Here's the current best of the best, as rated by yours truly. I tried to include something from all of the different genres that I listen to on a regular basis. I also only included one disc by each artist (example, I would list ANY disc by The Police or Iron Maiden and most of Metallica's discography, but I needed to narrow it down a little further than that) This list is as I feel right now, since this list changes dramatically on a daily or even minutely basis. In no particular order:

• Rollins Band The End Of Silence This is one of those recordings that you remember where you were when you first heard it. The power, the agression and the angst are unforgettable. Impossible to describe accurately in words. Just listen.
  
• Metallica Kill 'Em All The first and still their best. Eventually, Metallica brought thrash metal to the radio and to the mainstream. This release didn't do that job, although it DID establish them as a metal powerhouse.
  
• Megadeth So Far, So Good, So What! If I mention Metallica and leave off Megadeth, I would be remiss in my duties. This one is like a loaded shotgun pointed at your head. Check out the ode to Tipper Gore in "Hook In Mouth" and the americanized cover of the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy In The U.K." Even the *ahem* ballad, "In My Darkest Hour" rocks.
  
• George Thorogood Live The ONLY real way to experience Thorogood is live. This disc is the next best thing. He's done other live ones since, but none with longetivity of this one. A true classic.
  
• Public Enemy It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back THE definitave PE disc. This is the one that made them the rap powerhouse that they are. The original version of "Bring Tha Noise" is here as well as some other prime cuts. Check out the true stereo sound of "Party For Your Right To Fight" with Chuck D rapping in one ear and the Flava Flav in the other (listen to it in headphones for the right feel).
  
• The Police Ghost In The Machine There's just nothing to say about this one. It is technically perfect, popularly appealing and eerily superior. The best thing a great band released. The follow-up, Synchronicity did better sales-wise, but this album established the band in the U.S.
  
• Black Sabbath Reunion Recorded live on the comeback tour. I missed the show, unfortunately, but the 2 disc set was worth every penny I paid and more. The two new songs show that Sabbath could just blow away anybody out there right now.
  
• Iced Earth Alive In Athens If you can, pick up the 3 disc set, since some of the songs hidden on the third disc are absolute gems. Iced Earth, for those of you not familiar with them, is kind of a cross between Iron Maiden's early years, Metallica's self titled disc and Dream Theater. Melodic power thrash at it's absolute best. Not many American bands can do melodic power metal, but Iced Earth definately can.
  
• Seanachai There Will Be Another Day Irish hip-hop. This is a New York City rap/traditional Irish/hip-hop band. It's one of the most unique sounds I've ever heard and well-worth the $17.95 it will set you back (including shipping and handling). I've never seen it in a record store, but you can aquire this gem here.
  
• Ace Frehley 12 Picks Remastered greatest hits collection of the stuff he did with Frehley's Comet. He left Kiss, sobered up and released the best music of his career. I recommend this one in place of the first Frehley's Comet disc ONLY because "Hide Your Heart" is on here. Ace's version just blew the Kiss one off the face of the musical map. The live version of "Cold Gin" is pretty good too.

There are many more but I've never been one to limit myself to one particular "favorite of all time." I have many favorites in many genres. Don't miss Part II & Part III.