I consider the entire run between 1999 and 2007 to be flawless. Any of these, but the secret name/things we lost/trust trifecta is IMO perfect.
secret name
things we lost in the fire
trust
great destroyer
drums and guns
I would also heavily recommend the 1999 "Christmas" EP which was their first real brush with "fame" when Macy's used their "Little Drummer Boy" on one of their Christmas ads ages ago. If you can find it (and it's hard to find,) the b-sides collection "a lifetime of temporary relief" is wonderful, but it's only available on CD (many of their singles are cd-only, and you'd miss out on such gems as their smiths cover (
"last night I dreamt that somebody loved me") or their pink floyd cover (
"fearless").
I don't know if it would be familiar to others that have posted, but some might be interested in the
Brainwashed Eye (the video arm of the brainwashed.com site) interview w/ Low but that might be too inside-baseball for someone new to the band.
+1 on galaxie 500 and codeine mentions.