While almost universally panned in the press with long-time fans being much kinder, throwing myself in the latter category I have to say that this CD is a must for those who've stuck with the band thus far. Yes, it's stripped down, minus any bombast, but it's still undeniably DiV. A mellow affair, it will remain in my rotation for a long time to come simply because it's nice to work and read to. It's subtlety resolves itself slowly, like the long finish of a fine single malt.
The live CD is excellent, arguably better than the studio album if you're really attached to their older sound.
DiV have always slipped a notch with each successive release without ever falling off the edge. This album thankfully ends that trend, but simply moves the band in a different direction all together. Anyway, with 2 CDs, c'mon, it's a ganga!