Explained ....
The original Cafe Bleu (1984) was pressed on LP2 and CD2, likely the least played of the Special Edition release. However, on 23rd January 2026 Universal issued an email to the mailing list announcing an issue with 2 of the 13 songs on LP2 and CD2. On 'digital release day' (30th) fans quickly discovered a 3rd issue. We informed Universal at 10am and whilst awaiting feedback on that one, the digital release was corrected on 7th February 2026. This likely means that CD3 will be corrected prior to release on 15th May 2026.
Issue 1: The Wholepoint of No Return / Whole Point II
The original track from Cafe Bleu (which ironically was omitted from the sleeve notes in 1984) has been replaced by the 1985 release, "WHOLE POINT II" (the b-side of Walls Come Tumbling Down).
Issue 2: You're The Best Thing (original) / You're The Best Thing (12")
The original track from Cafe Bleu has been replaced by the 12" version.
Issue 3: Long Hot Summer (It don't matter what I do) 7"
CD 3 includes the 7" from the 1989 Long Hot Summer '89 single. This version was recorded on 8th July 1986 and is well outside the timeline.
7th Feb - Universal have replaced the 'wrong' version with the (1983) 7" version on digital formats.
YOUR CAFE BLEU QUESTIONS ANSWERED
We answer all relevant questions. Fill in the form if you have a new one. Any query for UNIVERSAL / RECORD STORE / ONLINE should go directly to them.
Can I return the mispress?
There is no requirement to return the mispress LP or CD. However, under remote selling you legally have 14 days to return the product faulty or otherwise.
LP2 replacement
The original form was removed on 28th January. The link still works but now details the May 15th release. There is no longer a replacement LP option.
CD2 replacement
The original form was removed on 28th January. The link still works but now details the May 15th release. There is no longer a replacement CD option for Disc 2.
CD3 replacement
Universal / Paul Weller HQ were not aware of the CD3 issued on digital release day (30th Jan). There is no replacement CD option foe Disc 3.
Released date? 15th May 2026
Originally estimated at '2 months' from 1st February, e.g. from 1st April. Since then this has been confirmed as 15th May 2026. We'll keep you posted.
Most popular: "Sacre Bleu! How did this happen?"
Major label errors of this magnitude for a high profile release usually go un-noticed (to the public), as they are detected and resolved at the quality control stage. The plans for the Cafe Bleu Special Edition were leaked a full year before release, so despite some suggestions, this hasn't been a rushed release . Track issues should/must be spotted by the compilers/approvers long before the "go to production" button is pressed. It helps if you know the original album, though that isn't essential with governance and a process. Only Universal know where it went wrong, three times!
Example: re: Assisting Universal on the LONG HOT SUMMER 3 LP / CD compilation in 2020. Here are the verification steps - in addition to what Universal verified internally.
1. Listen to the original recording
2. Listen to the proposed release
3. Compare the track lengths of both
4. Ask Shazam what song is playing
5. Declare each song as OK
*
When the masters (promos) arrived, check they sound OK, then check again, before going to full production.
ARCHIVE
REPLACEMENT? NO MORE!
28th Jan 2026 - Release delayed until 15th May 2026. No replacements will be issued. You have the choice to return any faulty product you did not ask for.
Archive info 23rd to 28th January 2026
It was only (by 26th Jan) relayed to the Universal mailing list, so needed to extend to the purchasers emails / record store. From our Social Media posts it had gone un-noticed by many, with a lot of questions ...