Music

Newton Faulkner: 'Dream Catch Me'

Released on Monday, Jul 23 2007
Published Monday, Aug 13 2007, 14:30 BST | By Alex Fletcher | 17 comments
It's hard to believe that Newton Faulkner started his musical career in a Green Day covers band. The wearisome dross of his new single 'Dream Catch Me', sounds light years away from the glossy, glamourous punk act. Faulkner's music manages to mould together a terrifying blend of James Blunt and Snow Patrol, merging both acts' dreariness into a slab of snoozy, acoustic drivel that will inevitably burn a hole in middle-aged bankers' and accountants' CD players across the country.

If we were being polite we could say Faulkner sounds like Gary Lightbody with a terrible cold. But if we weren't, we'd say he comes across like the guy from Nickleback with a hangover. The inane repetitive chord sequence on this tune drills into your ears, while his wishy-washy vocals leave you numb. There's been plenty of makeshift acoustic guitar-strummers in the wake of James Blunt, but Faulkner just about takes the biscuit. Paulo Nutini has his cheeky Scottish scamp attitude, James Morrison offers some pop sensibilities but Faulkner is merely abrasive and unpleasantly dull.

Lyrics such as "There's a place I go when I'm alone / Do whatever I want / Be anyone I want to be", are so devoid of meaning that it can be painful to try and decipher any sense of purpose in the song other than to flood the nation's radio waves. And that is perhaps the most awful fact about this song - it won't be going away. Be prepared to hear plenty more plodding-pedestrian odes by Faulkner, because he's already played Glastonbury - twice - this year, and he's been receiving rave reviews by the likes of Jo Whiley of all people. You have been warned.

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2 Stars
5 Stars
Neil, on August 1st, 2010
who is Alex Fletcher.????? Whoever this unheard of Journo is, Is obviously far to cool for school. Worst review i have ever read. I stopped paying attention after the bit about Green Day being glamourous and glossy. Bwahahahahahaha. What an idiot.
1 Stars
Grant from Scotland, on August 31st, 2009
ok so you don't like newton faulkner i get it. but this over opinionated review just shows your lack of musicality and/or experience. for a start lyrics only have as much meaning as someone can decipher from them. the fact that you cannot decipher the lyrics you specified just leads me to the conclusion that you are an emotional stone. anyone with half a brain can see that the lyrics are referring to him going to a "happy place" when the world becomes too much for him, a place where he can have a break from the worlds over critical eye (thats you) and he can spend some time relaxing and fantasising about whatever he wants. As for his guitar playing i challange you to post a video on youtube (for proof) of you playing the likes of "people should smile more" or "to the light". he does not just strum chords, in these songs he accompanies himself with complex finger picked rhythms and also all a drum feel by tapping on the guitar body, while singing! this type of multi tasking shows what a talented man he is. this is just a reminder to you (and anyone else who is reading) that just because you don't like something . . DOESN'T MEAN ITS CRAP!!!! for the love of god give yourself a slap and see if it will knock that narrow mind of yours wide open.
1 Stars
Jake, London UK, on March 7th, 2009
I like all kinds of music, except fake derivative drivel, of which Newton Faulkner's music is a textbook example. Pathetic.
1 Stars
josh, on March 7th, 2009
a blend of james blunt and snow patrol? are u kidding me? have you ever listened to his music?
5 Stars
Mitch, Australia, on September 14th, 2008
What the hell? This song is awesome Alex, you're off your head
dogghead, london, on August 17th, 2008
he is awful.... and raw ugly. just say no... i bet starbucks sell his cds. awful awful awful
2 Stars
Kristina, Davis, CA, on July 10th, 2008
I just heard this song for the first time on the radio, and I liked it! It may fit a little too well into a certain genre, but it didn't deserve such a horrible review. He has potential!
5 Stars
Mandy Adelaide, on June 2nd, 2008
Ha your of ya head !! This songs killa
1 Stars
Manny, Manchester, on May 27th, 2008
funny how it's only fans who ever respond to reviews. faulkner has no redeeming features.
5 Stars
Jason T, on May 8th, 2008
What a sad review - clearly Mr Fletcher wouldn't know great music, is it smacked him round the head (after me in the queue, please). A brilliant sang that will last, but no means the best on the album. Better still, see NF live, he is totally awsome.
1 Stars
Andre, on May 2nd, 2008
Mr. Fletcher, your review on "Dream Catch Me" just isn't worth giving a comment. Please think about changing the business.
5 Stars
TJ, on January 4th, 2008
Alex fletcher you have posted the most ignorant review I have ever seen, I suggest you stay away from a computer from now on...I am rating newtons single 5 stars and your review....1 (awful) nuff said
5 Stars
Jon, UK, on September 10th, 2007
Rubbish! Newton is great, I can't believe how much slagging off you put in this article. Give him a chance, he is talent, and you are too shallow to recognise that.
5 Stars
Joan Spear, Wells, Somt., on September 2nd, 2007
Lucky for Newton Faulkner (and the rest of us) that you're definitely in the minority category - still takes all sorts!
1 Stars
mardybum, on September 2nd, 2007
You don't know nothing.He is excellent, very funny on stage, pure genius, and not dull one bit. How can he get to number one album spot if he is truly that dull? Open your eyes,you ain't seeing things clearly at all! COME ON NEWT,WE LOVE YA xx
1 Stars
Toby, Wolverhampton, on August 21st, 2007
Like the reviewer said this'll be warming many a coffee table. James Blunt with slightly less attitude. Which is something I thought I'd never write.
4 Stars
Reece, Wolverhampton, on August 13th, 2007
It's a shame when a reviewer has such a blinkered view of music that they feel they have to try to destroy a song just because it doesn't fit in with their idea of cool. Newton Faulkner is a damn good singer and this song is very good. Let's please have some reviewers who aren't just biased nobodys who feel that they have to shout horrible things to show their importance. Faulkner has more talent in his little finger than many people (The reviewer clearly included) will ever have.

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