Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" John penned liner notes for the 2000 CD reissue, writing: 'This is an album which I have loved for a long time... "Carl and the Passions: So Tough" has moments of breathtaking genius and experimentation. When this record was released, I remember how different and fresh it sounded. It still does'. English Britpop band Saint Etienne used the title "So Tough" for their 1993 album as an homage to the Beach Boys. Likewise, they also named their compilation of the same year, "You Need a Mess of Help to Stand Alone", after the Beach Boys song. Track notes per 2000
The Passions (UK band) story. Some bands play together for 10 years and it's all very wonderful and imaginative. More often, though, you reach a point where you've done all you can do and you want to change. Whenever we've reached that point someone has always left and brought us a step further on. Any band playing their own songs to the public has a duty to change and keep being imaginative all the time". Kevin Armstrong, previously with Local Heroes SW9 and a contributor to Thomas Dolby's debut album, joined the Passions in 1982. The group also added a keyboard player, Jeff Smith,