In general, I think that non-musicians like simple music. A lot of the music that musically trained people prefer tends to be more complex, and may overwhelm the casual listener (and turn them off). I can't stand mainstream (read: anything on the radio) music though.
What music am I into? (copied from my profile): Progressive rock/metal/etc, experimental, classical, jazz, and anything else that took real talent to create.
Do you play an instrument? Yes, alto saxophone and trumpet.
Your opinion of the state of the industry - Today's "mainstream" music is total drivel. That doesn't mean music is dead though. You just have to know where to look. One of my favorite websites to find good newer music: http://www.progarchives.com
edit: sorry though OP, I don't really like the beatles. 
Not that they're all bad; they're just not my cup o' tea.
