipment!

Nice overall sound from the outset although as it went on I began to wonder whether bringing the bass up a touch more would improve it.

Some great lyrics and imagery in there.

Enjoyed this reggae inspired tale of rebellion.

Insubordination, great...i mean, eh hmm, see me!

Yodasdad
(The boss man)

[tina m]

I realy like the verses ...very catchy & drums bass & guitar all sound great together
but I felt the chorus didnt work quite so well & it dropped out of the reggae stylee there .. it was
better 2nd listen tho
I thought that organ in verse 1 & 2 was fab  but noticed it dropped out for verse 3 which made it sound a bit empty....would it be better to omit it from verse 1 & put it in verse 3 so the song builds up a bit?

[Cazrolina]

Love the opening guitars. Took a second listen to fully understand the structure. Agreed, cool, strong and interesting. But the first part of the chorus does disconnect from the verses for some reason. (But let's face it. I really know nothing!)

Lyrics are brill. Seagulls sound amazing, but then I get annoyed. I've never been able to forgive them for snatching my bl**dy chips on the beach 30 years ago. I queued up for ages with my pocket money. I'm bitter and twisted, i know...