Following the 2010 announcement of the band's hiatus, drummer Jason Boesel discussed plans for a compilation album, intended for release that year.

[5] Spin Magazine gave the compilation an 8 out of 10, saying that "Rkives is not the sorely nonexistent sixth Rilo Kiley album, unfortunately, but as a career-spanning loose-ends wrap-up, it's sure a lot better than the next best thing".

Club said that while the album "begins and ends as a “fans only" endeavor [...] the compilation provides an essential supplement to the Rilo Kiley discography".

Track 14 is a demo version of "Rest of My Life", a song from the band's 2001 record Take Offs and Landings.

[19] A limited edition of the album was also released that included: 2xLP, CD, MP3/FLAC download, untitled cassette with exclusive unreleased demo tracks available only on that format, Opossum tote bag, stickers, button and poster.