absolutely! once i got into Tool later on, i read that they were heavily influenced by King Crimson (who i came to enjoy immensely as well). certain labels put out certain kinds of music (Impulse, Blue Note, Subpop) and you could pretty much guarantee quality, or at least a high likelihood of enjoying the music without hearing it first.

but the influences of my influences are always interesting to explore. it'll be fascinating to see the influences of the bands that will be "popular" in ten years.