The Smiths vs The Style Council
As a wee lad growing up during the 80's, I was largely exposed to classic rock-types like Rush, Van Halen, and Springsteen. I missed out on the whole alternative underground 80's boom.
Moving along into high school, I was largely exposed to 90's alt rock, living through the rise and fall of grunge. Who'd a thunk that Kurt Cobain would have left such a legacy. FUCKING WANKER.
For many of my early, formidable music years, I was told that the Smiths was fag music; stuff I shouldn't listen too. As a result, it took me a little longer to find those mancunian lads and fall in love with their sweet sounds. As you all know, I have gone beyond basic fandom and well into obsession. Something about a certain quote from High Fidelity......
Anyhow, I've decided not to make such mistakes with my current love of the past, Paul Weller's Style Council. For those of you not in the know (and I wouldn't blame you), The Syle Council were a politically charged pop band from the 80's, largely formed around ex-Jam leader Paul Weller. Call it his mid period. Many call it his shit period. My defence for that is that the Style Council isn't for everyone. They have a distinct sound which can be easily interpreted as dated. In fact, it is. However, as a lover of this 80's alternative music that I have only discovered after the decade was over, I have begun to dig deeper. The Syle Council represents this.
Beyond their greatest hits and several 12" albums, I've luckly and cheaply amassed a considerable collection of UK 45's and most recently, the coup de gras, The Complete Adventures of The Style Council, an exhaustive 5 CD box set which I procured used.
So contrary to the subject line, this is not a battle of bands. You wish! The Smiths would win of course. However, Paul Weller and his poofter 80's hair styles would certainly put up a solid fight.
For those still connected with CHRW, I believe the station still has some 12" s and maybe the greatest hits. Check it out.
Moving along into high school, I was largely exposed to 90's alt rock, living through the rise and fall of grunge. Who'd a thunk that Kurt Cobain would have left such a legacy. FUCKING WANKER.
For many of my early, formidable music years, I was told that the Smiths was fag music; stuff I shouldn't listen too. As a result, it took me a little longer to find those mancunian lads and fall in love with their sweet sounds. As you all know, I have gone beyond basic fandom and well into obsession. Something about a certain quote from High Fidelity......
Anyhow, I've decided not to make such mistakes with my current love of the past, Paul Weller's Style Council. For those of you not in the know (and I wouldn't blame you), The Syle Council were a politically charged pop band from the 80's, largely formed around ex-Jam leader Paul Weller. Call it his mid period. Many call it his shit period. My defence for that is that the Style Council isn't for everyone. They have a distinct sound which can be easily interpreted as dated. In fact, it is. However, as a lover of this 80's alternative music that I have only discovered after the decade was over, I have begun to dig deeper. The Syle Council represents this.
Beyond their greatest hits and several 12" albums, I've luckly and cheaply amassed a considerable collection of UK 45's and most recently, the coup de gras, The Complete Adventures of The Style Council, an exhaustive 5 CD box set which I procured used.
So contrary to the subject line, this is not a battle of bands. You wish! The Smiths would win of course. However, Paul Weller and his poofter 80's hair styles would certainly put up a solid fight.
For those still connected with CHRW, I believe the station still has some 12" s and maybe the greatest hits. Check it out.