Best Albums of 2014: 2. Urge for Offal - Half Man Half Biscuit (Probe Plus)

When Half Man Half Biscuit came to our attention gloriously in the mid-eighties, I recall someone commenting that it was unusual for music that was essentially humorous to retain an interest long after a few listens.  Half Man Half Biscuit aren't just still doing that; it's got to the point now where, often, the humour is buried quite far within the music so what you get hit with first is the quality of the thing before the comedy hits you after a few listens to deepen the effect.

This is certainly true of Urge for Offal where the references are more obscure and oblique than ever at times and where no musical idea is sacrificed for a laugh.  One of the many great things about this band is that they've never done that, but now they're not doing it better than ever. 

21 Songs for John: 9 - Half Man Half Biscuit

Half Man Half Biscuit – Bob Wilson – Anchorman

When Half Man Half Biscuit released Back In the DHSS in 1985, the immediate injection of freshness it brought to a mid-eighties indie scene that was often too inclined to take itself too seriously predictably delighted John Peel.  The first of their thirteen appearances in session for the show came later that year and, despite splitting temporarily in the late eighties, they've gone from strength to strength and have, in recent years, produced arguably their best work.  Their new album, Urge For Offal will be released this autumn, as always for Probe Plus.  This much-loved track comes from their 2001 EP Editor's Recommendation and featured in that year's festive fifty. 

http://cobweb.businesscollaborator.com/hmhb

www.probeplus.co.uk