[2][5][6] Robert Christgau of The Village Voice reviewed the album favorably, describing it as "Big Star's Third as witting aesthetic strategy rather than failed attempt to make the world go away.

[2] Richard Fontenoy wrote in The Rough Guide to Rock that the album resembled "a 70s heavy-rock album produced by a hyperactive and easily distracted child with an interest in trying every possible effect, level and mixing technique".

The 4AD vinyl LP release (CAD3006) uses several different samples and mixes for some of the songs, and does not include "The Homesick Waltz," despite having the lyrics for it in the inner sleeve.

The 4AD CD version is currently available by 4AD's website, and also on music download services like eMusic and iTunes.

Most noticeable is "The Dirt Eaters," which does not include the Jack Nicholson sample, or the ethereal echo on Denise James' vocals.