Paul Weller can always be counted on to ignite a little fire into the souls of the UK music scene during times of political upheaval. He's usually tagged as "the voice of a generation" whether he likes it or not. So it makes perfect sense that he would lunge into a new elpee at this moment. He's never been the type to saunter back into view casually.His scathing lyrics and full throttle guitar always pushed things up a notch in The Jam. Then he switched to a more mannered approach in The Style Council, his wordplay draped in more Blue Note than blue collar.
I haven't had a chance to delve deeply into "Wake Up The Nation", his 10th solo studio effort - 22nd if you count his work with his previous bands, but I have been spinning the first single, an old school double a-side pairing, on the old Victrola quite a bit.
"No Tears To Cry" sees PW in retro 60s soul mode hearkening back to his days with TSC. It even has a whiff of Gene Pitney about it.
And "Wake Up The Nation" is an incendiary number reminiscent of his work with The Jam.
Get your face out the Facebook, indeed, Mr. Weller! There's something sorta sexy when he spits around the 1.53 mark. He's mad as hell and he isn't gonna take it anymore! Hot.
Dig him shooting a music video for both songs! He's a counter culture icon, kittens. If this double a-side single is anything to go by, I suspect Paul Weller just unleashed another towering musical statement.
