Released by 4AD on July 6, 1998, in the United Kingdom and by Elektra Records on July 14, 1998, in the United States—five years after the band's initial split—it was recorded over several sessions between 1988 and 1991 at the BBC.

The album is characterized by its raw, under-produced sound.

On March 8, 2024, 4AD released Pixes at the BBC, 1988–91, a complete compilation on 2 CDs or 3 LPs of all 24 tracks recorded by the band for the BBC during this period.

The final track, "(In Heaven) Lady in the Radiator Song" was written by Peter Ivers and David Lynch for Eraserhead.

All songs written by Black Francis except as noted below.