The Style Council - Cafe Bleu

The Style Council — Cafe Bleu (Special Edition) 3LP

When Paul Weller disbanded The Jam at the height of their fame in 1982, it was nothing short of seismic — a bold, almost reckless act of creative reinvention that stunned fans and critics alike. But out of that audacious decision emerged one of the most inspired pivots in British pop history: The Style Council.

When The Style Council's debut album Café Bleu was released in 1984, Weller and wingman Mick Talbot unveiled a cosmopolitan blend of jazz, soul, and pop that felt effortlessly sophisticated and daringly fresh.

Since then, fans have been waiting for a deep dive into the Style Council vaults eager to hear any unreleased material. And now the wait is over.

The Café Bleu Special Edition is a treasure trove for Style Council devotees and music lovers alike — an immersive journey into one of the most inventive eras of Paul Weller's career. This lavish release unveils a wealth of previously unheard material, including early demos, alternate takes, and unreleased songs that showcase the band's restless drive for experimentation and evolution. Adding even more depth, the set features an extraordinary collection of BBC session and live recordings, capturing the band in full creative flight.

Completing the package are superb new sleevenotes from broadcaster and longtime Café Bleu champion Gary Crowley, offering fresh insight into this timeless classic's enduring legacy.

 

Disc 1 – Introducing Expanded

Side A

1. Speak Like A Child

2. Party Chambers

3. Mick's Up

4. Headstart For Happiness (early version)

5. Money-Go-Round (Parts 1&2) (Bert Bevans remix/club mix)

Side B

1. Long Hot Summer (extended version)

2. Le Depart

3. The Paris Match

4. Spring, Summer, Autumn

5. Mick's Company

Disc 2 – Original Album

Side A

1. Mick's Blessings

2. The Whole Point Of No Return

3. Me Ship Came In!

4. Blue Café

5. The Paris Match

6. My Ever Changing Moods

7. Dropping Bombs On The Whitehouse

Side B

1. A Gospel

2. Strength Of Your Nature

3. You're The Best Thing

4. Here's One That Got Away

5. Headstart For Happiness

6. Council Meetin'

Disc – Introducing Expanded / Post Album Singles & B-Sides / Demos, Outtakes & Alternate Versions

Side A

1. My Ever Changing Moods (long version)

2. A Solid Bond In Your Heart

3. The Big Boss Groove (12" version)

4. You're The Dub Thing

Side B

1. Long Hot Summer (pre TSC demo)

2. Party Chambers (alternate version)

3. Up For Grabs (demo)

4. Mick’s Demo

5. Take It To The Top (demo)

6. Dropping Bombs on The White House (alternate version)

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