...about the ways I listen to music, and how those ways have changed.

I don't recall the last time I've put on a CD or LP, then actively listened without doing something else. I used to do that all the time. I need to to do it again.

I do listen to music while I'm using the PC, or as background to doing other things, or in the car. I often stop what I'm doing and attend to the music in that situation (I had to pull the car off to the side of the road the first time I heard Tom Russell!).

I find that, when I'm in a store (e.g.) with background music playing, I'll focus on that. There's one particular song that I've heard perhaps 3 times in the local Kroger store. The main part is forgettable, but it has one of the most sublime chorus parts I've ever heard! I'll probably never know who performs it, or the name of the track.

I realized that I pay FULLEST attention to music when I'm hearing it live. I'm annoyed by smokers and those who don't turn off cell phones as well.

Thanks (as usual) for making me think, Art!