I felt similarly when I listened to Yes' Tales from Topographic Oceans recently. Everytime I cue that one up, its the sort of music I will never mentally master, I will always just sort of listen to in awe, and a sort of pleasant, admiring confusion.
Tonight though, its "Very Yes" from the Rubber Band's "Live in Louisville 1978". Phelps "Catfish" Collins passed away a few days ago, and the obvious but still somewhat raw realization that all my musical heroes are getting up in age and not too long from departure, is quite poignant.
Catfish takes the solo:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6dpjsgWV7kFirst Gary Shider and now Catfish Collins, not a great year for funk guitarists.