Published on February 1st (but available in some stores before this date), the new issue [number 196, dated March 2010, click thumbnail to the right] of the UK's Mojo Magazine takes a good look at Syd Barrett's album The Madcap Laughs. Four decades after recording his dark solo masterpiece, those who knew him - David Gilmour, Robert Wyatt, Storm Thorgerson, Mick Rock and more - join Mojo to tell the inside story of this period in his life.

Including some previously unpublished pictures from those close to him, it's a look at Syd that's not to be missed... With coverage taking in some 15 pages in total, along with a two page analysis of the cover mounted CD, it all adds up to a fascinating look at that period in Syd's life, from the relationship with past band members, through to the recording of the album and the full story behind the cover shoot. As part of the coverage, David Gilmour talks about the unreleased Syd material he has, that he'd like to work on to try and improve it - but warns against anyone raising their expectations of a new release of rarities.

The cover mounted CD - "The Madcap Laughs Again!" has Syd Barrett's 1970 classic re-recorded by Hawkwind, Marc Almond, J Mascis, Field Music, R.E.M., Captain Sensible, Hope, Sandoval, Cate Le Bon, Robyn Hitchcock and many more.

The magazine will be available very shortly in all good UK retailers, and in due course worldwide in selected outlets as an import. Alternatively, call their UK back issue order service on 01858-438806 between 8am-9.30pm (UK time) Mon-Fri, 8am-4pm Saturday to buy your copy. In the US, it's sold at both Borders and Barnes & Noble (among other places) and the US distributor normally is selling it around two weeks after it's published in the UK.

Listeners to legendary DJ Jim Ladd's show on 95.5 KLOS in Los Angeles this week were in for an unexpected treat. Jim was the voice of the DJ on Roger Waters' 1987 album Radio KAOS, and the pair have been friends for many years.

On Monday evening (January 18th) the show paid tribute to Dr Martin Luther King on the anniversary of his birthday. Every year, Ladd marks this event on his show, and this year he had a very special surprise: a new recording of "We Shall Overcome" by Roger, recorded "just days" before, for the Gaza Freedom March.

The track, made famous during the civil rights movement, and therefore suitable for airing during this special show, has Roger's vocal backed with understated acoustic and bass guitars, piano, and a simple percussion, and was a soulful take on the well-known anthem. Our grateful thanks to William Lonergan for his help with this information.

The Albert Studio Gallery, adjacent to London's Battersea Park (map here) is currently running its latest exhibition - Hipgnosis: For The Love of Vinyl, a celebration of the acclaimed design work of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey Powell as commissioned by renowned musicians and bands of 1970's such as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Genesis, Black Sabbath, Yes, UFO, Peter Gabriel and 10cc.

The exhibition features 20 silkscreen prints of iconic Vinyl covers, all available to purchase from the gallery as well as "For the Love of Vinyl", the first book to document their output in detail, focusing on over 60 package designs – from cover to label – written about in entertaining detail by the men who created them. Also included are short essays by musicians (such as Pink Floyds's Nick Mason), artists (Peter Blake) and fellow designers (Paula Scher) on their favourite covers. Complementing it all is a lengthy critical and historical text examining Hipgnosis and its legacy. More details (and ordering details) of the book here.

The pictures especially chosen for this exhibition represent but a small selection of some of Hipgnosis best known work from the 1960's, '70s and '80s. They have been made available to the public as limited edition fine art prints.

Gallery opening hours during the exhibition are from 11am to 7pm daily, and viewing by appointment can be arranged upon request.

Astonishingly it was almost four years ago that David Gilmour recorded a very special, exclusive concert for the BBC, at London's Mermaid Theatre. On March 7th, 2006, in front of an audience of competition winners, and a handful of David's family and friends, a full house had the pleasure of seeing a wonderful performance which was aired on BBC Radio 2, with highlights of the show viewable online and on BBC Interactive TV at that time.

This coming Saturday evening (January 23rd) at 10pm, you have another chance of listening to the hour-long presentation on BBC Radio 2, which can be heard in a number of ways. Those in the UK and Europe can receive the station via FM or DAB radios, or via satellite, cable and freeview TV systems. However, listeners worldwide can tune in via the excellent Listen Live/Listen Again facilities at www.BBC.co.uk/radio2.