OK. So we all have our favorite bands genres/sub genres. But what about the wierd and wonderful?

As a huge fan of the Smashing Pumpkins, I know the band utilised styles and sounds from across the musical spectrum, and as a result I've began listening to some of such bands/music.

How am I going about this? Wikipedia! This is an invaluable tool in discovering new music! All I did was wikipedia the band, and after reading through it you quickly find out which styles of music fuel the music you're used to.

Next, try to identify the sounds the band use in their music in each song. This will help you find out which kinds of styles you may be interested in. I've chosen for today the "Shoegazing" style used in alot of the Pumpkins music, particuarly earlier songs. So now click the link to your chosen style.

Scan through the article. Find some band names, and have a read through their links. Find some discograhpies, find some song titles and "acquire" them via the usual mediums. So from my search, I've decided to try listening to some fairly old and experiamental bands including The Velvet Underground and My Bloody Valentine. So far I'm liking what I'm hearing.

I tried this a while ago too with Rage Against the Machine, happenning upon a rather ace proto-punk band MC5, and again the Smashing Pumpkins influence got me listening to David Bowie.

Anyway...just thought I'd explain my techniques for expanding my musical knowledge. Has anyone else got any similar experiences?