Released in 1970, the album (also known as Tarkio Road, as that title was printed on the labels of original pressings of the LP and pre-recorded tapes) yielded the hit singles "One Toke Over the Line" and "Tarkio Road."

The title referred to songs that came to mind when they were driving to and from Kansas City to their gigs in Nebraska and Iowa on the 2-lane U.S. Route 59 which went through Tarkio, Missouri.

In 2011 they held an outdoor concert in downtown Tarkio to celebrate the anniversary of the album.

Some reports have erroneously indicated the album was inspired by a 1969 concert at the Mule Barn at Tarkio College[3] but the group has maintained the song was based on the road.

The album also features John Kahn and Bill Vitt on bass guitar and drums, respectively; they were regulars of The Jerry Garcia Band.