The Complete Adventures of The Style Council cover

The Complete Adventures of The Style Council

The Style Council

Album 1998

About this album

Sound: "A blend of blue-eyed soul and jazz-infused pop that captures the essence of 80s British music."

Where they were

Released in 1998, 'The Complete Adventures of The Style Council' followed the band's disbandment in 1989, serving as a retrospective collection. This compilation marks a significant moment for Paul Weller, showcasing his evolution from the punk ethos of The Jam to a more sophisticated sound characterized by jazz and soul influences.

Why it matters

This album is notable for encapsulating The Style Council's diverse musical journey while achieving commercial success. It peaked at number 5 on the UK Albums Chart and was well-received for its innovative blend of genres that influenced the new wave movement in Britain.

Essential tracks

  • "You’re the Best Thing" — This track exemplifies their ability to merge catchy melodies with rich instrumentation, becoming one of their signature songs.
  • "My Ever Changing Moods" — With its lush orchestration and introspective lyrics, this song showcases Weller's songwriting prowess and emotional depth.
  • "Shout to the Top" — A powerful anthem that highlights their political commentary wrapped in an infectious melody, representing their bold artistic vision.
  • "Long Hot Summer" — This track captures the essence of carefree summer vibes while addressing deeper themes, making it a quintessential feel-good song.
  • "Walls Come Tumbling Down" — An exploration of social issues, this track blends upbeat rhythms with poignant lyrics, reflecting the band's commitment to activism through music.

Release Date

January 1, 1998

Artist Origin

United Kingdom

Tracklist

Disc 1

  1. 1 Speak Like a Child 3:18
  2. 2 Party Chambers 3:22
  3. 3 Money-Go-Round (Bert Bevan’s Alternative remix) 7:29
  4. 4 Headstart for Happiness (Version 1) 2:50
  5. 5 Mick’s Up 3:13
  6. 6 Long Hot Summer 7:03
  7. 7 The Paris Match 3:46
  8. 8 Le Depart 2:49
  9. 9 A Solid Bond in Your Heart 3:18
  10. 10 It Just Came to Pieces in My Hands 2:32
  11. 11 My Ever Changing Moods (12″ version) 5:43
  12. 12 Mick’s Company 2:49
  13. 13 Spring, Summer, Autumn 2:24
  14. 14 Mick’s Blessings 1:17
  15. 15 The Whole Point of No Return 2:44
  16. 16 Me Ship Came In! 3:08
  17. 17 Blue Cafe 2:18
  18. 18 The Paris Match 4:27
  19. 19 My Ever Changing Moods 3:39
  20. 20 Dropping Bombs on the Whitehouse 3:15
  21. 21 A Gospel 4:45

Disc 2

  1. 1 Strength of Your Nature 4:21
  2. 2 You’re the Best Thing 5:42
  3. 3 Here’s One That Got Away 2:36
  4. 4 Headstart for Happiness (Version 2) 3:22
  5. 5 Council Meetin’ 2:34
  6. 6 The Big Boss Groove 4:40
  7. 7 Shout to the Top 4:16
  8. 8 Ghosts of Dachau 2:51
  9. 9 The Piccadilly Trail 3:45
  10. 10 Soul Deep (Bert Bevan’s remix) 7:12
  11. 11 Walls Come Tumbling Down 3:25
  12. 12 The Whole Point II 2:51
  13. 13 Blood Sports 3:36
  14. 14 Spin Drifting 3:11
  15. 15 Homebreakers 5:07
  16. 16 All Gone Away 2:17
  17. 17 Come to Milton Keynes 3:03
  18. 18 Internationalists 3:08
  19. 19 A Stone’s Throw Away 2:19
  20. 20 The Stand Up Comic’s Instructions 1:33
  21. 21 Boy Who Cried Wolf 5:16

Disc 3

  1. 1 Man of Great Promise 2:35
  2. 2 Down in the Seine 2:44
  3. 3 Lodgers 3:59
  4. 4 Luck 2:36
  5. 5 With Everything to Lose 3:56
  6. 6 Our Favorite Shop 2:56
  7. 7 (When You) Call Me 3:20
  8. 8 Have You Ever Had It Blue? (Uncut version) 4:48
  9. 9 Mr. Cool’s Dream 2:28
  10. 10 It Didn’t Matter 5:45
  11. 11 All Year Round 2:18
  12. 12 Right to Go 5:13
  13. 13 Heavens Above 6:13
  14. 14 Fairy Tales 4:10
  15. 15 Angel 4:32
  16. 16 Walking the Night 4:32
  17. 17 Waiting 4:27
  18. 18 Cost of Loving 4:20
  19. 19 Woman’s Song 3:04
  20. 20 Francoise 2:43

Disc 4

  1. 1 Wanted (Or Waiter There’s Some Soup in My Flies) 3:24
  2. 2 The Cost of Loving (12″ version) 3:50
  3. 3 Life at a Top Peoples Health Farm 5:48
  4. 4 Sweet Loving Ways 3:32
  5. 5 It’s a Very Deep Sea 5:32
  6. 6 The Story of Someone’s Shoe 3:43
  7. 7 Changing of the Guard 2:50
  8. 8 The Little Boy in a Castle 3:05
  9. 9 The Gardener of Eden 10:30
  10. 10 Why I Went Missing 4:43
  11. 11 How She Threw It All Away 4:17
  12. 12 Iwasadoledadstoyboy 4:28
  13. 13 Confessions 1, 2 and 3 4:43
  14. 14 Confessions of a Pop-Group 9:28
  15. 15 In Love for the First Time 3:39
  16. 16 I do Like to Be B-Side the A-Side 4:44

Disc 5

  1. 1 Promised Land (Longer version) 7:07
  2. 2 Can You Still Love Me? 4:21
  3. 3 Long Hot Summer ’89 5:31
  4. 4 Everybody’s on the Run 7:59
  5. 5 A New Decade 3:24
  6. 6 Can You Still Love Me? 5:03
  7. 7 The World Must Come Together 5:24
  8. 8 Hope (Feelings Gonna Getcha) 7:17
  9. 9 That Spiritual Feeling 7:37
  10. 10 Everybody’s on the Run 5:44
  11. 11 Love of the World 8:58
  12. 12 Sure Is Sure 6:18