For discussion concerning the ambiguity of the Lesser Antillean Iguana (Iguana delicatissima) type specimen, see Breuil (2002) and Pasachnik et al. (2006).
The album was released on Argo Records in November of 1960 and was produced by Phil and Leonard Chess. The original release contained four of James' hits on the Rhythm and Blues Records Chart between 1960 and 1961. It was her first of five studio albums James would release on the Argo label.
James Gurley produced an unofficially released album of Janis in this period. It included songs like those on the double album, and others like Turtle Blues and Codeine (which Gurley thought said a lot about the real Janis). Gurley added extra instruments. He apparently offered it to the Estate for general release, but they didn't want it.