The little surprises you mention in terms of the 'candy' article are in fact snippets of music that 'do it for me'. Most people think my taste of music is quirky and can't understand why I cant hear things on my first listen, and this is explained in an article I wrote what seems like an age ago now.

However, when they do 'sink in' I get a lot out of them, especially if they are complex pieces. I have yet to meet anyone who has this 'cracking the nut' problem I have.

They all say the same. 'I know on first listen if I like the song or not'. Sometimes it takes 10-15 listens for me to pick on something, or a 'hook'.