The Style Council are set to release a new, career-spanning anthology set, Long Hot Summers, on 30 October. The long-awaited and eagerly anticipated definitive career anthology teaming with all the greatest hits is named with a nod to the band’s biggest hit and Long Hot Summers is endorsed and co-compiled by Paul Weller himself. The album was remastered at Abbey Road by Geoff Pesche.
When Paul Weller disbanded The Jam in 1982 at the height of their popularity, he surprised fans with the move he made next. Teaming with former Dexy's Midnight Runners keyboardist Mick Talbot, they formed The Style Council who, in a quest for new sounds, traveled to realms previously unchartered for a pop group incorporating musical influences as wide-ranging as Blue Note jazz and Chicago soul, Claude Debussy and Erik Satie, Chicago House and Jacques Brel.
As well as the huge hit Long Hot Summer, the album includes the band’s debut Top 5 single Speak Like A Child and other signature hits including You’re The Best Thing, Ever Changing Moods and dance floor filler Shout To The Top. The release also ties in with a new Sky Arts documentary about the band, also out on 30 October, featuring interviews with all key members, fans and collaborators. Long Hot Summers also features rare photos, an introduction by Paul Weller, a new essay by Lois Wilson, and sleeve-notes from ‘super-fan’, actor Martin Freeman.
