Richard X - Presents His X Factor Volume One

(Virgin - August 2003)
Produced by Richard X

A long long years work although it probably doesnt sound like it.


Here is the original press release . . .

Hello. My Name Is Richard X.
Recently I have completed work on my album debut for Virgin Records which has now been titled "Richard X presents his X Factor Volume One" – it’s already scheduled for release on August 25th.
I’d like to make it clear that this album is not an exercise in hypothetical pop music that works better on paper than when you hear it down your local. It’s about imaginary pop music and dreams of what could be, and are, or might be. It does exist.
I’m not sure if this is a bootleg album so don’t ask me that. In fact I’m not sure what it is. Someone has written it’s of "cultural importance" so that’s the kiss of death already. I think it’s a pop album. It should be seen as a pop album. I’m sure they all used to be like this.
So I give to you my X factor. As I watch the promotional cds getting sent out, an old feeling returns - similar to when ones hamster escapes and disappears somewhere in the house. I’m not sure what this means. X Factor facts: what you should know

1. Start
This was originally going to be the end track
2. Being Nobody Vs Liberty X
Michelle from Liberty X got her arm caught in a pulley when we did the National Lottery.
3. Rock Jacket
Some people didn’t like this one at first but do now.
4. You Used To Feat. Javine
Javine Hylton sang this really well. She looks quite different without her hat.
5. Ix
The voice on the recording is mine after an incident with a language school website
6. Just Friends Feat. Annie
Before we recorded Annie from Telle Records, we tested the phone recorder on Mick at the Virgin building reception
7. Lonely Feat. Caron Wheeler
Caron knew of a great sandwich shop near the studio so we all had large salt beef sandwiches for lunch.
8. Walk On By in collaboration with Deborah Evans Stickland
Deborah insisted on having the sheet music for this track in front of her when at the studio even though she can't read it
9. Lemon/Lime in collaboration with Deborah Evans Stickland
This originally had a different bass drum pattern and is Deborah’s second favourite of the tracks that we did together
10. Finest Dream’s feat. Kelis
Kelis should marry me, not Nas
11. Mark One Feat. Mark Goodier
Mark Goodier was the first person to agree to be on this album.
12. Freak Like Me Sugababes
My friends questioned me over an article that appeared in Manchester Metro with Keisha saying she had touched my curly hair. I don’t remember this happening
13. You (Better Let Me Love You Times 4) Tonight Feat. Tiga
Tiga's most pressing ambition is to complete his techno-oriented charity record.
14. Into. You Feat. Jarvis
Likely to be the only waltz time R+B influenced track that samples Mazzy Star this year
15. End
Do you think this ruins it?

Links

• Richard is miserable in the Guardian
• X Factor-era Interview