Style Council: Café Bleu (Ltd. Expanded Special Ed.) (6CD)

When The Style Council's debut album "Café Bleu" was released in 1984, Weller and his partner Mick Talbot presented a cosmopolitan blend of jazz, soul and pop that was effortlessly sophisticated and boldly fresh. "Café Bleu" was more than just a debut - it was a statement of intent that redefined what British pop could sound like in a new decade. Since then, fans have been eagerly awaiting a deep dive into The Style Council's archives to hear unreleased material. And now the wait is over. The "Café Bleu" Special Edition is a treasure trove for Style Council fans and music lovers alike - an immersive journey into one of the most creative eras of Paul Weller's career. This lavish release unveils a wealth of previously unreleased material, including early demos, alternate takes and unreleased songs that showcase the band's relentless drive to experiment and evolve. For even more depth, an exceptional collection of BBC sessions and live recordings show the band in full creative bloom. Rounding out the package are superb new sleeve notes by broadcaster and longtime Café Bleu fan Gary Crowley, offering new insights into the enduring legacy of this timeless classic. Highlights of the Special Edition include: - CD1 - Extended edition of "Introducing... The Style Council", previously only available as a Dutch import. - CD2 - The complete album "Café Bleu". In addition to the two hit singles "My Ever Changing Moods" and "You're The Best Thing", the outstanding tracks from the original album "Café Bleu" include "Headstart for Happiness" and "The Paris Match" with Tracey Thorn as guest vocalist. - CD3 - All related singles, B-sides, remixes and demos from this period. - CD4 - Unreleased demos, outtakes and alternative versions, including: An early demo of "Long Hot Summer" (August 1982), showing the evolution of "Le Départ" and offering a fascinating insight into the band's musical journey. "Boy Hairdresser" (written for Respond artist Tracie Young). An extended 6:31 version of "The Paris Match" and an early version of "Summertime Song". Unreleased instrumental gems from Mick Talbot, including a jazzier "Party Chambers" and "Mick's Demo". - CD5 & CD6 - BBC sessions & live performances, including: Live recordings from Gold Diggers in Cheltenham and the Dominion Theatre in London. BBC Radio One Sessions (1983) for David Jensen and Saturday Live, with outstanding versions of "Headstart for Happiness", "The Paris Match", "Long Hot Summer" and "My Ever Changing Moods".