Frequently Bought Together
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Track Listings
| 1. Intro |
| 2. To The Light |
| 3. I Need Something |
| 4. All I Got |
| 5. Dream Catch Me |
| 6. Feels Like Home |
| 7. Teardrop |
| 8. Gone In The Morning |
| 9. Sitar-y Thing |
| 10. Uncomfortably Slow |
| 11. Straight Towards The Sun |
| 12. People Should Smile More |
| 13. She's Got The Time |
| 14. U.F.O. |
| 15. Face (Her) |
| 16. Ageing Superhero |
| 17. Lullaby |
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk
Newton Faulkner has toured with Paulo Nutini and James Morrison. You hear this fact far more often than you have to–-it might have made sense to expose his palatable acoustic tinkerings to those massive audiences, but that association leaves too simplistic an impression. He specialises in partially progressive, free-willed folk-pop that is on one hand too cosy and warm for mass consumption–-there’s only so much space around the beach campfire–-but on the other it’s so accessible, so infectious, so feel-good that how could it not be headed for every other car stereo in the country, windows rolled down (weather permitting). It’s not cutting edge by any stretch of the imagination; he constantly reminds of the acoustic balladry of 90s soft-metal bands Extreme and Mr Big (or at least the songs "More than Words" and "To Be with You") via modern day peers like Ben Harper, but Newton Faulkner comes with a fertile imagination and an enjoyably flexible range to dress that foundation up. His gravelly cover of Massive Attack’s "Teardrop" is notable and Jack Johnson’s a good reference for the percussive plucking of tunes like "Gone in the Morning", "To the Light" and "Feels Like Home". There are very few 17-track albums that couldn’t be improved by losing six tracks, but the consistency on Hand Built by Robots is admirable and hints at a long term talent. --James Berry
Review
Soft rocker, acoustic alien, folk fantasist and blues boy are just a few of the nicknames you may fancy labelling Newton Faulkner. And if his personality is as laidback as his sound, the Surrey-bred Brit probably couldn't care less what you tag him. As long as it's not cheesy.
Hand Built By Robots, Faulkner's stripped-back debut LP, introduces a well-travelled 21-year-old, accompanied by little more than his calming vocal and handmade guitar. The sound is soothing, the vibe genteel, the lyrics often profound, sometimes humorous. Unlike many soft rock albums, where monotony too often takes over, Hand Built! brims with subtle yet welcomed variety.
From the off, you know you're in for an album that strays from the norm. Faulkner's spectacular guitar solo intro blends perfectly in to feel-good number 'To The Light'- with its high-speed lyrics, positive message, unusual breaks and hooky melody, it will undoubtedly dazzle. Move on to 'I Need Something' and you'll unexpectedly stumble upon space age wizardry mingled with classic acoustic guitar.
In stark contrast to the LP's more chilled moments, 'Dream Catch Me' (Jo Whiley's 'Record of the Week' on Radio 1) opens with a dark and nasty bassline, more reminiscent of UK garage/ grime than acoustic/ soft rock. The brilliant riffs, contagious melodies and rocket-fuelled pace make this an obvious highlight. Meanwhile, on 'Teardrop', Faulkner bravely takes on Massive Attack's haunting classic with considerable ease.
He may have seemingly come out of nowhere to spectacularly bag support slots for James Morrison and Paulo Nutini, play Glastonbury and be playlisted on Radio 1, but one's thing's clear: Newton Faulkner is here to stay. --Elle J Small
Find more music at the BBC This link will take you off Amazon in a new window
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I bought this album on impulse after seeing an advert on TV and I'm now very glad for my impulsive nature! All of the other reviews already posted have hit the nail right on the head. This album is fantastic: good vocals, solid beats and rythms, what more could you as for?
I agree with the Amazon product description, it is very much a "sitting round a campfire" style of music, but I just happen to love that style!
Having read other reviews explaining the way he plays i.e. fairly complicated guitar work and doing the drum beats himself by slapping the guitar, my respect for him is huge. As a guitarist myself, listening to the tracks and trying to figure out how he's doing it brings it home. I wouldn't pass up the chance to see him live!
If you like this style of music or just want some good old fashioned good unpretentious music, give this album a go!
I agree with the Amazon product description, it is very much a "sitting round a campfire" style of music, but I just happen to love that style!
Having read other reviews explaining the way he plays i.e. fairly complicated guitar work and doing the drum beats himself by slapping the guitar, my respect for him is huge. As a guitarist myself, listening to the tracks and trying to figure out how he's doing it brings it home. I wouldn't pass up the chance to see him live!
If you like this style of music or just want some good old fashioned good unpretentious music, give this album a go!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
By B. Wright
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Audio CD
This album was bought for me as a birthday present, and I really like it. There's a feel-good mood throughout and you can't help be buoyed by Newton's exuberance and obvious pleasure in performing.
He's a fantastic guitarist, using a popping and slapping technique similar to Eric Roche (who was a big influence on him) or Michael Hedges, and it's refreshing to hear someone with genuine talent. He's not a bad vocalist either, though on occasions the songs sound a little like Snow Patrol. It's not ground-breaking, but it is something different to the stream of indie bands that are around at the moment, with Newton turning to a more experimental pop sound, driven by an acoustic guitar.
The quality isn't totally consistant, as a few of the tracks towards the end drop off, but the singles are likely to get stuck in your head for days, and it's hard not to be impressed by the maturity of the song-writing for the most part. Newton Faulkner will be one to watch for the future, and this is a strong debut which is definitely worth owning. I've not moved it from my stereo for days now.
He's a fantastic guitarist, using a popping and slapping technique similar to Eric Roche (who was a big influence on him) or Michael Hedges, and it's refreshing to hear someone with genuine talent. He's not a bad vocalist either, though on occasions the songs sound a little like Snow Patrol. It's not ground-breaking, but it is something different to the stream of indie bands that are around at the moment, with Newton turning to a more experimental pop sound, driven by an acoustic guitar.
The quality isn't totally consistant, as a few of the tracks towards the end drop off, but the singles are likely to get stuck in your head for days, and it's hard not to be impressed by the maturity of the song-writing for the most part. Newton Faulkner will be one to watch for the future, and this is a strong debut which is definitely worth owning. I've not moved it from my stereo for days now.
19 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Went to see John Mayer in the Albert Hall recently and Newton Faulkner opened for him. He was on for about a hour and every piece was superb. He is an excellent entertainer and well worth listening to. A very talented guitar player. He gave John Mayer a very tough act to follow. Naturally I bought the album on my way home. It has been being played in the car ever since and quite a few people have been converted as a result. Buy it and I think you will be too.
Would you like to see more reviews about this item?
›
Go to Amazon.com to see all 23 reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
Were these reviews helpful?
Let us know
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Genius
The album is just beautifully written and performed, was an absolute bargain too! Would highly recommend to chill out to
Published 19 hours ago by Zed
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this album!
I bought this album after stumbling across Newton's last album Write It On Your Skin, which has become my favourite CD and most played in the last few months. Read more
Published 16 days ago by starling
4.0 out of 5 stars
I liked it but ......
Having bought Write it on your skin first and love it, have to say I play that more than this one. Still glad I bought it but you usually get an album you prefer don't you. Read more
Published 24 days ago by M. Rae
5.0 out of 5 stars
Replacement copy has me singing again...
This is my second copy of this album as my first got damaged through being played too much!Faulkner has a nice tone to his voice and the melodies are gorgeous. Read more
Published 1 month ago by E. Strickland
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just as good as it was 6 years ago!
I bought this agagin as I had lost my old copy and a friend reintroduced me to it on a recent road trip. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Miss P Bell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Gold
Fantastic songs, really easy listening and good to lift your spirits :)
Another album that I have listened to over and over
Another album that I have listened to over and over
Published 1 month ago by Beth Hill
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful album!
All the songs on this album are very relaxed, even if they have a bit of rhythm. Newton faulkner is an amazing guitarist with a brilliant voice and you should buy this album so... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Rawr
5.0 out of 5 stars
people should smile more
One of my all time favourite albums with most excellent songs throughout. LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!!!!! ** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Published 3 months ago by Ms. J. Herkes
1.0 out of 5 stars
:-(
I have to say this is a rubbish cd two songs I like and the test I just can't get into at all
Published 3 months ago by fireblade
5.0 out of 5 stars
great album from a star
definetley one for everyone a new singer/songwriters latest great album. Everybody shou;d buy this one. He is definetely someone to encourage
Published 3 months ago by malmac
Customer Discussions
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
![[Start the discussion]](http://g-ecx.images-amazon.com/images/G/02/x-locale/communities/discussion_boards/start-new-discussion-sec._V192198663_.gif){kind=small}
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Listmania!
|
|
Look for similar items by category
Feedback
- Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
