KC, your usually short (but pithy) comments designed to make us smile, think, or simply read more of a topic you've posted make it easy to forget what a good writer you are . . (and yeah, it is that hard - for some of us at least)

okay this is hard . . 
Album Score based on review :  93
Score for the review :  95

Have only heard the album via the stream on gpn.com.  and as of now I agree with most of your comments . . that may change after my own long drive with the CD.   
I love <i>"Things"</i> even though it is not a style of music that usually appeals to me. Maybe it was placed at the end because it is a mild disconnect, but was too good to cut.