Published on January 15th is a new French language book, "Syd Barrett, le premier Pink Floyd". Written by Emmanuel Le Bret, and published by Éditions du Moment, the 288 page book promises not only an exhaustive biography of Barrett, but a new analysis of his work.

Drawing extensively on the comments of the band members, and significant others who worked with them, the book covers much ground, but for those non French speakers, a small warning that it isn't illustrated. Running from his childhood, through his formative years at school, and through his brief professional career before he turned his back on the music world and reverted to his true love - art - the book takes in each aspect in turn.

It can be ordered now from Amazon.fr, who will ship this title worldwide.

Back in November, the UK's Multiple Sclerosis Society was beneficiary of a special night of comedy held at the 20th Century Theatre, in Westbourne Grove (London's Notting Hill area). The evening, "Notting Good Taste", was hosted by Guy Pratt, who of course has impressed audiences in the UK and Australia with his hilarious stand-up show, "My Bass and Other Animals".

The success of the evening has prompted a sequel to help raise even more money, which will be held at the same venue, on February 13th at 7:30pm. Tickets (available on the door or at www.wegottickets.com) are £15 (in aid of Multiple Sclerosis Society), and includes a "free cocktail" hour sponsored by Martin Miller’s Gin between 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Comedians joining Guy at the show are Steve Furst (as Lenny Beige), Nina Conti and Miles Jupp.

Traffic in certain parts of central London reportedly ground to a halt yesterday (January 15th) as Nick Mason drove a Maserati 250F to the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall.

The vehicle, nominated by motor racing legend Sir Stirling Moss, was voted conclusively by readers of UK magazine Octane as the "world's greatest racing car". For those that didn't know, Nick writes an entertaining column each month in the magazine.

Nick said: "The accolade is well deserved. To many the 250F is the archetypal Grand Prix car and, apart from being one of the most beautiful, it is one of the most progressive and forgiving of racing cars to drive. Who can forget what must be the most iconic of motor racing images – Fangio in a full power-slide at the French Grand Prix in 1957, with battle scars evident on the nose? (The car that is, not the driver...)"

He added: "It was a great idea from Octane to get readers to vote for their favourite racing car and I am delighted that the 250F beat its rivals." More details of the reasoning behind the Maserati's success in the vote can be found here.

First published in March 2007, "Echoes: The Complete History Of Pink Floyd" by Glenn Povey (pub: Mind Head Publishing) became an instant essential for the reference section of any Floydian bookshelf, and putting aside all the facts crammed within the covers, is a beautifully illustrated, absorbing look at the band's collective and individual careers from the very earliest pre-Floyd days of 1962, right up to the first of Roger Waters' 2007 concerts.

And, with thanks to Glenn, who was Brain Damage Magazine's founder, you can get an exclusive, first edition signed and dedicated in the latest BD special offer!