The Style Council - The Soul of Paul Weller

The Style Council - The Soul of Paul Weller

Author: ITMW Music May 24, 2026 Duration: 34:46

When The Jam broke up at the end of 1982, their lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist Paul Weller decided to do something different musically. Weller, along with Mick Talbot, would form The Style Council, a band that would take a more soulful and polished approach to music. 

This English band would explore and incorporate various influences including European jazz, jazz-pop, classical, funk, R&B, 60's soul, and Northern soul. The music of The Style Council,  with the lush arrangements, smooth keyboards, and fluid guitars would often fit the sophisti-pop style.

The Style Council was not only about the music as Weller included social commentary in the lyrics and used this venture to address political concerns.

Beyond the core members of the band, Weller would bring in other musicians and vocalists as The Style Council would release four studio albums between 1984 and 1988. After their first two albums and early hits like "My Ever Changing Moods" and "You're the Best Thing" , the band's popularity started to decline eventually leading a breakup in 1989. 

This episode will tell the story of The Style Council between 1983 and 1989, and discuss the band’s music and the content as Paul Weller created soothing and soulful alternative music. 


Journey back to the heart of the 1980s alternative music explosion with Inside the Milky Way-A Look at Early Alternative Music. This podcast digs deep into the fertile ground that gave rise to post-punk, dark wave, synth-pop, industrial, and the foundational indie scenes. Each episode is a curated exploration, weaving together the stories of iconic and overlooked artists, the influential contributors behind the scenes, and the seminal tracks that defined a generation. We discuss the cultural themes and pivotal events that shaped this transformative era, from underground clubs to breakthrough moments on the charts. The show’s title, inspired by The Church’s 1988 classic "Under the Milky Way," reflects our focus on the dreamy, introspective, and often gritty soundscapes that characterized the time. Listen for a rich blend of music history, critical discussion, and personal reflection on the bands and movements that refused to follow the mainstream. Inside the Milky Way is more than a retrospective; it’s an immersive audio experience for dedicated fans and curious newcomers alike, offering context and connection to the music that built a lasting alternative culture. Tune in to hear the stories behind the sounds.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 91

Inside the Milky Way - A Look at Early Alternative Music
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