When Paul Weller confirmed that The Jam were to split fans were left distraught.

Arguably the biggest band in the country at the time, the Woking three-piece had powered the Mod Revival, before parting company right at the top.

Swapping the clearly defined, carefully delineated imagery of The Jam for something more nuanced and experimental, The Style Council's wayward journey sparked devotion and opprobrium in equal measure.

Perhaps the most misunderstood and unfairly maligned part of Paul Weller's career, it found the songwriter linking with organiser Mick Talbot and a host of guests across a series of superb albums.

New compilation 'Long Hot Summers: The Story Of The Style Council' is an entrance point for a new generation, bringing together some of their most viral cuts in one place.

Out on October 30th, it comes as the band's legacy enjoys something of a swansong, sparking a book, a documentary, and general re-assessment of their work, and its true meaning.

The Magic Gang are huge fans - just check out the Style Council influence on soul-pop belter 'Think' for example - and have been outspoken in their praise of Weller's 80s output.

The band's Gus Taylor is your guide to their wayward story.