Originally released in 1999 on Sign Language Records as a limited-run with little retail distribution, Elephant was re-released by Polyvinyl in Summer 2003. The album had become a staple in the CD carousel the previous winter and the question was raised as to why such a wonderful album was out of print.

Despite the lack of availability, Elephant is viewed by most Pele fans viewed as the group's defining moment. The album bridged the gapbetween the band's earlier work and paved the way for its fourth and fifth albums (The Nudes and Enemies).

This reissue of Elephant includes the album's original seven tracks, as well as three live bonus tracks recorded during Pele's 2002 Japanese tour.