Despite the strained relationship between Love and Money and their label, Phonogram, the band were commissioned to record their fourth studio album following the release of Dogs in the Traffic in 1991.

"[3] Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News in 1993, James Grant summarised, "The album is like the concise history of popular music according to Love and Money.

"[8] Upon its release, Scotland on Sunday wrote, "In these bleak tales of romantic disappointment and guilt, Grant avoids self-indulgence by turning the emotional scattergun on himself.

"[11] The Fife Free Press commented that the "splendid album from the criminally underrated Scots outfit continu[es] the acoustic approach adopted on Dogs in the Traffic", with the band in "stunning form throughout this glorious set".

"[10] Mike Davies of The Birmingham Post stated that, although the "downbeat, wounded and sometimes self-loathing tones of songs like 'Love Is Like a Wave', 'Bitches Beach' and 'Ugly As Sin' are hardly likely to have you skipping round the room", those who have "followed the band's polished fusion of white soul and urban folk over the years won't be disappointed by this latest excursion".

"[9] All tracks are written by James GrantLove and Money Additional musicians Production Other "The Last Ship on the River" was released on 25 April 1994 as the only single from Littledeath.

They added that the song "deserves recognition far beyond its native Scotland" and also recommended the "rocking" "Sweet Black Luger" and the "lively version" of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken".

[18] Speaking of the extra tracks on the single, Phil Trotter of The Herald described "Without Her" as "languid blues" and noted the "weighty blast" of "Sweet Black Luger".