You have all interesting thoughts about this, why some band can't and others can play new stuff, and get it right...But then, some will say that NMA are blessed with very devoted fans, very loyal fans that gives the band freedom to play almost anything, we would still come to see them and love it. I agree to that :-) NMA have very dovoted and loyal fans, but alone it's not enough as an explanation. I think that it's a combination, first of all; the later NMA albums (i agree with Pols definition, newer songs being from Carnival onwards) are good, simple as that. And also the band have been putting together setlists that incorporate the new songs with the old. Like i said before, Guessing/No Rest (played together they make perfect match), this spring it was Stomclouds/No Rest (also great).
Well, cant' wait for December :-)