It was released in September 1983 by PVC Records and preceded the bands full-length debut album Native Sons.

"This was a national professional tip sheet which was normally worried about people like Donna Summer and Billy Joel and Survivor and all those kind of acts that were mega popular in the 1980s.

"The stark front cover caused heads to turn at the Gavin Report and Billboard, as the Long Ryders looked so unlike the synth-pop acts of the era," Griffin said.

[17] At the time of release, critic Robert Christgau gave it a B rating, stating: "What Jason & the Scorchers are to punk these guys are to new wave, with a soul Gram Parsons fans will recognize.

"[14] In a retrospective review, AllMusic's Mark Deming rated it three stars out of five, noting the Long Ryders' obvious affection for the Byrds, but adding that "they sound less like a throwback than some vintage band who somehow passed through a wrinkle in time and ended up in 1983."