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) The album was produced by Fiction head Chris Parry and engineered by Mike Hedges. In May, the Passions embarked on a UK and European tour supporting labelmates the Cure. Bidwell left after the tour (joining the Wall), replaced in July 1980 by David Agar, and the band were dropped by Fiction. A meeting with Peter Wilson, the in-house producer for Polydor Records, led to the band signing to that label, which released their third single, "The Swimmer", on 1 October 1980. Their major chart hit, "I'm in Love with a German Film Star", was released as the band's fourth single