I don't listen to music near as much as I should considering how much I love it. So I feel I care more than my frequency of listening would be. Songs run through my head and if no one is around I will sing some lyrics that I remember. I used to think I had pretty broad tastes but at some point I sorta realized what I listen to is just sorta the evolution of the same kind of thing. So I like original rock N roll and then progressive and then new wave and then alternative. Not everything from the genres but commonalities is stories and many instruments. More about melody than beat really but beat is really important to hold it together. Quality of gear does not matter much but of course I prefer to hear from the best available. absolute favorite artist is ian anderson (tull), stan ridgeway (known for wall of voodoo), rem may come next it gets a bit blurry at this point but I can't say its specifically for michael stipe or such. Honestly u2, cure, depeche mode. Fine young cannibals, evenascence, nine inch nails, yeah after anderson and ridgeway its all sorta a big blur.