A new documentary, The Album As Art, should be worth a listen. A part of BBC Radio 2's Album Season, it explains how the long playing album became a work of art in its own right, with the music, cover art, lyrics, liner notes and packaging all combining to make an evocative impact on several generations of rock fans.

The year 1968 was the first year that albums outsold singles and, in many cases, the artwork associated with an album became as iconic as the music contained inside the gatefold sleeve. Now, 40 years on, the music and the visual image associated with an album is approached in a different way, for a digital age.

First, our congratulations to David Gilmour for his nomination in this year's Grammy Awards - the 51st time they have been held. The performance of Castellorizon from Live In Gdańsk has been nominated in the Best Rock Instrumental Performance category. This is for solo, duo, group or collaborative performances, without vocals. He is up against some stiff competition - Metallica, Nine Inch Nails, Rush, and Dweezil Zappa (Zappa Plays Zappa) - but we're sure he'll do well! The winners will be announced on February 8th, 2009.

In the meantime, there's a fascinating, six-page interview with David in the new issue (cover date January 2009) of the UK's Guitar and Bass Magazine, in stores now. David talks candidly and honestly about fame, his own desires ("There's more that I want to do, but there's no specific target that I can pin down. I still think I've got more to prove"), and whilst not dismissing it completely, plays down expectations on another solo album being along any time soon. If you can't find the magazine in your local store/your country, it is sold online worldwide through this link.

To tie in with the release of his great new album, Firebird V11, Phil Manzanera has announced that he will be playing three dates at the legendary Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in London, on February 9th, 10th and 11th, 2009.

Phil, Roxy Music guitarist, writer, and producer, will be taking the stage with the Firebird V11 band - Charles Hayward, Yaron Stavi (who also forms part of Harry Waters current band) and Leszek Mozdzer, the Polish pianist who, like Phil, also participated on David Gilmour's On An Island and Gdansk projects. Click the thumbnail to the right to see the band in action during their recent live debut.

Just a quick reminder for you of a show to catch on the radio this evening... A regular spot on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show is his look at classic albums. Coming under his spotlight tonight (December 3rd) at 7pm, is his two-hour look at Dark Side Of The Moon. He'll be talking to those involved in its making, its fans and those it influenced.

BBC Radio 1 can be heard via FM and DAB radio, Freeview, Virgin Media cable and Sky. It can also be heard via www.BBC.co.uk/radio1, and on demand for a week following broadcast using the BBC's iPlayer service. UPDATE: Those in the UK can download the show (with edited music) as a podcast through this link.