They're alright, nothing special in my opinion.

Don't be mean to 'em.... I hear plenty of specialness in their lyrics and melodies!

These.

I personally would say Transatlanticism. Plans is very good too, so I'd say start with the former and then listen to the latter.

For the newbie, definitely starting with either the Photo Album or Transatlanticism... probably two of their most accessible albums...

Hmm, well I've listened to We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes and Something About Aeroplanes.

I liked We Have the Facts and We're Voting Yes, but didn't enjoy Something About Aeroplanes as much.

I may have to try Photo Album/Transatlanticism next

Transatlanticism is definitely my favourite. Next would be Plans.

Transatlanticism is when they became boring and bland, IMO.

No way!!! That album is totally gorgeous.... both melodically and lyrically. it's still one of my all time fave albums!

Transatlanticism isn't boring nor bland, in my personal opinion. I think post-Transatlanticism is when they strayed away from what drew me to them and became more cliche.

Plans and Narrow Stairs are their most popular albums and so probably their most liked by the casual fan but the older Death Cab for Cutie is by far much, much better. Plans has all of the "cliche" songs a la: Soul Meets Body, I Will Follow You Into The Dark, What Sarah Said, etc.

I've read they will return to their pre-Plans sound and I couldn't be happier. :)