I try to limit my selectivity* to whether music is good or bad - I don't like to completely rule out genres.
I am aware I occasionally bend the limits of this.

*Is that the right word?
( tangledupinblue hairy badge with moving eyes, Tue 3 Apr 2012, 22:35, 1 reply, 12 years ago)

That's the right word
Music is like history - you can't possibly encompass or like all of it.

No I don't block genres initially but there comes a point when the genre becomes inaccessible. Do you have the time to dip into it and scoop off the cream?
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Tue 3 Apr 2012, 22:42, Reply)

It's much easier nowadays
As there is so much information available and plenty you can listen to online. But I do still enjoy buying records blind, like wot we used to in the olden days, perhaps because I like the sleeve, or I've heard someone say it is good.
I'm a little obsessive and quite prepared to make the odd duff purchase now and then for the greater good of my collection.
( tangledupinblue hairy badge with moving eyes, Tue 3 Apr 2012, 22:50, Reply)

Buying on sleeve-art can only lead to prog rock
Good sleeves, shite sounds.

No, I've always bought on what I've heard.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Tue 3 Apr 2012, 22:59, Reply)

I always used to rule out prog as a step too far
But I dipped my toe into some of the early Canterbury scene stuff a couple of years ago and there was some good stuff to be heard before it all went Wakeman.
( tangledupinblue hairy badge with moving eyes, Tue 3 Apr 2012, 23:07, Reply)

Again - a genre I just don't have the time to explore.
Although I have all of Focus's albums and love 'em.
( The Disappointed Caravanner of the year, Tue 3 Apr 2012, 23:11, Reply)

Contrariwise
buying on song titles and band names leads to ska, if filesharing experience is anything to go by.
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Tue 3 Apr 2012, 23:25, Reply)