Keith is a very empathetic man, and he noted the dismay that greeted the discovery that "Stoner" by John Williams, a recent HBG choice, was not about a Jeff Lebowski-type stoner character but rather a college lecturer. "Note to self" he thought, "the HBG wants a drug-themed selection". And so Keith made it happen.
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| Keith (topless) takes the HBG on a voyage of discovery |
BOOK: "White Noise" (1985) by Don DeLillo
Keith, like DeLillo, finds popular culture highly compelling, and so enjoyed the appearance of various celebrities, cult figures, and pop icons in White Noise. A kind of information overload, for protagonist, Jack Gladney, who moves through a world increasingly submerged in marketing imagery and media stimuli was enough for Keith to lavish this book with 8/10.
Tristan felt that, despite being over thirty years old, the book still felt fresh and contemporary. Like Jack Gladney, Tristan explained he is constantly connecting seemingly random events, dates, and facts in an attempt to form a cohesive understanding of the world around him to meet his deep-seated need to find meaning in a media-obsessed age driven by images, appearances, and rampant material consumption. This book was like looking in a mirror. 8/10
Don, a man less in thrall to post-modernism, perceived some initial parallels with "Stoner" but all too soon his late night reading sessions resulted in premature sleep. To gasps of disbelief, he revealed he hadn't actually managed to finish the book. Indeed, based on the position of his bookmark, it looked as though Don had managed about 30 pages. Sensing the collective dismay, Don bandied about words like bland, weak, thin gruel, boring, vapid, dull, spiritless, anaemic, wishy-washy, and insipid, before assuring the HBG that he intended to finish this book if he could stay awake long enough. 5/10
Had Robin managed to read the book? Or, as is his wont, had he read something completely different? Sadly, the answers were "No" and "Yes". Oh dear.
Nigel found plenty to enjoy, however his initial enthusiasm gave way to slight boredom with the meandering nature of the book. The book's characters were an interesting bunch and he was intrigued by the playful exploration of death and mortality, consumerism, technology, and authenticity. A clever and digressive satirical novel with various levels of meaning to ponder for those who know where to look. 6/10
FILM: "Requiem for a Dream" (2000) dir by Darren Aronofsky
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| Robin: Insisted "Trainspotting" is a better film |
The energy, consistency and mastery of technique that Darren Aronofsky showed in his adaptation of "Requiem for a Dream" blew Keith away. The descent into addiction was grimly compelling as the on-screen lives unravel. 8/10
Tristan continued with the praise, despite relying on memories of a viewing some years ago. A film both repulsive and elegantly considered as the characters slide into self-destruction, powerless to stop their appalling fates. 8/10
Robin found the film annoying and asserted that "Trainspotting" was his drug film of choice. 4/10
Nigel queried the cautionary nature of the film, citing the many functioning addicts who avoid this kind of fate, however celebrated the bravura style, the amazing performances, and the stunning Clint Mansell soundtrack. 7/10
MUSIC: "Screamadelica" (1991) by Primal Scream
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| Hove Book Group: Waiting for their man |
Autumn 1991 saw much excitement for Keith and his indie chums. He had "Nevermind" quietly munching its way across his bathroom carpet, Teenage Fanclub's defining "Bandwagonesque", Saint Etienne launching "Foxbase Alpha" and My Bloody Valentine's "Loveless". Amongst all these musical delights, Primal Scream released "Screamadelica" and altered Keith's musical landscape for ever.
Robin reminded us how Andy Weatherall took "I'm Losing More Than I'll Ever Have" from the Scream's previous album, slipped it a couple of pharmaceuticals, threw on a Peter Fonda sample, and so transformed it into the era's masterpiece.
Don prefers "Higher Than The Sun" describing it as "one of the most 'out there' singles to have graced the Top 40".
Tristan referred to "Screamadelica" as "a solid gold classic".
Nigel concluded matters with an almost imperceptible nod towards its "quintessential timelessness".
On that note of complete harmony we bade our farewells and closed the door behind us.
