I think Bunting is more important for the myth in that it linked with the oppositional cult of high modernism - I can't say his poems do much for me either - but it mattered that he was around. But, whatever one thinks of Keith Armstrong's piece, what's noticeable is how the Bunting myth has become normalised into the professional structures of the local literary scene: fodder for the cultural management, just as more obviously amenable forms of writing are elsewhere. What is always missing in these discussions is a sociology of the poetry scene, in particular of its management. I recall Tim writing a little while back of how he used to think of poetry as 'innocent' - I used to as well - but ...  

2009/12/21 Tim Allen <[log in to unmask]>

This is an important piece, whatever our particular take on Bunting might be. I agree with Mark that Peter Riley's response to the Hall programme and the problems arising from it was a pretty fair one. The myth making around that scene has been an irritant to many of us and in my opinion it has actually helped damage the reputation of MacSweeney, instead of promoting it. I have never shared the Brit avant garde's enthusiasm for and elevation of Bunting - his work does very little for me, and that famous 'recording' even less - the problem is that I really like the work of most of those who say they are influenced by him, with the exception of Pickard, who failed on so many levels to live up to his early promise. I have to say that I really object to Keith Armstrong's treating of MacSweeney and Pickard in parallel, there is just no comparison, quality wise, between the two. Barry's work had its faults but they become pretty meaningless when judged against his brilliance.

There is a circumstantial reason for Bunting being pounced on as an icon by some sections of the Brit avant garde: he could directly link regional English oppositional poetry to the heritage of high modernism. I think there was a certain desperation in that, but nevertheless his notion of the music of poetry, which went against the grain of the way Brit mainstream poetry was heading ever since WW2, found a genuine constituency, and that is where I think any discussion of his poetry and how it differs becomes important.

Tim A.

On 20 Dec 2009, at 18:13, David Lace wrote:

"NORTH EAST POETRY:  DEBUNKING SOME MYTHS" by Keith Armstrong
(Discussion of Bunting and other North East poets as overrated)

http://www.pennilesspress.co.uk/annexe/north_east_poetry.htm

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