[1] The compilation gathers fourteen tracks from the band's first two album's, 1986's Swimmer and 1988's Creeping Up on Jesus, along with "Voodoo Baby", which was the B-side of the 1988 single "European Rain".

[2] Virgin first made plans to release a Big Dish compilation album in 1991, following the band's Top 40 success with their single "Miss America", released on East West Records.

Lindsay was critical of the band's former label's decision and he told the New Musical Express in 1991, "We've heard that Virgin are already putting together a compilation of the first two albums to cash in on the 'Miss America' success – the bastards.

"[3] Upon its release, Record Collector considered Rich Man's Wardrobe to be a "respectful collection" and described the Big Dish as "basically a pop vehicle for Steven Lindsay's quaint observations on life".

They added, "Although at first glance the Big Dish seemed to be cynically commercial, there was a certain aplomb to Lindsay's talents that lent his songs a similar appeal to those of say, Momus.