Unpacking the Legacy of ‘Café Bleu’

Released in 1984, Café Bleu wasn’t merely an album; it was a statement. Emerging from the ashes of The Jam, Paul Weller’s new project, The Style Council, immediately distinguished itself with a sophisticated blend of jazz, soul, and pop, a far cry from the raw energy of their predecessor. The album captured a specific moment in British culture – a period of social and political upheaval, coupled with a burgeoning interest in style and intellectualism.

This reissue isn’t simply a nostalgic trip; it’s a re-evaluation. Universal Music Recordings has meticulously curated a collection that provides invaluable insight into the album’s evolution. Early demos, like the August 1982 version of “Long Hot Summer,” reveal the song’s nascent form, showcasing the band’s experimentation and willingness to refine their sound. The inclusion of instrumental gems from Mick Talbot, particularly a jazzier take on “Party Chambers,” highlights his crucial role in shaping The Style Council’s distinctive sonic landscape.

The expanded editions don’t shy away from the band’s live prowess either. Recordings from Chippenham’s Goldiggers and London’s Dominion Theatre, alongside 1983 BBC Radio One sessions with David Jensen and Saturday Live, offer a dynamic counterpoint to the studio recordings. These live performances capture the energy and improvisation that defined The Style Council’s stage presence.

But what truly sets this reissue apart is the sheer volume of unreleased material. From alternate versions of familiar tracks to completely unheard demos like “Up For Grabs” and “Take It To The Top,” the collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the band’s creative process. The inclusion of “The Paris Match” featuring Tracey Thorn in a longer version is a particular highlight, showcasing a unique collaboration that adds another layer to the album’s already rich tapestry.

The Style Council’s influence continues to resonate today. Their commitment to musical innovation, lyrical depth, and stylistic flair has inspired generations of artists. This reissue serves as a potent reminder of their enduring legacy and a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand the evolution of British music.

Do you think reissues like this enhance our appreciation for classic albums, or do they sometimes diminish the original’s mystique? And how important are live recordings and demos in understanding an artist’s creative journey?

You can pre-order the reissue here.

Complete Tracklisting

CD1 – Introducing Expanded

• 1 Speak Like A Child
• 2 Party Chambers
• 3 Money-Go-Round (Parts 1&2) (original 12 inch version)
• 4 Headstart For Happiness (early version)
• 5 Mick’s Up
• 6 Long Hot Summer (extended version)
• 7 The Paris Match (early version)
• 8 Party Chambers (instrumental)
• 9 Le Depart
• 10 A Solid Bond In Your Heart
• 11 It Just Came To Pieces In My Hands
• 12 My Ever Changing Moods (long version)
• 13 Spring, Summer, Autumn
• 14 Mick’s Company
• 15 Money-Go-Round (Parts 1&2) (bert bevans remix /club mix)
• 16 Long Hot Summer (club mix aka 12” mix)

CD2 – Original album

• 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
• 8 A Gospel
• 9 Strength Of Your Nature
• 10 You’re The Best Thing
• 11 Here’s One That Got Away
• 12 Headstart For Happiness
• 13 Council Meetin’

CD3 – Singles, B-sides, single edits and remixes

• 1 You’re The Best Thing (7” version)
• 2 You’re The Dub Thing
• 3 The Big Boss Groove (12” version)
• 4 Money Go Round (Dance mix)
• 5 Long Hot Summer (Don’t Matter What I Do) (7” single)
• 6 A Solid Bond In Your Heart (instrumental)
• 7 My Ever Changing Moods (7” version)

CD4 – Demos, outtakes and alternate versions

• 1 Long Hot Summer (pre TSC demo)
• 2 Party Chambers (alternate version)
• 3 Up For Grabs (demo)
• 4 Take It To The Top (demo)
• 5 Mick’s Demo
• 6 Funk Interlude
• 7 The Big Boss Groove
• 8 Summertime Song
• 9 The Paris Match (with Tracey Thorn) (long version)
• 10 Come Away With Me (demo)
• 11 Me Ship Came In! (alternate version)
• 12 Dropping Bombs on The White House (alternate version)
• 13 That One In D’ Minor (demo)
• 14 Boy Hairdresser
• 15 A Gospel (alternate instrumental version)
• 16 A Gospel (outtake)
• 17 Mick’s Company
• 18 I’m In The Mood For Gazza

CD5 – BBC Sessions & Live

• Radio 1 Session 5/5/83
• 1 Headstart For Happiness
• 2 Mick’s Up
• 3 Here’s One That Got Away
• 4 The Paris Match

• SBH: In Concert 11/6/83. Recorded as part of the Respond Package night at the Paris Theatre London
• 5 Head Start For Happiness
• 6 Here’s One That Got Away
• 7 The Paris Match
• 8 Times Are Tight

• Saturday Live 31/12/83 In Session
• 9 My Ever Changing Moods
• 10 Mick’s Blessings
• 11 Paris Match
• 12 Head Start For Happiness
• 13 Long Hot Summer

• BBC Live at the Dominion Theatre Pt.1 14/3/84
• 14 Meeting Over Yonder
• 15 My Ever Changing Moods
• 16 It Just Came To Pieces In My Hands
• 17 Mick’s Up
• 18 Here’s One That Got Away
• 19 Up For Grabs
• 20 Dropping Bombs On The White House
• 21 Long Hot Summer

CD6 – Live versions

• BBC Live at the Dominion Theatre Pt.2 14/3/84
• 1 Money Go Round
• 2 Speak Like A Child
• 3 Headstart For Happiness
• 4 Hanging On To A Memory

• BBC Sight & Sound In Concert – Live At Goldiggers Chippenham 10/3/84
• 5 Meeting Over Yonder
• 6 My Ever Changing Moods
• 7 Speak Like A Child
• 8 The Whole Point Of No Return
• 9 Le Depart
• 10 The Paris Match
• 11 Party Chambers
• 12 Money Go Round
• 13 Head Start For Happiness
• 14 Hanging On To A Memory
• 15 Dropping Bombs On The White House
• 16 Long Hot Summer

LP1 – side A

• 1 Speak Like A Child
• 2 Party Chambers
• 3 Mick’s Up
• 4 Headstart For Happiness
• 5 Money-Go-Round (Parts 1&2) (Bert Bevans remix/club mix)

LP1 – side B

• 6 Long Hot Summer (Extended Version)
• 7 Le Depart
• 8 The Paris Match
• 9 Spring, Summer, Autumn
• 10 Mick’s Company

LP2 – side C

• 11 Mick’s Blessings
• 12 The Whole Point Of No Return
• 13 Me Ship Came In!
• 14 Blue Café
• 15 The Paris Match
• 16 My Ever Changing Moods
• 17 Dropping Bombs On The Whitehouse

LP2 – side D

• 18 A Gospel
• 19 Strength Of Your Nature
• 20 You’re The Best Thing
• 21 Here’s One That Got Away
• 22 Headstart For Happiness
• 23 Council Meetin’

LP3 – side E

• 24 My Ever Changing Moods (Long Version)
• 25 A Solid Bond In Your Heart
• 26 The Big Boss Groove (12” version)
• 27 You’re The Dub Thing

LP3 – side F

• 28 Long Hot Summer (pre TSC demo)
• 29 Party Chambers (alternate version)
• 30 Up For Grabs (demo)
• 32 Mick’s Demo
• 32 Take It To The Top (demo)
• 33 Dropping Bombs on The White House (alternate version)

Frequently Asked Questions About the ‘Café Bleu’ Reissue

• What makes this ‘Café Bleu’ reissue different from previous releases?

  This reissue is the most comprehensive edition of Café Bleu ever released, featuring a wealth of previously unreleased material, including demos, outtakes, alternate versions, and live recordings from 1983 and 1984.

• Is the ‘Café Bleu’ reissue available in all formats?

  Yes, the reissue is available as both a 3-LP vinyl set and a 6-CD box set, catering to different preferences and collecting habits.

• What kind of live recordings are included in the ‘Café Bleu’ reissue?

  The reissue includes live recordings from Chippenham’s Goldiggers, London’s Dominion Theatre, and BBC Radio One sessions, offering a glimpse into The Style Council’s dynamic stage presence.

• Are there any rare demos of ‘Long Hot Summer’ included in this ‘Café Bleu’ reissue?

  Yes, the reissue features an early demo of “Long Hot Summer” from August 1982, providing a fascinating insight into the song’s development.

• Where can I pre-order the ‘Café Bleu’ reissue?

  You can pre-order the reissue at this link.