Thanks for posting. Sorry for the bug where you couldn't see your post for a few days. A little bumpy road getting started here, apparently. Personally, re your point, I listen to music in all ways, in all possible 'problematic' modes, or none, depending on the moment to moment flow of the 'experience'. Just like real life - but more intense ;-)

Musical Wallpaper is fine. But the obsessive-compulsive who listens all day at work to his or her iPod is not listening to music. He or she is seeking a subliminal distraction. I only listen actively, which means in short spurts of no more than three album. Usually I dedicated a listening experience to one album, then, if it inspire, another one. For me it is easy to get to the place where there is only the happening of the musical event, no me, no not-me. It takes only the first one or two songs. The problem most people have is one of two: either one is >trying< to enjoy oneself enjoying listening to music; or one is listening to one's stereo equipment (the analytical approach). Thank you for reading.