I think between the songs written for Finn, Try Whistling This and the songs that have appeared on Afterglow / Afterglow deluxe, c1994 to 1996 was a purple patch.
Id be curious to know what Neil thinks but sure I remember him saying that the Afterglow 2nd CD might be his Crowded House favourite (even if he doesn't do favourites)!
I wonder if the next record will be a scrap book / compilation of sorts that collect the best of the new songs written in the last 2 or 3 years - solo songs and collaborations with Liam, Tim and Mick Fleetwood???
Generally and sadly it feels as though the era of LPs / albums may be passing!