Musically, I've come 360 degrees. I went from U2, Talking Heads, Kate Bush, Fetchin Bones, the dB's etc. to Classical and back again with the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Say Hi To Your Mom, The Shins, The Frames, Tullycraft, Wilco and Yo La Tengo.
If you are looking for information on new bands, particularly in the Seattle area, I would recommend you check out the Three Imaginary Girls site. Visit often. I do.
When I was into Classical, I was definitely a rookie. I knew what differentiated a good recording from a bad one, but didn't have the the ear to determine a bad performance from a good one (in the way more experienced listeners describe performances).
If you are interested in Classical I highly recommend that you attend a live performance. It's so different from a rock concert that's it's almost unbelievable. You have to know when to applaud (at the end of symphony or suite of music) and when not to applaud (not between individual pieces). The most important thing is not to move or make a sound. I you do, every eye in the house will immediately be down on you like death. If you can't sit still, you will have serious problems.