I don't think Jarre needs a new album to be a hit. Any new album would be delivered to his large fan base to support another tour (where the real money is these days) and additional take up would come from those "non-fans" with more than a passing interest in electronic music. Downloads are where sales are at these days but Jarre equally knows that his main audience will want physical copies of his work - a smaller record company with minimal promotion will probably suit him just fine!
I wouldn't be at all surprised to hear more analogue on this album, as the desire to hear that analogue synths is stronger than it ever was amongst those who appreciate electronic music. I think Jarre has picked up on this, which is what his Oxygene presentations were all about. I recall that at this time he was picking up many additions to his analogue collection (including some Russian ones) which he must have been spending all of this time getting to grips with.
I think the two album / double album thing could come from a desire to hit some kind of commercial groove. I imagine something like the first disc will be analogue sounds melded with modern technologies, while the second disc would be a "dance /remix" approach if you will, an unwillingness to knock the Teo & Tea approach on the head in a desire to remain relevant with today's electronic music audience.
That, together with the hint that he will release on vinyl...
Should be a good year... but let's face it, that "good year" will probably end up being 2013, or maybe even 14... whenever he can justify going out on tour again I suspect!
Oh. Happy New Year everyone!
Oh my god....patience....patience.....patience 
