The compilation comprises early songs recorded before Henry Rollins became the band's vocalist in 1981, and was initially released without the group's name on its cover, due to their lawsuit with MCA/Unicorn.

Instead, the names of the group members were listed on the first release.

In a 1983 Trouser Press review, Ira Robbins noted that only "side three comes close" to matching their best work, describing the album as "a potent dose of unrestrained hardcore, and an edifying trip through the convoluted past of Black Flag.

"[3] All songs written and composed by Greg Ginn, except where noted.

(note: Crass Commercialism is not an actual song, but a collection of radio advertisements for Black Flag shows.)