Newton Faulkner is set to release his cover of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop”, off of his debut album, ‘Hand Built By Robots’ on December 10, 2007.

The first time that I heard the name Newton Faulkner, for some reason I pictured an older conservative type with short hair, playing music that wouldn’t excite.

I was way off. Newton Faulkner is a young, twenty-something with dreads, soulful vocals, catchy tunes and is a brilliant guitarist. That’s what I found out when I first watched the video for his single, “UFO”.

Newton Faulkner is indeed making a name for himself, with a steadily growing fan base, a #1 platinum album and sell-out UK tours. It’s interesting that he would choose to go for a cover of someone else’s song, after the success he’s had with his own original releases. Some might say it’s a daring move, and loyal Massive Attack fans may not be as receptive to Newton’s “Teardrop” – at first.

I’ve been listening to Newton’s version for the last few days. He’s done such a good rendition of the song, that I found it difficult remembering the original, and actually think it sounds more like a Crosby, Stills and Nash song with a modern twist, than Massive Attack’s own version from 1998.

Watch Newton Faulkner – “Teardrop” video:

It’s amazing what Newton has done with the song. He’s given it a rustic feel and great harmonies.

If you played his acoustic version from his live shows for someone who wasn’t familiar with it (there are quite a few live “Teardrop” performances on YouTube), I bet they would find it easy to believe that it could be something from the late 60’s, Woodstock era.

Newton Faulkner – Teardrop on amazon.co.uk

Newton’s live shows are highly recommended!

Shows for 2008 are already beginning to sell out, so if you want to go, book early!

Newton Faulkner 2008 tour dates:

Dates and information could change! Go to Newton Faulkner’s Official Website for the latest tour dates and information.

7 January 2008 Paradiso – Amsterdam
8 January 2008 Doornroosje – Nijmegen
9 January 2008 Tivoli – Utrecht
14 January 2008 Uptown Bar – Minneapolis
15 January 2008 Horseshoe Tavern – Toronto
16 January 2008 Radio Radio – Indianapolis
21 January 2008 Soiled Dove – Denver, Colorado
24 January 2008 Joe’s Pub – New York
29 January 2008 Hotel Cafe – Los Angeles, California
21 February 2008 University SOLD OUT Exeter
22 February 2008 Guildhall – Portsmouth
23 February 2008 Corn Exchange SOLD OUT Cambridge
24 February 2008 Academy – Birmingham
26 February 2008 Academy – Newcastle
27 February 2008 Music Hall – Aberdeen
28 February 2008 Barrowlands – Glasgow
29 February 2008 University – Leeds
2 March 2008 Apollo – Manchester
3 March 2008 University – Liverpool
5 March 2008 Roundhouse SOLD OUT London
6 March 2008 Roundhouse – London
7 March 2008 Colston Hall – Bristol
9 March 2008 St Georges Hall – Belfast
10 March 2008 Dublin Olympia – Dublin

Newton Faulkner Official Website
Newton Faulkner on Myspace

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs