"Start Choppin" was released as a single through Blanco Y Negro in Europe and as a promo by Warner Brothers in the US.

Mascis recalled the song's creation in an interview, saying: I remember the title came about because we cut the tape to put some different versions together.

[9] The song was described by AllMusic as having a "quick, catchy lead riff," and being "as close to a radio hit as the band ever had.

[11] Spin described the song as having a "sparkly stutter-strum intro, grindy-swirly solo freak-out" and the lyrical content as "another J Mascis paean to self-denial as a source of pride.

"[12] Nick Soulsby of PopMatters called the song "a catchy confection of bubblegum pop, all sky-scraping solos and upbeat strummed riffs" and praised the track as a "vocally ... a Mascis masterclass.