Wholepoint Publications

Cafè Bleu Special Edition

DELAYED!

to 15th May '26

The most comprehensive information on the Cafè Bleu Special Edition. Free of adverts, AI and click-bate! What's included, what's not, the mispress fiasco timeline detailed, and when you can get your hands on the long awaited 'Special Edition.'

* This page will be continually updated. From the issue to the mispress and when the unreleased tracks were heard, the 3rd issue, the mispress packages arriving and then when the ''fixed" LP / CD arrive (estimated 15th May 2026).

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The mispress / repress timeline

6th Nov 2025 to 16th Jan 2026
All set for 30th Jan release. Pre orders of the vinyl and CD continued as expected.

Mon 16th Jan '26 (estimate)
Internally two issues have been flagged with the production release impacting both the CD and vinyl. Universal inform PWHQ. The public and record stores would be informed on Friday. The CD and Vinyl will continue to be sent to record stores and retailers across the world.

Fri 23rd Jan '26
Universal called advising of the issue and the forthcoming email. With a view to fielding fans questions via social media channels.

Mailing list email: "Available for the first time - The Paris Match (with Tracey Thorn) (Long Version)." Universal covered this new song, a print competition and pre order link. Right at the end a paragraph; "Important Update for Pre-Order Customers."

"We’ve been made aware of an issue with the Café Bleu - Special Edition release, 'The Whole Point II' (1985) and the 12” inch version of 'You’re The Best Thing' have been used incorrectly on the original album which is CD2 and LP2. This audio issue affects both the CD & LP formats on both pre-orders and any future orders of the release."

It then detailed how to get a replacement.

"We are very sorry for the disappointment this will cause, however Universal Music are already manufacturing individual replacement discs for CD2 & LP2. You can request one of these by filling out this form: https://digital.umusic.com/the-style-council-sign-up-cafebleu. The current expected timescales for replacement discs is around two months due to vinyl manufactures lead time.

"In around 2 months." So April 2026. Despite the majority being unaware of the issue Universal were in the main congratulated on social media for their swift response and the solution in place. It seemed to increase pre sales as previously hesitant purchasers could see the value in having a mispress, and a free replacement.

Mon 26th Jan '26
The CD and LP had reached the RECORD STORES with the incorrect tracks. Some independent stores also received the Le Bleu Post mini newspaper and promotional Cafe Bleu poster. The stores created social media posts with these products ready for Friday 30th. Sales definitely increased as fans tracked down those who still had the mini newspaper and poster. Many store declaring their products were now sold out.

Tues 27th Jan '26
It was noted that no PW social media post had yet mentioned the issue with the releases. The only communication was the mailing list email on Friday 23rd January.

Wed 28th Jan '26
With 48 hours to go Universal closed down the replacement form and send an email to those who had ordered or completed the repress form.

11:53am (email)

Thank you for your recent order of a The Style Council ‘Café Bleu – Special Edition’ box set. We have been made aware of an issue with this release. This issue consists of ‘The Whole Point II’ (1985) and the 12” version of ‘You’re The Best Thing’ being used incorrectly on the original album, CD2 and LP2. The audio issue affects both the CD and LP formats of the original manufacture run.

We recognise how important this release is to you and are committed to ensuring you receive a perfect product. Therefore, due to this error, we are recalling these products and will be manufacturing replacement discs for CD2 and LP2 before releasing this box set.

Due to manufacture timelines, the new release date of this product will be 15th May 2026. As soon as your order has been dispatched, you will receive another email from us to let you know your order is on the way.

We apologise for any frustration this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding whilst we rectify these issues.

If you would rather not wait for your order, you are of course welcome to request a cancellation by contacting our Customer Service team here, and they will be happy to help.

**
"...we are recalling these products" is an embargo on the release which reached the Record Stores from 18:23. However, this was already too late for stores who had posted to ensure their customers product arrived on release day.

Thu 29th Jan '26
It is believed the digital release will go ahead on 30th January, but for streaming that will be limited to CD1 to CD4 only. CD5 will release in Feb and CD6 in March.

Fri 30th Jan '26
Across the world copies of the embargoed vinyl and CD started dropping on doormats. Some Record Stores sold them in-store, possibly not aware of the embargo, or not wanting the distress of holding the stock or letting down their own loyal customers. Some orders received Le Bleu Post newspaper and Cafe Bleu promotional poster.

Issue 3 - Fri 30th Jan '26
Well - Knowledgeable fans quickly spotted that the 1989 version of Long Hot Summer was on the digital release and CD3 - SURELY a mistake! What was clear is that on speaking to both Universal and PW HQ they were not aware - a THIRD issue - and it was now out in the public domain without being recognised. It all seems a little chaotic and ......

7th Feb '26
Fans report that the digital version of Long Hot Summer 1989 has been replaced with the 7" 1983 version of Long Hot Summer. Which in the grand scheme isn't correct, but is the only solution they have left.

12th Feb '26
It is currently quiet. Universal have not acknowledged the 3rd issue, but it is highly likely that CD3 will be corrected prior to release on 15th May.

20th Feb '26
A Universal email confirmed Disc 5 is now available to stream . Email Heading: "Now available to stream - Disc 5"

"Featuring a collection of BBC sessions and unforgettable performances from 1983-84, including Radio 1 Session, Saturday Live, and BBC's Live at the Dominion Theatre ."

For reasons unknown this is listed as a separate release. It can be found here (link)

"Disc 6 will be available to stream from 12 March."

The 3LP and 6CD editions will be released May 2026.

To be continued ....

CAFE BLEU Special Edition 2026

6 x CD box and book. Barcode: tbc
3 X LP (33 tracks). Barcode: 0602465157765
Le Bleu Post 'newspaper'*
Cafe Bleu 2026 promo Poster*
CD 2 - The mispress (30th Jan '26)
CD 2 - The repress (15th May '26 tbc)^
CD 3 - The mispress (30th Jan '26)
CD 3 - The repress (15th May '26 tbc)^
LP2 - The mispress (30th Jan '26)
LP2 - The repress (15th May '26 tbc)^

* Promo item at selected record stores (30th Jan '26)
^ Estimated. Will update when informed.

VINYL / Price range

At 28th January 2026
(some stores issued the Le Bleu Post newspaper and promotional Cafe Bleu poster).

£42.98 Chalkys

£42.99 Recordstore, Polydor Store, Sound of Vinyl

£43.00 Townsend Records. (Bundle the CD box for £82)

£44.00 The Vault Collective ltd

£44.26 Rarewaves

£44.99 Applestump, Crash Records, Vinyl Tap, Norman Records, Piccadilly Records

£45.75 Juno Records

£45.99 Sister Ray Records

£47.99 Badlands Record

£48.45 Horizons Music

£49.99 Boiler Room Records, HMV, Rough Trade,
£49.99 Amazon UK* *price promise. Release price tbc

£50.99 Assai Records

CD Box / Price range

At 28th January 2026
(some stores are issuing the Le Bleu Post newspaper and a promotional poster. Please check with them directly).

£86.00 Townsend Records (Bundle the vinyl for £39)
£86.61 Chalkys

£94.99 Vinyl Tap, Sister Ray Records
£96.00 The Vault Collective ltd

£96.99 Recordstore, Polydor Store, Sound of Vinyl
£96.99 Norman Records, Piccadilly Records
£97.73 Rarewaves

£97.99 Crash Records,
£98.99 Juno Records
£99.99 Rough Trade

£104.97 Horizons Music

£109.99 HMV
£102.99 Amazon UK* *price promise (was £109.99)

BUNDLES

Townsend Records £86 CD and £39 Vinyl. £125 bundle.
We are not aware of anyone else offering a discounted bundle.

CD 1

The 'expanded' content begins from track 10.
10-11 from single TSC4
12-14 from single TSC5
15-16 from xxx

"Introducing Expanded" is a strange title as tracks 13 and 14 are deep into the Café Bleu recording period.

<Check Club Rouge>"Introducing The Style Council" Expanded
1 Speak Like A Child
2 Party Chambers
3 Money-Go-Round (Parts 1&2) (original 12 inch version)
4 Headstart For Happiness (early version)
5 Mick’s Up
6 Long Hot Summer (extended version)
7 The Paris Match (early version)
8 Party Chambers (instrumental)
9 Le Depart
10 A Solid Bond In Your Heart
11 It Just
Came To Pieces In My Hands
12 My Ever Changing Moods (long version)
13 Spring, Summer, Autumn
14 Mick’s Company
15 Money-Go-Round (Parts 1&2) (bert bevans remix /club mix)
16 Long Hot Summer (club mix aka 12" mix)

CD 2 (issues)

There's nothing extra on CD 2. You'll have played Café Bleu on CD a thousand times. This will be the least played CD (that was until the mispress revelation).

Café Bleu - The Original
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’

*Original copies have used The Whole Point II
^ Original copies have used the 12" version

CD 3 (issue)

"Post album released singles" is a strange one when you look at pre-album tracks 4, 5, 6 & 7. It's a wonder why some of the 'expanded' tracks on CD 1 didn't move to CD3. There's plenty of room.

Post album released singles, b-sides, single edits and remixes
1 You’re The Best Thing (7" version)
2 You’re The Dub Thing
3 The Big Boss Groove (12" version)
4 Money Go Round (Dance mix)
5 Long Hot Summer (Don’t Matter What I Do) (7" single) *
6 A Solid Bond In Your Heart (instrumental)
7 My Ever Changing Moods (7" version)

* This is the audio from the 1989 single and doesn't match the description. CD only as these are not on the vinyl package.

CD 4

Here's where it begins to get interesting and will likely be the CD you first reach for. A lot of these will need to be revisited when its released.

Demo’s, outtakes and alternate versions
1 Long Hot Summer (pre TSC demo)
2 Party Chambers (alternate version)
3 Up For Grabs (demo)
4 Take It To The Top (demo)
5 Mick’s Demo
6 Funk Interlude
7 The Big Boss Groove
8 Summertime Song
9 The Paris Match (with Tracey Thorn) (long version)
10 Come Away With Me (demo)
11 Me Ship Came In! (alternate version)
12 Dropping Bombs on The White House (alternate version)
13 That One In D’ Minor (demo)
14 Boy Hairdresser
15 A Gospel (alternate instrumental version)
16 A Gospel (outtake)
17 Mick’s Company
18 I’m In The Mood For Gazza

Track 1 - hints at a version written by The Jam. There is a Long Hot Summer Jam demo but in name only, with no resemblance to The Style Council version. So this one will be interesting.
Track 2 - Will need to see if this is an alternate vocal or instrumental.
Track 3 - A very popular song live in 1984, so will be interesting to hear a studio demo.
Track 4, 5, 6, 8, 13, 18 - Couldn't even guess these, though some may have a different song title now. Roll on 30th January.
Track 7, 17- Seem to be different mixes. It doesn't say. Will update on 30th January.
Track 9, 11, 12, 15, 16 - Different mixes.
Track 10 - I was sent this* on cassette back in 2012 as a 'thank you' for the efforts to date in keeping The Style Council relevant via Mr Cool's Dream, and it is mentioned in the 2014 (purple) edition. It was written for Tracey Thorn for Cafe Bleu, before they decided on The Paris Match. *However, it was known as "Run" Away With Me so need to confirm on 30th January.

CD 5

CD5 - BBC Sessions & Live
Radio 1 Session 5/5/83
1 Headstart For Happiness
2 Mick’s Up
3 Here’s One That Got Away
4 The Paris Match

SBH: In Concert 11/6/83. Recorded as part of the Respond Package night at the Paris Theatre London
5 Head Start For Happiness
6 Here’s One That Got Away
7 The Paris Match
8 Times Are Tight

Saturday Live 31/12/83 In Session
9 My Ever Changing Moods
10 Mick’s Blessings
11 Paris Match
12 Head Start For Happiness
13 Long Hot Summer

BBC Live at the Dominion Theatre Pt.1 14/3/84
14 Meeting Over Yonder
15 My Ever Changing Moods
16 It Just Came To Pieces In My Hands
17 Mick’s Up
18 Here’s One That Got Away
19 Up For Grabs
20 Dropping Bombs On The White House
21 Long Hot Summer

CD 6

Live versions
BBC Live, Dominion Theatre Pt.2 14/3/84
1 Money Go Round
2 Speak Like A Child
3 Headstart For Happiness
4 Hanging On To A Memory

BBC Sight & Sound In Concert - Live At Goldiggers Chippenham 10/3/84
5 Meeting Over Yonder
6 My Ever Changing Moods
7 Speak Like A Child
8 The Whole Point Of No Return
9 Le Depart
10 The Paris Match
11 Party Chambers
12 Money Go Round
13 Head Start For Happiness
14 Hanging On To A Memory
15 Dropping Bombs On The White House
16 Long Hot Summer

THE VINYL

33 Track Black Vinyl (x3)

Vinyl 1

Vinyl 2 (issues)

There's nothing extra on CD 2. You'll have played Café Bleu on LP a thousand times. This will be the least played LP (that was until the mispress revelation).

Side C
11 Mick’s Blessings
12 The Whole Point Of No Return*
13 Me Ship Came In!
14 Blue Café
15 The Paris Match
16 My Ever Changing Moods
17 Dropping Bombs On The Whitehouse

Side D
18 A Gospel
19 Strength Of Your Nature
20 You’re The Best Thing^
21 Here’s One That Got Away
22 Headstart For Happiness
23 Council Meetin’

*Original copies have used The Whole Point II
^ Original copies have used the 12" version

Vinyl 3

ITUNES (Purchase/Download/Own)

The price to DOWNLOAD and OWN the digital album (91 tracks at 0.99p each) whilst awaiting CD6 is £24.99.

Cafe Bleu Merchandise

Official Paul Weller HQ merchandise - Mug, Coasters, T-Shirt, Slipmat and Badges.

MERCH

Cafe Bleu Promotional items

Le Bleu Post

8 page promotional newspaper issued to independent record stores

Cafe Bleu Poster

"The Style Council’s Café Bleu Promotional STORE poster

Signed Prints

Universal competition to win one of 5 signed Cafe Bleu Prints by
Paul and Mick.

Cafe Bleu magazine reviews

CLASSIC POP

A FRONT COVER! and also a SUBSCRIBER exclusive FRONT COVER!

"we meet The Style Council as Café Bleu gets the deluxe boxset treatment. The band tell us about their storied career, from that genre-skipping debut through to their underrated swansong Modernism: A New Decade, which found them exploring house music."

CLASSIC POP

UNCUT

"The Style Council’s Café Bleu reviewed: the Modfather’s messy but rewarding rebirth. Mammoth expanded box set finds Paul Weller moving beyond ..."

UNCUT

MOJO

"THE STYLE COUNCIL Paul Weller ends his retrospective omertà, reliving the birth of the band that broke Jam fans’ hearts and propelled him into the ’80s and beyond."

Non of the magazines spotted the issue with the songs used in error.

MOJO