It was initially self-distributed by the band in March 2009, and was eventually remastered and re-released once they signed to Frenchkiss Records in August of the same year.

[2][3] Set in New York City's Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which the second track is named after, Hospice tells the story of a relationship between a hospice worker and a female patient suffering from terminal bone cancer, their ensuing romance, and their slow downward spiral as a result of the woman's traumas, fears, and disease.

The song's music video features a combination of photography and cutout animation, and was directed by Ethan Segal and Albert Thrower.

The reissue was pressed on double white vinyl and featured updated artwork and packaging from artist Zan Goodman.

However, Silberman's health concerns led them to perform acoustic versions of the songs during intimate shows in smaller venues.

[26] At the end of the year, Pitchfork placed it number 37 on their list of the best albums of 2009, praising its "power to emotionally destroy listeners.