“Youth Is Not For Pleasure” showcases Second Language's post-punk artistic ethos, as well as their instrumental versatility and interplay. The CD version of the album includes all fifteen songs co-produced by Earle Mankey March-June 1985, including a November 1985 revamp of Words Into Action overseen by producer Tony Berg. Berg was highly effective in bringing out better vocal performances and tighter arrangements, leading Second Language to continue working with him over the next few years.

Despite the band's desire for artistic freedom, working with producers was often fraught with compromise, as they were dependent upon them for studio time and commercial viability. Thus, Second Language chose to co-produce their own album, granting them the freedom few bands experience when working with big-league producers or major labels.

Unfortunately, these recordings failed to secure a record deal for the band. Second Language did not stick to one sound or style on these recordings, opting instead to record each song as a unique experiment or experience, with little thought paid to commerciality or commerce. This was likely due to their determination, resulting from growing up in a time when diversity was valued over formula.

The band consistently gigged throughout Los Angeles and Southern California during 1985-6, including opening for acts such as Love & Rockets and Blancmange. They continued recording home/garage demos owing to an abundance of material and a desire to commit as much of it to tape as possible.

Despite the lack of a record deal, Second Language recorded four songs with Tony Berg producing in 1986, including an entirely new version of Words Into Action for the film Welcome To 18. By July, Jerome had left the band, resulting in a streamlined four-piece Second Language. Frankie 'Blue' Sposato engineered and/or mixed The Game, Land Of The Living, and Love's Not Lost, further adding to the band's repertoire. It was not until the end of that year that major labels finally came calling.

“Youth Is Not For Pleasure” album features 16 vintage recordings from 1985 produced by Second Language & Earle Mankey with Tony Berg on one song, remastered and released in 2023. Available for downloads, streaming and on CD now.