I'm the same way. I don't think I know the names of 90% of the people in the bands I listen to, much less their history and any interesting facts about them.
I listen to what I like, and if I want something similar, you know what I do? I go to
www.cduniverse.com, search for the band I like, and then use their "Similar Artists" list.
If I hear a band mentioned on TFP, I will repeat the above process with this unknown band. If its close to other bands I like, I give em a try. Thats how most of my CD purchases are made.
Hope this helps