The Bloater (1968) by Rosemary Tonks

 Keith’s choices: Friday 10th March 2023

It was the Stewart Lee introduction to The Bloater which inspired Keith’s theme…

Theme: *Stewart Lee’s Symbols and Symbolists*

Whilst reading Stewart Lee’s introduction, a reference to The Verlaines inspired the music and a reference to Death and the Maiden pointed him towards the film.

Keith had received The Bloater as a present and so chose it, along with the other selections, for the consideration of the rest of HBG

READ:  The Bloater (1968) by Rosemary Tonks

Whilst a short novel, Keith observed this should be read slowly and savoured. It’s not deep or meaningful however Keith found a rich seam of comedy aligned to Tonks’s trademark poetic language.

Hamish was having none of that. An awful book, he hated it and only praised it brevity.

Roland looked forward to insights into north London 60s bohemian life but, despite being hyped up by Lee Mack’s 😂 introduction, concluded it’s a stinker.

Nigel found more to enjoy having heard about the The Bloater when it was discussed on the Backlisted Podcast in 2022. However he feels avant garde novels from the 1960s have not aged well. That said, the scenes at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop (where Rosemary Tonks worked with the legendary Delia Derbyshire), and the interactions between Min and her neighbour Claudio, were particularly enjoyable.

Nick found plenty to enjoy and appreciate and felt the previous comments were unduly harsh. 

Likewise, Robin was in thrall to the Tonksian world and labelled it interesting. 

Tristan found it curious but with merits, in particular the strange worldview it brought to life.

Nick 6.5 / Tristan 6 / Nigel 4 / Keith 8  / Roland 3 / Robin 7 / Hamish 1

LISTEN: Marquee Moon (1977) by Television

Keith saw Television perform this album at the De La Warr pavilion but came way unconvinced by the lack of tunes and lyrical content. Tom Verlaine’s death pushed him to reconsider but he still failed to find much of any merit.

Tristan said it was alright. Robin labelled it substandard.

Nick told the group it’s his favourite record ever, conveniently forgetting the other albums bestowed with this accolade over the years. 

Nigel bought it on release. He loved it then and has continued to love it over the ensuing decades. He (along with Hamish) saw Television perform it in its entirety at an All Tomorrow’s Parties festival

Roland said it was not for him

Hamish explained how ahead of its time the album was, effectively predicting post-punk before punk had even happened. A masterpiece. 

WATCH: Death and the Maiden (1994) dir by Roman Polanski

Keith called this a good film

Tristan loved it on release but now feels, whilst good, it’s somewhat dated and stage

Robin said it was really good

Nick and Nigel both called it very stagey and not remotely cinematic. Despite the stellar cast they were not convinced by it. Nigel wondered how Polanski came to direct a film about rape.

Roland and Hamish were more positive

HBG endorse it: 10 February 2023 -> 10th March 2023

Rise of the Foot Soldier (Netflix)

Wild Bill (Netflix)

Mr Inbetweener (Disney+)
White Lotus series two (Now TV)

Lynks (Band)

The Menu (Film - Disney+)
The Gold (BBC iPlayer)

I’m Black So You Don't Have to Be by Colin Grant (Book)

Steve Rosenberg (BBC's Russia Editor)

Gangsters (BBC Sounds)

The Lighthouse (2019) dir by Robert Eggers (Film)

Midnight Cowboy (1965) by James Leo Herlihy (Book)