We have a few smaller items for you today, that we thought we'd put together in one place - including Nick Mason interviewed in a UK drumming magazine, Guy Pratt appearing on Australian TV, and a very interesting Vinyl/CD release in the US!

First off, that Nick Mason interview. UK drum magazine Rhythm caught up with Nick recently to discuss his playing style across the Pink Floyd back catalogue.

The February 2008 issue, shown to the left, on UK newsagents shelves now, contains the four-page article, which features Nick considering his heroes and influences, the progression of the band through the years, and what the future might bring.

Our thanks to Chris Job for the tip-off of this magazine.

Turning to our friends "down under", Guy Pratt will be appearing on an Australian TV show called "Spicks and Specks" on February 6th. Spicks and Specks is a musical game show similar to "Never Mind the Buzzcocks" in the UK. It's an extremely popular show in Oz, and the show with Guy in was filmed back in December whilst he was in Australia as part of the Bryan Ferry tour. More details of Spicks and Specks can be found through this link, and our thanks to Dutchie for the broadcast details.

Finally, our friend Ray Vawter tells of a very interesting sounding new release from The Mars Volta - who tend to employ the very able services of our favourite cover designer, Storm Thorgerson!

The Mars Volta will be releasing a new CD next week (January 28th/29th) entitled "The Bedlam in Goliath." In the USA, some independent record stores will be giving away a special 5" disc with the purchase of the new CD. This special 5" disc is unique in that one side is vinyl, and the flip side is a CD. The Pink Floyd kicker is that the vinyl side is a cover of "Candy and a Currant Bun." (The song is also on the CD side, along with a video of one of their own songs from their full length CD).

This special "added value" giveaway is only going to be available from selected independent music outlets (including CIMS, AIMS, MMN, and Newbury outlets). Call ahead to see if your local outlet has the giveaway, and don't forget to ask for it when you are purchasing "The Bedlam in Goliath," in case they forget or don't realise that they are supposed to be including the free vinyl/CD giveaway.

Here's the original write up that CIMS sent: "There has been a change on the Mars Volta special edition CD/vinyl added value piece. The vinyl side will now include Mars Volta performing a cover of Syd Barrett's "Candy and the Currant Bun." The disc side will still be a DVD and include Mars Volta's "Wax Simulacra" video.  VinylDisc is a combination of an audio-CD and a special vinyl record. It consists of two combined layers. The silver-colored layer contains the digital audio information; the black top layer can be played back on virtually any record player. The CD surface of the disc has a capacity of 70 minutes. The vinyl surface of the disc can hold a recording of up to 3.5 minutes. The vinyl portion of the disc will include an exclusive Syd Barrett cover "Candy And The Currant Bun" and the video portion (which plays in all DVD players, instead of CD players) is the webisode for the first single, "Wax Simulacra." Very cool new added value format."

For those collectors of cover versions, don't worry (too much) that this is an exclusive item. According to the track listing for the full length CD pressed in the UK, "Candy and a Currant Bun" is included as a bonus track, and can be ordered direct from Amazon UK.