RICHARD X says watching the promotional CDs of his first album sent out was like "when your hamster escapes and disappears somewhere in the house".

Well, memorable collaborations punctuated with deep bass and thoughtful samples make this is a pet he won't be hearing the last of. It's a rare album to feature veteran vocalist Caron Wheeler, whimsical Jarvis Cocker and cheesy DJ Mark Goodier. Being Nobody with Liberty X (based on the classic Ain't Nobody), Finest Dreams featuring Kelis and the Sugababes' Freak Like Me form a catchy backbone. And there's enough sample robbery to make even the least dedicated student of pop prick up his ears and nod in approval. Ironic self-conscious touches may draw comparison with mixing maestros Too Many DJs, but I prefer to think this is the first Richard X. All in all, quite a house. And some hamster.

Updated: 09:43 Thursday, September 04, 2003