The Style Council - The Soul of Paul Weller
From Inside the Milky Way - A Look at Early Alternative Music by ITMW Music
May 24, 2026 · 35 min · Season 2 · Episode 7
About this episode
This episode explores the formation and musical journey of The Style Council, led by Paul Weller, from 1983 to 1989.
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…
People in this episode
Host: ITMW Music
Topics covered
- The Style Council
- Paul Weller
- alternative music
- soul music
- music history
- sophisti-pop
Keywords
- The Style Council
- Paul Weller
- Mick Talbot
- soulful music
- alternative music
- sophisti-pop
- music history
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Style Council, The Jam
More episodes of Inside the Milky Way - A Look at Early Alternative Music
- Gang of Four - More than Entertainment! · June 7, 2026 · 35 min
- Joy Division - Unknown Pleasures · May 17, 2026 · 34 min
- Severed Heads - Beyond Dead Eyes · May 10, 2026 · 33 min
- The Afghan Whigs - Congregation and Gentlemen · May 3, 2026 · 31 min
- Magazine - John McGeoch and Beyond · April 26, 2026 · 34 min
- The B-52's - Rock Lobster and Other Early Tales · April 19, 2026 · 41 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Inside the Milky Way - A Look at Early Alternative Music podcast page.