[7] The former Wilco multi-instrumentalist Max Johnston played on the album, joining longtime members Janet Beveridge Bean, Catherine Ann Irwin, and Dave Gay.

[9][10] "Louisville Lip" is about Muhammad Ali allegedly throwing his Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River after being denied service at a dining establishment.

"[18] Rolling Stone determined that "what makes Freakwater come across as more than just a fine bluegrass revival act on Springtime ... is Irwin's songwriting, which approaches Mark Eitzel territory via Hank Williams.

"[20] CMJ New Music Monthly opined that "the way Irwin's cracked alto and Bean's clear soprano trade leads and slip into harmonies naturally and comfortably anchors the mood and provides the album's core pleasures.

"[21] The Los Angeles Times called Springtime "another advance for a group whose brand of Southern Gothic suggests something far more than mere cowpunk affectation.