I think what concerns me about the report of an early 2008 album is that some fans will be looking at their watches, tapping their feet, on January 1, 2008, saying "OK dude, where is it?" And if it doesn't happen until April, I think some (not all, just some) will be disappointed.
OMG, play, you are so right. We're drowning in clack. And this tour holds a near and dear place in my heart -- I've loved every minute of it.