Paul Weller - “White Sky” (Official Video)

British punk pioneer Paul Weller’s last release was plagued by problems with Record Store Day. (Hmmm, that’s starting to sound familiar.) Anyway, whether due to his rage at RSD or by random chance, Weller chose the same day RSD announced its 2015 ambassador to drop “White Sky,” a phenomenal blast of bluesy grit. It reminds me of how listening to the White Stripes used to make me feel: angsty, explosive, and powerful. Since Weller’s had a solo career since 1991 (and previously fronted the Jam and the Style Council), it’s clear that he’s the one who influenced the Stripes and not vice versa. Regardless, this song reminds me of early Stripes and Black Keys stuff; it feels fresh in a way that aging rock stars rarely accomplish. I didn’t think I’d be interested in classic rock at all in 2015, and Weller might have just proved me wrong. “White Sky” is the first release off a brand new studio album called Saturn’s Pattern that will be out in May.