I also really like 'The Rip Tide', which I suppose is their "Beirut go pop" album. The title track is a heart swelling, tear duct attacking great big fucking swoon of a thing. The closer 'Port Of Call' is also utterly lovely. I really love the sound of that whole album, the songs are more varied and contained than you usually get with them. Sadly, the follow up a few years later 'No, No, No' was utter nothingness. I don't know the story behind that album but it sounds like someone writing songs out of an obligation. So poor I haven't even bothered investigating the new one yet.
I should also point out they're one of the most boring live bands I've ever seen. None of the dynamic intensities of their albums came over the night I saw them, it was a load of weary looking blokes standing around parping like they were trying to entertain themsleves while queing for bread in the snow. You couldn't even have called it perfunctory.