In 1998, shortly after their live LP Rock Spectacle (a compilation of performances from Chicago and Montreal) had been certified gold, The Barenaked Ladies were asked about their musical heros. Steven Page professed a great admiration for Elvis Costello:

"I was 15 when Blood and Chocolate came out," he recalled. "I remember lying in bed late at night listening to 'I Want You.' I was transfixed; I was paralyzed. It still sounds so great, so raw, so urgent."

Oddly, Page had not yet met his idol. "I've had the opportunity to meet him three times," he explained, "but I've always shied away. What's he gonna say to me? 'Good luck with your little band'?"