08 November 2025
Marco Gandolfi
The musical pivot that stunned the industry—Paul Weller's bold move from The Jam to The Style Council—is finally receiving the deep dive fans have craved. Universal Music Recordings has announced the 'Café Bleu Special Edition', a massive 6-CD and 3-vinyl set due for release on January 30, 2026.
The Style Council’s 1984 debut, Café Bleu, redefined British pop with its cosmopolitan blend of jazz, soul, and sophisticated pop, featuring hits like "My Ever Changing Moods" and "You’re The Best Thing." Now, this lavish new edition serves as a treasure trove, unveiling a wealth of previously unheard material from this inventive era of Weller’s career.
Unreleased Gems and Live History
The Café Bleu Special Edition is an immersive journey into the band's relentless creative evolution. Highlights include:
Unreleased Demos and Outtakes (CD4): Featuring early versions of tracks like "Long Hot Summer" (showcasing its evolution from "Le Départ"), an extended 6:31 version of "The Paris Match" (featuring Tracey Thorn), and unreleased instrumental gems from Mick Talbot.
BBC Sessions & Live Performances (CD5 & CD6): This extensive collection captures the band in full flight with live recordings from Cheltenham’s Gold Diggers and London’s Dominion Theatre, along with rare BBC Radio One sessions from 1983.
Introducing… The Style Council (CD1): An expanded edition of the early compilation, previously only available as a Dutch import.
The set also includes the full original Café Bleu album (CD2) and all related singles, B-sides, remixes, and demos from that post-album era (CD3).
Completing this special package are superb new sleevenotes penned by broadcaster and long-time Café Bleu champion, Gary Crowley, offering fresh insights into the album's enduring legacy.
This 'Café Bleu Special Edition' is a must-have for devotees, celebrating the audacious and inspiring creative reinvention that cemented The Style Council's place in British music history. Pre-orders are available now.
