I'm really happy that we have a new LTE album and I hope this turns out becoming a more regular side project for all involved.
For all this MP versus MM discussion, now I'm perfectly satified the way things are nowadays: with MP reconnected musically with JP, I guess we'll see more of JP solo and LTE releases in the upcoming years (I believe JP will be more motivated to do so, being an excuse to work with MP). Also I'm really happy with MM on DT and his incredible technical/creative drumming. But if, for whatever reason, MP came back to DT, I also would be happy, since I'm a longtime fan and always admired the MP/JP/JR chemistry, so... egoistically speaking, talk about a win/win situation
As for the drum sound, I find really interesting that the first DT album and the first 2 MM's DT albums has the worst drums sounds of the entire DT's discography for similar reasons: the drums on WDaDU and ADToE sound like good organic drums that were poorly recorded and the drums on I&W and DT12 sound like triggered drums (in I&W's case it really is, of course). Just to add, IMO not only the snare sounds bad in those albums, but I would include all the toms and bass drums. Besides the drums, I also agree that I&W has a beautiful production. And finally, I definitely think it's much better triggered drums than poorly recorded drums!