... by which I mean music that's like spam or junk mail, that gets played at you when you're out shopping or in a restaurant or wherever; even "proper" music, not just muzak.

I found out years ago that I can't read a book and listen to music at the same time: I can do one or the other, and the music usually wins. These days, I can't ignore music at all: I have to actively listen to it, even if it's stuff I dislike, or in inappropriate situations. It's really annoying, not just to me, but to anyone trying to hold a conversation with me. Quiet music is worse in some ways, because I strain all the more to hear it.

Is it just me, or does anyone else suffer like this?

Steve