Originally released in 1988, it was remastered and reissued in 2003 as a two-CD set by Shocked's own label, Mighty Sound.

The record title and cover image is similar to that of the 1984 Chaos U.K. album Short Sharp Shock.

[11] Q magazine's Robert Sandall wrote, "Where this album hits hardest is in the playful unpredictability of [Pete] Anderson and Shocked's arrangements," and observed, "'When I Grow Up' ... introduces a jazzy, acoustic bass shuffle, then starts bouncing miscellaneous sound inserts around beneath the vocal.

"[6] Including the album in its best-of-the-year round-up, Q wrote, "Her excellent band revels in every opportunity she gives to cut loose and take chances, which heightens the spontaneous feel of her raggedy vocals.

The final track is a remake of "Fogtown", originally from The Texas Campfire Tapes, with punk band MDC.