Why is there such an obsession about how long his albums take? It really doesn't matter, to me at least, most people naturally slow down later in life, yes there are exceptions, Paul McCartney, Ringo, Nick Mason, Roger Waters etc, but with them it mainly about touring, Mark is still making original albums, and this is the 1st time in his career he has intentionally not toured an album. The Ragpicker's Dream tour was a forced cancelation. If I was in his shoes, I would be doing the same, maybe he just wants to slow things down even further, and spend time with his family etc, he must be fully aware there are less years ahead now. I have no doubt this is not his last album.