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
Carl and the Passions – "So Tough" released in 1980 on "Keepin' the Summer Alive." Johnston has said that his only musical contribution on the released album is as a background vocalist on "Marcella". Brian Wilson sporadically contributed to the album's sessions, distracted by the production and promotion of the debut album of American Spring titled "Spring". The extent of his contributions for "Carl and the Passions - "So Tough"" were his collaboration on the writing of three songs and the recording of both vocal and instrumental tracks. Two songs were written and sung by Fataar and Chaplin. Dennis Wilson also contributed two songs which he wrote