Would it be controversial to call it the best album the group have made?

Controversial? I don't think so. After only a couple of listens I do feel the overall quality of the album may be the best the band has ever achieved. The sheer ammount of work the guys put into this release may be responsible for the fact that here are no weak tracks at all.
I do wish "Picture Sleeve" was on the CD, love that song.

Bought FOTS from Landspeed Records in Canberra on Monday and have been sampling tracks ever since ~ My wife keeps saying "Who's that?, it sounds great!" every time I play the cd. I didn't know a new album was coming out and I am sure rapt to add it to my collection that includes the first three (vinyl) albums purchased upon original release. Thanks, it's great!