I'm not convinced that it's as obvious as you say, once the listener has "raise[d] themselves to appreciate culture." Once you've gained some appreciation for

I'm not convinced that it's as obvious as you say, once the listener has "raise[d] themselves to appreciate culture." Once you've gained some appreciation for and understanding of music, within styles to which you're accustomed, you develop a sense of what will reward further listening and what will not. Is it infallible? Probably not. But even if it's not good enough for a published critic, it's enough to find me good music to listen to.