Steering one-handed, Weller rummages in the door pocket for a CD-R. We're approaching a round-about; take the A247 for Guildford and West Clandon. The CD slides in. A ghostly, hovering choir sings some sort of prelude. This autumn Weller will release a new album, True Meanings, a 14-song acoustic set. But this track is a foretaste of what the next album will sound like. The choir-like opening gives way to heavy drums and the tempo veers off into mutant disco. "It's called 'Mirror Ball'," he says. "It's about people going out for the night, going to clubs, that sort of idea." Like the Surrey scenery, the music changes again and again from psychedelic rock to musique concrète and back to disco. Is this really all one song? Weller nods.

Reducing speed slightly, he points to a driveway coming up on the right. You have enough time to catch the words on the sign: 'Wild Wood'. Twenty-five years ago, that sign inspired the title of his second solo album. A different Weller. A different car. The same roads leading out of Woking into open space.