in september 1994, the band released "use your appetite for spaghetti", an ep including their soon-to-be signature song "meet you there" and a cover of the association's "never my love". soon after, the band signed an eight-album contract with columbia records via the man who also signed soul asylum, chalk farm and primitive radio gods. before the group entered the studio to record their debut album, bassist graham mcculloch left the group and joined earth 18. he was replaced by david swafford of best kissers in the world whom they'd met while both bands toured with chainsaw kittens.