The Style Council was formed by ex-Jam singer and guitarist Paul Weller with keyboardist Mick Talbot in 1983. The permanent lineup grew to include drummer Steve White and vocalist D.C. Lee, although other musicians, including a horn section, were brought in as required.

The Council took a more overtly political approach than the Jam in their lyrics and Paul was also instrumental in the formation of Red Wedge with Billy Bragg. However, Paul has more recently expressed that this began to detract from the music - "We were involved with a lot of political things going on at that time. I think after a while that overshadowed the music a bit" (http://www.canoe.ca/JamMusicArtistsW/weller_paul.html)

The Style Council broke up after recording an acid house album, Modernism: A New Decade that was rejected by their record label. Paul moved on to a more commercially successful solo career (still featuring Steve White on drums) while Mick and Steve released two albums as Talbot/White -- United States of Mind (1995) and Off the Beaten Track (1996). More recently Mick and Steve have formed "The Players" with Damon Minchella (Ocean Colour Scene/Paul Weller) and Aziz Ibrahim (Primal Scream).

Albums

  • Cafe Bleu (1984)
  • Our Favourite Shop (1985)
  • Cost of Loving (1987)
  • Confessions of a Pop Group (1988)
  • Modernism: A New Decade (1989)