what is the best era for music?

The psychedelic 60's. Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds, CSN&Y,King Crimson,Iron Butterfly,The Yardbirds,The Animals,The Doors,Moody Blues, etc.

Not to mention legendary acts like The Beatles,The Stones, The Who,Cream, and The Beach Boys were all putting out their most influential music at that time.

Even short-lived acts like The Buckinghams,Buffalo Springfield,The Youngbloods,Blue Cheer,Strawberry Alarm Clock, The Turtles, and Quicksilver Messenger Service made an indelible imprint on the music scene.

The answer is much like what is beautiful - it's in the eye of the beholder.

Most people prefer the music of their generation, particularly when they were very young and impressionable.  I am 43 and I would agree that late 60's through the 70's was great... and I include the disco era.

I hated the 80's music at the time, but now I really appreciate most of it, esp hair bands.

90's had some great stuff with the Seattle influence...

It all depends on your taste of music.

The late 60's and through the 70's had tons of classic rock that people still enjoy.  That type of music isn't my bag - but I understand it's popular to many people.

For me personally the best music has def. come out of the 80's and the early 90's.

The music I liked then - and still enjoy today; most of it came out in the early to mid 80's.

Here's just a tip of the iceberg.

The Smiths

Morrissey

The Cure

Depeche Mode

Joy Division

New Order

Bauhaus

Echo and the Bunnymen

U2

REM

The Pixies

The Stone Roses

etc.......  I could go on - so many great artist's made incredible music in the 80's - but it's always subjective to opinion.

I love A Flock of Seagulls, but you may think they were complete shit.  You might be in love with Aerosmith ( or another classic rock group ) and I could care less about them.

It's harder to find better music today but it's out there.