The album provides a summary of Country Joe and the Fish's history from their formation in 1965 to their disbandment in 1970, and also serves as a survey of their recording career during that span.

Although the track listing is not in a specified chronological order, it does encompass a mixture of their most celebrated experimental and traditionally-structured compositions.

Other live recordings featured on the album include "Superbird", "Marijuana", "Rock and Soul Music", "Masked Marauder", and "Love Machine".

Of the singles included on the album, the only one to nationally chart was "Not So Sweet Lorraine", which manage to reach number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100.

[3] The Life and Times of Country Joe and the Fish was the final album by the band to be distributed by Vanguard Records to chart nationally.