zlacker

I'm very much like you describe yourself. There are only a few very ambient musical tracks to which I can do concentrated work while hearing. Interestingly, I can't even do that much on the first listening of them. It's only when I've heard them a bunch of times and they are already familiar. Then my brain can focus on other things. However, even in that case, my sense is there is still a cognitive 'tax' going on. I don't get as much done or think as deeply even with familiar ambient music.

I also can't have the radio on in my car if I plan to actually think. It's hard for me to even imagine how people are able to concentrate with active music playing or, worse, a television show running in the room. I'm always reminded how different I am every time I stay at one of those hotels that has a communal free breakfast area. They invariably have TVs tuned to those 'happy babble' morning talk shows and most people seem to have no problem working, reading, or carrying on a conversation with it running constantly into their brain.

Apparently, some of us are just made differently. I have an occasional multi-hour drive I need to do and I will sometimes listen to music, a good podcast or an audiobook but I'm actively listening to it. Most often though I drive in complete silence and just think. Some of my friends are surprised by this and can't imagine just sitting in silence that long. However, I love it.