So Tough [Extended Edition]

Saint Etienne: Sarah Cracknell (vocals); Bob Stanley (keyboards, synthesizers, handclaps); Pete Wiggs (Moog synthesizer, bass, sampler).
Additional personnel: Q-Tee (vocals); Ian Catt (guitar, programming); Cajun Queen (bass).
Recorded at RMS Studios, London, England in 1992. Includes liner notes by Kevin Pearce.
At the time of this album's release, dance music scenesters assumed that the title of 1993's SO TOUGH was some sort of response to the Pet Shop Boys' recent SO HARD. Actually, the album title is stolen from the 1972 Beach Boys album CARL AND THE PASSIONS--SO TOUGH. Even more so than the group's kaleidoscopic 1991 debut, FOXBASE ALPHA, SO TOUGH marries club rhythms to classic pop forms. The arrangements, while only occasionally resembling Brian Wilson's work, are undoubtedly influenced by his style. This is particularly evident on the lush, hypnotic "Avenue," which wears its PET SOUNDS influence proudly. Elsewhere, the Continental "Mario's Cafe," girl-groupish "You're in a Bad Way," and thumping "Join Our Club" exhibit other sides of Sarah Cracknell, Bob Stanley and Pete Wiggs' smart, open-minded musical attitude. SO TOUGH is much more than the sum of its influences.