Recomendations and Discovery

So, I was just thinking that I wouldn't listen to half the music I do if someone hadn't recomended it to me first, but there are loads of bands I listen to that no one else I know or comunicate with online ever mention.

Which is more common for you, finding a new band yourself or being told to try them?

I've left in a third choice for 'legends' meaning that no one told you to like a band, but their fame preceeds them so much that in essecne the world recomended them. (Eg. For me, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden weren't recommended, but every magazine and fan ever preaches their cause to the level of a recomendation)

'Discovery' for the most part, but 'Recommendations' not too far behind, I like to gather opinions from a few sources. The method I used to use most, during high school, was to go from one band and look at who infuenced them. Found a few great bands that way,

The difference between recommendations and discovery is a bit blurry to me.  I do much of my music finding through the internet, but much of that comes via recommendations (Youtube recommended videos in the side bar, last.fm recommendations, message boards, ...).