The album cover reads Laurie Anderson Live at Town Hall New York City September 19–20, 2001.

Recorded soon after the September 11, 2001, attacks on New York City, the album was produced during Anderson's tour of the United States featuring a mix of pieces from earlier in her career and newer works.

The performance is highlighted by a rendition of "O Superman," the song that launched Anderson to stardom in 1981, with lyrics that offered new resonance following the attacks.

The original release of the album included an insert with a short piece written by Anderson about the experience of performing in New York in the wake of 9/11.

She also indicates that the tour was conceived as a live version of her recent Life on a String album, but her partner Lou Reed suggested she include some older works as well.