I just listened again to the entire album, after being away from any kind of music whatsoever for a couple of days (I was in the woods).
This album is really great. It is one of those albums, like others that are now among my all time favorites, that didn't really light my fire at first. But after listening again, and picking up on the all of the subtleties, I think it is just about perfect, including pacing, song order, dynamics, ... everything!
I think this album will go down as a classic.
Holy crap, how boring it would have been to have just a rehash of one of band's past victories. This is MUCH more interesting, and shows that the group is not a one-trick pony.
And I am now REALLY excited to hear these songs live in Chi-Town in just a couple of days.
Thanks MMJ! Your quest to scratch your own creative itches has scratched mine too.
:beer:
:beer: :beer: