Long Hot Summers: The Story of The Style Council

Long Hot Summers: The Story of The Style Council is a compelling music documentary that premiered in 2020, starring renowned musical talents such as Billy Bragg, Paul Weller, and Eddie Piller among others. This remarkable musical story is expertly directed by Lee Cogswell and produced by Heavenly Films for Sky Arts. The film aims to provide a unique, comprehensive overview of The Style Council, an eclectic English band that was active in the 1980s, and their enduring influence on the world of music and pop culture.

At its core, the documentary is a tribute to The Style Council, an innovative band that was formed by frontman, Paul Weller, after he left his prominent punk rock band, The Jam. Joining forces with keyboardist Mick Talbot, they ventured into a new musical space, impressing fans and critics alike with their blend of soul, R&B, jazz, and pop. With intimate interviews with Paul Weller, bandmate Mick Talbot, and various other collaborators such as Billy Bragg and Eddie Piller, Long Hot Summers: The Story of The Style Council takes the audience on an intimate journey back to the vibrant music era of the '80s.

Billy Bragg, known for his blending of folk, punk rock, and protest music, adds a unique perspective to the narrative, as he shares his insights not just on The Style Council, but the powerful social and political climate that was a backdrop to their music. Similarly, Eddie Piller, co-founder of Acid Jazz Records provides additional depth and context to the era in question while enriching the broader narrative with his inputs on the 1980s music scene.

The film illustrates how The Style Council not only created a distinctive sound, but it also spawned an iconic style and a fashion movement that resonated with the youth of the generation. The band's influence was not restricted to music alone; they transcended the musical boundaries to make an indelible impact on fashion, politics, and youth culture.

The narrative is expertly punctuated with some of the band's most notable hits, such as "Speak Like A Child," "Long Hot Summer," "My Ever-Changing Moods" and more. Through a mix of concert footage, music videos and television performances, the documentary powerfully evokes the Style Council's era and cultural footprint. Their timeless music underscores the storytelling, adding depth and emotion to the band's fascinating and tumultuous journey.

Both informative and nostalgic, the artfully made film manages to capture the spirit and substance of one of the most distinct outfits of that era while painting an authentic picture of the music scene of the 1980s. The use of archival footage and vintage photographs also immerses viewers in the time and place, contributing significantly to the documentary's overall appeal as a time capsule of not just The Style Council, but of '80s England.

Under the skilled directorial hand of Lee Cogswell, the documentary zooms in on the band's tremendous impact and the evolution of their sound, while also exploring the complicated dynamics within the band. It's a romantic yet realistic depiction of a group that dared to be different, marked by highs and lows, success and strife – making it riveting viewing for all music and pop-culture enthusiasts.

Long Hot Summers: The Story of The Style Council is a memorable nostalgia trip, an engaging musical history, and a tribute to a band that left a lasting mark on the music scene. It's a must-see for any '80s music fan, and a valuable music-history primer for younger viewers interested in exploring the music of the past.

In conclusion, this movie is a rich, revealing, and engrossing exploration of The Style Council's world, leaving no stone unturned. It's an intimate portrayal of the band's journey, capturing their audacious spirit and their undying influence on the music and culture of the '80s and beyond. Moreover, it serves as a burst of nostalgia that takes the audience back to the '80s - a time of sartorial statement-making, youth-led rebellion, and melodious revolution.