I like a lot of genres, so I have a lot of favorites. You can't really say a master of one genre is better or worse than a master of a completely different style imo, since there are so many differences in composition and effect. I never really cared for much pop, however. Not saying the music is bad, I just don't enjoy it myself.
Some of my perennial favorites are The Grateful Dead, ThouShaltNot, Tool/A perfect Circle, Nightwish, VNV Nation, and Todd Snider.
I'm also going to go watch Dog Fashion Disco play live tonight. They were one of my favorites years ago, but due to a lack of new material/relatively small discography, they slipped from my list. But I got to see them live a few months ago, and they put on an impressive show. Impossible to stand still, and just super charismatic stage presences from everyone. They're climbing back up to the winners podium if they keep giving me new things to be excited about.