The album was certified triple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and spawned the hit single "Because the Night", a cover of the song written by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen.

Between the recording and release of the album, vocalist Natalie Merchant left the band to pursue a solo career.

In addition, three songs were performed with David Byrne as a guest singer: two takes of "Let the Mystery Be" (one of which was released as a B-side to "Few and Far Between" and reissued on Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings of 10,000 Maniacs), Dolly Parton's "Jolene" and "Dallas".

11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart,[4] two positions higher than Patti Smith's original version in 1978.

Cassette/CD CD reissue and LP from Rhino LaserDisc/VHS 10,000 Maniacs Additional musicians Technical For MTV