Paul Weller Aims Digs at Politicians, Royals on New Disc

Paul Weller is returning to his rabble-rousing ways, it seems. The ex-Jam rocker, who made his name with social-realist anthems like 'Down in the Tube Station at Midnight', 'That's Entertainment' and 'Eton Rifles', claims his upcoming tenth album, 'Wake Up the Nation,' takes on politicians, royals and the "whole invisible establishment."

Weller, who also took part in the Thatcher-baiting, pro-Labour Red Wedge package tour in his mid-80s Style Council days, reports that album track 'Find the Torch Burn the Plans,', in particular, is about the need to "reclaim our heritage and our culture. Claim it back from the f------ politicians and the establishment."

The singer-songwriter has written a track-by-track guide to 'Wake Up the Nation,' which is due out on Apr. 12, on his website. In it, he reveals that the tune '7 + 3 is the Striker's Name' contains "a dig at the royal family" while the title song is "political with a small 'p'."

Also contained in Weller's album companion are details of an impressive roster of guest performers. These include his one time Jam colleague Bruce Foxton, My Bloody Valentine frontman Kevin Shields, Barry Cadogan of Nottingham blues-rockers Little Barrie, Move and ELO drummer Bev Bevan and Clem Cattini from '60s instrumentalists the Tornados.