[6][7] A slightly different mix of the song with different vocals, officially known as Summer Babe (Winter Version), later became the first track on the band's debut album, Slanted and Enchanted, released in April 1992.

[8] In 2004, Summer Babe (Winter Version) was ranked number 286 by Rolling Stone magazine on its list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

[11] The songs were written by Stephen Malkmus, who was then living in Hoboken or Jersey City at the time along with Scott Kannberg, and the recording was produced by the duo.

[12][6] Pitchfork said the song "sketches Malkmus' balancing act between the court jester and the savant.

"[13] The music video of the song, which is quite rare, was directed by a woman referred to as "Tanya S," an early member of the Silver Jews.