I agree with almost everything you said, I could never get into them but everyone else loves them.
Although, in college I did really like the 'Into The Wild' soundtrack that Vedder did solo, but I haven't listened to that in years so I don't know if I'd still feel the same (Society is the song I remember the most).
Have you thought of trying to pick up another language? Started learning Spanish 4 years ago and now I can go on vacation and have conversations with locals. Also, I'm more interested in their local history because I can read it/listen to it in Spanish and practice the language at the same time.