I agree, SY have never released an "awful" record.
 
A Thousand Leaves is one of my favorites. Murray Street just gets better and better with each listen. Washing Machine is worth getting for "The Diamond Sea". I have always liked Goo and Dirty also and think many talk about these as if they were somehow sellout albums - not so. Yes, they are a little more accesible but both still have experimental moments.
 
Experimental Jet Set.... and NYC ghosts... are my least favorites but still have redeeming moments.
 
EVOL, Sister and Daydream Nation are all SY brilliance. However at the moment Murray St and a Thousand Leaves are my most played.