The liner notes were written by longtime Rolling Stone magazine contributor Anthony DeCurtis.

The 4-CD set is notable for including numerous tracks that were previously released but had never been available on an official Billy Joel album, including songs from his days with the Lost Souls, the Hassles, and Attila; various B-sides; and soundtrack contributions such as "Why Should I Worry?"

A bonus DVD is also included featuring live performances from River of Dreams Tour.

In a 2018 interview, Joel seemed to indicate the boxed set was compiled and released without his consent, stating that "it was unfinished stuff that never should have been heard.

I refer to that album as Twigs and Stems and Seeds — you’re not supposed to smoke that shit.