The always-sharp Brit-rock lifer (and former Jam and Style Council frontman) Paul Weller released a new single called “Brand New Toy” on Record Store Day. It’s a clean, bouncy power-pop number, and in its new Joe Connor-directed video, Weller and his backing band casually knock the song out while the camera makes it look like they’re part of a huge kaleidoscope. Enjoy it while you can because Weller is done with this Record Store Day business. In a post on his website, Weller brings up the common complaints that everyday fans, including some who’d lined up for hours, couldn’t get the single because predatory types had bought up all the copies and were selling them on eBay before RSD even started. Well claims he won’t be participating in Record Store Day again. Check out the video and the note from Weller below.

Weller writes:

This is a message to all the fans who couldn’t get the new vinyl single on Record Store Day and/or paid a lot of money for a copy on eBay.

I agree with all of you who have sent messages expressing your anger and disappointment at the exploitation of these “limited editions” by touts.

Apart from making the record, the rest has very little to do with me but I am disheartened by the whole thing and unfortunately I won’t be taking part in Record Store Day again.

It’s such a shame because as you know I am a big supporter of independent record stores but the greedy touts making a fast buck off genuine fans is disgusting and goes against the whole philosophy of RSD.

There were copies of my single on eBay the day before Record Store Day and I’ve heard stories of people queuing outside their local record shop only to be told there were none left at opening time!

It only takes a few to spoil a wonderful concept for everyone else. Shame on those touts.

Don’t support their trade and don’t let them use Record Store Day to ruin the very thing it’s designed to support.

Onwards. PW

PS. I’d like to say thank you for all the positive, supportive comments on our privacy case recently. Bless ya.

(via Weller’s website)

Fuckin’ touts. “Brand New Toy” will also appear on the Weller collection More Modern Classics, out 6/2.