The album was released in early November 2009, primarily as a two-disc set and a three-disc digipak format containing one DVD of bonus material.

It is a reminder to newer fans that the band had made two albums before Final Straw, before achieving any commercial success.

[1] The band felt it was a good time for such a release as their newer material was heading towards new, unexplored musical styles.

[6] Commenting on fans' arguments about leaving singles "How to Be Dead" and "One Night is Not Enough" off the album, Lightbody said that they could not please everyone.

[2] Drummer Jonny Quinn remembers enjoying the selection process as he went back to listen their older songs he had not heard recently.

[10] Lightbody said it represents the band making a statement, explaining: "We've climbed a hill and now we're looking back and taking in the view for a bit.

[12] To promote the album, a competition exclusive for members on the Snow Patrol mailing list was held.

Fans were required to create teams of five, and were posed with ten questions each week, related to the band's entire career.

The team with the most correct answers at the end flew to London to see a Snow Patrol concert at the Royal Albert Hall, with a certain part of travel cost paid.

[citation needed] Along the same lines, a Swiss radio station 20 Minuten hosted a similar competition for listeners.

[15] The band also played an intimate, acoustic show at King's Head in Crouch End, London on 4 November.

[23] The second single, "An Olive Grove Facing the Sea" (2009 Version) was only released digitally on iTunes on 4 December 2009.

[31] Additionally, a solo rendition of "An Olive Grove Facing the Sea", performed by Gary Lightbody was also released through the album.

[32] Also featured is the cover of Beyoncé Knowles' "Crazy in Love", which became a hit in the hip hop community.

He has credited the band for being the reason for "most of the things [he does]" and does not deny that he may have subconsciously based "Give Me Strength" on "Weather to Fly".

[2] Critical reception towards Up to Now was "generally favorable" according to the review collecting site Metacritic, where it holds a score of 62.

He praised the band's willingness to tread unfamiliar territory (with "Just Say Yes") and found the synth a "nice touch".

[38] Rolling Stone reviewer Jon Dolan found the set "claustrophobic" and awarded it three stars out of five.

[36] Drowned in Sound called "An Olive Grove Facing the Sea" a classic and named it the song to be played to Snow Patrol detractors.

[40] The inclusion of "Crazy in Love" was praised in most reviews, and was seen as an indication of the band's lighter, fun side.

They took the stage twice between an interval, accompanied by 11 special musical guests,[54] including Iain Archer, members of Belle & Sebastian, Teenage Fanclub and Idlewild.