The Style Council announce delay to physical versions of 'Café Bleu – Special Edition'

Earlier this month, 'Shout To The Top' band The Style Council announced they would be re-issuing their debut album 'Café Bleu' as a special edition. However, sadly just a few days before it was due to be released, the band announced a significant delay to the release of the physical versions, due to problems with the audio.

Sharing a lengthy statement, detailing their frustrations, the band wrote: 'Following Universal's previous communication regarding the audio issue with The Style Council's 'Café Bleu – Special Edition', we've now been advised by them, that all current physical stock must be recalled from retailers.

'Universal has made the decision to replace the product in full to ensure fans receive the best possible finished release.

'As a result, the physical release has been rescheduled to 15 May.

'This affects both the CD and LP formats.'

The statement continued: 'PWHQ (Paul Well HQ) would like to apologise to fans as we are also completely frustrated and disappointed with Universal.

'If you have already pre-ordered, there is nothing you need to do – the corrected version will be shipped automatically.

'The album will still be available digitally to stream from 30 January 2026, as originally planned.

'Thank you for your patience and understanding.'

Despite the disappointment, fans left messages accepting the delay, with one writing: 'Don’t stress', another said: 'I think that's a good idea as it means not having to send off for a replacement disc upon receipt of the new box set.'

The album, which was originally released back in 1984, will be released with early demos, alternate takes, and previously unreleased songs.

The original release of 'Café Bleu' featured The Style Council's Top 5 songs 'My Ever Changing Moods' and 'You're the Best Thing', and the album itself went to Number 2 in the UK.

'Boy Hairdresser'

Along with the upcoming special edition album, a rare demo version of 'Boy Hairdresser', co-written by Paul Weller and Tracie Young, was released on 9th January. The song, which featured on the b-side of Tracie's single 'Give It Some Emotion' has been described 'as a near-mythical rarity'.

When will 'Café Bleu' special edition be released?

The physical version of the album will be available to buy from 15th May 2026. The digital version is available to buy/stream now.

What format is the album available on?

It will be available on six CDs or three LPs. It has also been released digitally.

What is the tracklist?

The original album had 13 songs, see the full list below.

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'

What is included on the new release of 'Café Bleu'?

Below are the highlights of the upcoming release:

CD1

Extended edition of Introducing… The Style Council, previously only available as a Dutch import.

CD2

'Café Bleu' full album. As well as the two hit singles 'My Ever Changing Moods' and 'You’re The Best Thing', stand-out tracks on the original 'Café Bleu' include 'Headstart for Happiness' and 'The Paris Match' which features Tracey Thorn on vocals.

CD3

All related singles, B-sides, remixes, and demos from that era.

CD4

Unreleased demos, outtakes and alternate versions, including:

• An early demo of 'Long Hot Summer' (Aug 1982) showing its evolution from 'Le Départ' offering a fascinating insight into its evolving musical journey.
• 'Boy Hairdresser' (written for Respond artist Tracie Young).
• Extended 6:31 version of 'The Paris Match' (with Tracey Thorn) and early variant 'Summertime Song'.
• Unreleased instrumental gems from Mick Talbot including a jazzier 'Party Chambers' and 'Mick’s Demo'.

CD5 and CD6

BBC Sessions and live performances, including:

• Live recordings from Cheltenham’s Gold Diggers and London’s Dominion Theatre.
• BBC Radio One sessions (1983) for David Jensen and Saturday Live, featuring standout versions of 'Headstart for Happiness', 'The Paris Match', 'Long Hot Summer' and 'My Ever Changing Moods'.

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