Anchor Bit of a jumble this, in that I can't write like I feel - wish I could, I have this swirling blend of thoughts that I know exactly what I mean, but can't say it articulately!
Maths is relevant to me, in that with real maths, once I got the code, I was confident to try 'harder' puzzles.
For me, music is like that. Me and @fulmine on here have a shared affection for certain Spandau Ballet and The Jacksons tracks - but we both know that that is wrapped up in a certain time, raging hormones, appreciation of clothes (style tribes) and social standing/exploration. And whilst I really loved them back then, outside of a nostalgia fest, I don't play that music at all - it's too simplistic, almost juvenile. But I will defend it to the hilt...
Jazz (and other music that I used to readily discount or pigeonhole), is like algebra to me. I used to see (y4x2 + 2xy – y)/(x – 1) = 12 written down, and wince. Now I see rolling bass, a bit of cymbal riding, some high note guitar, shuffling trumpet and glistening piano. You're the same with beer! You want to delve further, expand and explore. Though no doubt, you stick to a 'groove' at certain points. I don't like all jazz, like I don't like all funk, soul, disco and rock. I used to be very ordered and had my playlists and classic albums. Now my music collection on my phone (Tidal) is a like a scene from a prop-maker's lock-up. Bits of everything, everywhere.
My appetite to try new music - whether that be old or new, British or Cuban, Classical or Glitch Hop has immeasurably increased. Music is the constant in my life, and the thing that absorbs me and gives me tons of pleasure. I can put the same track on rotation for days and not get bored - see Rare Air by Mildlife as an example. This is also because I've got back into hi-fi, which was once the formative part of my 'career'. Hearing great music on a great system takes you deeper into and also closer to the music. I work in music too,( or a niche part of music), so I am surrounded by people discussing it all day long. It's not enough for it to sound good on a hi-fi though, it has to have some emotional connection for me.
I used to be musically lazy. I know now, as others recognised far earlier than me, that there could be better music 'out there' than I currently have in my collection. How cool is that - all that great music waiting to be discovered, loved and championed. It's never ending, and that's the beauty of music. Every track you've ever heard, especially the stuff you love, was new to you once.
There's more of it...