Tom, you rock politically, but I have to say, finding out what people are listening to is a great way to find new music.
Most of the small, good, non-mainstream bands are promoted by people talking to other people about what they are listening to. And given that most people listen to mp3s or CDs in their computer, they are going to be listening to something they consider good.
Better chance of finding something good thats unknown then any other source, tbh.