- H - Helloween

Across to Germany for Helloween. When I first discovered them it was quite hard to get hold of their music with German only releases, the first introduction and still a recommended starting point is Walls Of Jericho which brings together the early mini LP and EP's. Ride the Sky and How Many Tears stand out but only just.

Next essential is the double Keeper Of The Seven Keys (Deluxe Edition) which brings together part one and part two and classic tracks Halloween, Dr Stein, I Want Out and Keeper of the Seven Keys.

An album of covers? Metal Jukebox is crazy but excellent including Heavy Metal Abba (I kid not) Lay All Your Love on Me. Fellow Germans; The Scorpions He's A Woman - She's a Man gets a slight overhaul. Throw in All My Loving (Beatles), Faith Healer (Alex Harvey) and Dutch masters Focus - Hocus Pocus.

Also look out for Treasure Chest (Box Set With Bonus CD) an excellent three disc box set. Only word of warning, they did loose the plot a bit with Pink Bubbles Go Ape and Heavy Metal Hamsters.

Happy Happy Halloween everyone :-)

- H - Half Man Half Biscuit

The Wirral's greatest treasures and one of the world's greatest un-hyped bands. You'd be hard pressed to know they were still going if it wasn't for the odd (yep very odd) release escaping from Probe records.

Not ones to blow much of a trumpet for themselves either, whilst most bands hit the road on gruelling world tours to promote the latest disc, the Biscuits find a remote club for a one off appearance. Although 2013 is looking positively hectic with four gigs already announced.

I've no idea what the rest of the world would make of the Biscuits, understanding them and their song references is the first challenge but all that should change with one listen to The Trumpton Riots.

First pick from the catalogue is Back in the D.H.S.S. every track is raw, funny and bonkers - Fuck'n' 'Ell it's Fred Titmus, I Hate Nerys Hughes, The Trumpton Riots and Time Flies By. Acd brings together a compilation of tracks plus live takes and is just as infectious, with a nod to Ian Dury - Reasons to be Miserable (part 10), Dickie Davies Eyes and Sealclubbing.

If these two get you hooked then start on the rest, Some Call It Godcore brings you Sensitive Outsider, £24.99 From Argos and the epic Tour Jacket With Detachable Sleeves. Voyage To The Bottom Of The Road has Bad Review and Paintball's Coming Home. Four Lads Who Shook the Wirral includes Four Skinny Indie Kids and You're Hard. This Leaden Pall Running Order Squabble Fest and  4AD3DCD