So it's good to hear that most agree the Exile was their best. Although Let it Bleed is right up there as far as I'm concerned.
Of their earlier stuff, definitely Aftermath and Between Buttons. And Out of Our Heads (if only b/c it has the quintessential rock n roll song with the most recongizable guitar riff ever...)
I was always biased against their later stuff b/c i assumed they got old, tired and just were cashing in. But Voodoo Lounge and A Bigger Bang are great records. Finally got them on vinyl. I now own all of their US releases on wax. It took a while, but well worth it.
And for what it's worth. I love the STones and the Beatles. But when people ask me which one is better, I throw them a curve and say "THE KINKS"