It was the second such iTunes-only release by the band, following Vancouver Rehearsal Tapes and before Live from London.

This release is notable for a (live in) studio version of "Permanent Vacation", a song that dates from R.E.M.

The band rediscovered the song in the early 2000s and resumed playing it live, choosing to finally release it as part of iTunes Originals.

Writing for AllMusic, Stephen Thomas Erlewine called the collection "a compelling listen for serious fans".

[1] All songs written by Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe except where noted.