STYLE COUNCIL, THE our favourite shop TSCLP2

A Sophisticated Statement from a Modernist Master: The Style Council’s “Our Favourite Shop”
Few artists have redefined their musical identity as successfully and completely as Paul Weller did after disbanding The Jam. His new project, The Style Council, embraced a whole new world of sound and style, reaching an artistic and commercial peak with their second full-length album, “Our Favourite Shop,” presented here on the Polydor label with the catalog number TSCLP2.

Released in 1985, this album is a stunningly ambitious and eclectic work. It represents the complete realization of Weller’s vision for the group, moving far beyond rock to create a seamless blend of sophisticated soul, cool jazz, classic pop, and even rap. The Style Council, featuring the essential keyboard work and vocals of Mick Talbot, crafted a sound that was smooth, continental, and impeccably stylish.

“Our Favourite Shop” is more than just a musical triumph; it’s a powerful political and social statement. The album serves as a sharp critique of Thatcher-era Britain, with Weller’s lyrics tackling consumerism, right-wing politics, and the class divide with a poetic and incisive wit. Tracks like the soulful “Walls Come Tumbling Down!” and the evocative “Come to Milton Keynes” are potent examples of pop music used as a vehicle for sharp social commentary.

Yet, the album is also filled with moments of beauty and introspection, from the gorgeous ballad “A Man of Great Promise” to the breezy, jazz-inflected instrumental “The Stand-Up Comic’s Instructions.” The entire record is a rich tapestry of sounds and ideas, held together by the band’s incredible musicianship and Weller’s singular songwriting voice.

For any fan of sophisticated 80s pop, blue-eyed soul, or the brilliant career of Paul Weller, “Our Favourite Shop” is an absolutely essential album. It is a defining statement of its time and a masterpiece of modern British music. You can find this classic record in our store or on our website.