Hand Built By Robots

Newton Faulkner | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (April 29, 2008)
• Original Release Date: 2008
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0015D3Z8A
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #37,197 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

From Amazon.co.uk Review

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

Product Description

2008 Deluxe two disc (CD + PAL/Region 0 DVD) edition features the original double platinum-selling album with bonus tracks plus a DVD showcasing Newton's 16 song live performance at the Roundhouse in Spring '08. Hand Built By Robots is the 2007 debut album by one of the most highly touted DIY-type major artist talents in the UK. Faulkner's laidback scat singing and gutsy holler, shuffling beats, Blues riffs, intelligent/tongue-in-cheek lyrics and string tapping are just some of reasons why audiences seem to light to him so quickly. His live performance style is well honed and instantly endears him to his ever-expanding audience. Among the songs here are 'I Need Something' and 'Dream Catch Me' as well as his daring cover of Massive Attack's 'Teardrop'. Sony/BMG. --This text refers to an alternate Audio CD edition.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great new singer/guitarist!, February 16, 2008

By 

Susannah (OKLAHOMA CITY, OK United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hand Built By Robots (Audio CD)

Great album especially if you like acoustic guitar. I caught this guy on an TV show called 'London Live' ginger dreadlocks and all and was immediately captivated with his song 'Dream Catch Me' and his excellent guitar playing. Couldn't wait to find out more about him and tried to get his album online, only to find it had been released only in Britain. Was so glad that Amazon had it as an import. Still have the CD on constant play after 3 weeks. Keep an eye out for Newton Faulkner, he's the next secret to come out of Britain after Coldplay and Snow Patrol. Enjoy this wonderful music!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Percussive guitar with personality, May 1, 2008

By 

Sobey Martin (Lexington, KY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hand Built By Robots (Audio CD)

I stumbled across Newton Faulkner when listening to BBC Radio online. His single, "Dream Catch Me," was - at the time - a hit for him across the pond. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the rest of this album contains depth and whimsy, personality and poise. He seems to have a knack for making a point without taking himself too seriously (anyone with a track entitled, "Sitar-Y Thing" must be having fun making music right?). That said, please don't misunderstand me - Newton Faulkner is an extremely talented musician and serious songster. His messages are simple - his music complex. In an age of "sameness" Newton Faulkner stands out as original and refreshing.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fresh, Crisp, & Shiny!!!!, May 6, 2008

By 

D. Foster "airgma6" (Valparaiso, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hand Built By Robots (Audio CD)

I stumbled across "Dream Catch Me" on the website for the tv show Jericho, and was immediately "caught". Just got the cd and have been blown away, by Newton. His music is fresh and captivating, with sharp, crisp production, ear-catching vocals, and unique guitar style. His talent shines through on all. Yes, indeed, he should be the NEXT BIG THING!