[5] Spanning the Long Ryder's career from 1983 to 1987, the album features 18 tracks from the band's first three studio albums and their debut EP, a 1987 live recording, and three non-album tracks.

[6] All tracks have been remastered for this release by Jerome Schmitt and Sid Griffin in April 2004.

Classic Rock called it a "splendid career overview",[8] Record Collector a "stunning best-of",[11] and Time Out "a rollicking collection of twang and vigour.

"[13] AllMusic wrote, "while this hardly includes every memorable song the group recorded, their best-known tunes are here ...

The Best of the Long Ryders ultimately lives up to its title and is a concise but effective summation of what made them special, and why their music continues to resonate today.