Performing as Bates Motel, they were enlisted by brothers Ron and Russell Mael to be a part of the 1981–85 incarnation of their band, Sparks.

and Channel 3, among others), they were signed to Posh Boy Records on the strength of what had been intended by the group as a non-LP B-side, "Are You Ready for the Sex Girls?".

has been featured on numerous various artists compilation albums,[6] including Rhino Records' Just Can't Get Enough: New Wave Hits of the '80s, Volume 3.

The package was housed in a gloss laminate sleeve, featuring new artwork from original illustrations by artist Kevin J. Walker, and included an Artzine booklet, as well as one bonus track, "Walk Right".

[7] On September 17, 2021, the band's three studio albums, Songs of the Spires, Walk on Well Lighted Streets, and Welcoming a New Ice Age, were reissued on CD and streaming services, each containing a myriad of bonus tracks and memorabilia (including the Life Out on the Lawn and Party EPs) by Omnivore Recordings.