How I approach things depends, but normally I listen to first few tracks (3 at most 4) and maybe one towards the end if it has an interesting title. Some stuff I get from blogs though I listen to every song. But when I say listen to the songs I don't mean all the way through, songs are normally simple enough to be able to get an idea of them by listening to a bit of the verse and chorus. And in some cases the song might sound so generic I might be able to see where it is going from the start. I think the more I look through the better for me, so for most things they have one chance (if I know the style anyway as popular music is normally quite simple). But songs I do like have to prove it for a second time after an interval as well.

When I purchase a lot of albums at the same time, I put them in front of my record player and let them lie there until I've listened to them carefully - after that I'll transfer the music to my laptop, and THEN I'll 'allow' myself to put them in my record cabinet. That's my way of making sure that I don't forget or miss out on any cool music....

To be honest, I just download the records I bought.
I'm not going trough the trouble to record them to my PC (altough it is always set up & ready to do so hear) as I will play the record if I want quality either way. I just have all my music on my PC to be able to share it easily or to have a quick listen.

But it's not always possible to find them online ... that is, if it is underground music.

Usually when I'm listening to new music I'm either on the web or reading a magazine. I find listening to new music while studying or working on an assignment very distractive as I end up focusing on the music.

I try not to get too much music on the one go. When I get something new I like to listen to it as soon as possible and listen to it a few times to really take it in. Too much new music at once can be a bit too daunting and overwhelming.

True.
In that case I also record them to my PC.
And share them, obviously! May be illegal, but I like to share good music that no one can find :)

i just listen to all my new acquisitions end to end

and continue the next day if I can't finish all in a day

I will generally make a compilation disc featuring two or three songs of my most recent purchases that way I can get a taste of each album without having to carry them around with me. These days most of my music listening is when I'm driving in my car.

s_k... we may have to do some sharing...

I put all my new music I buy/download on a playlist called "unrated." Then I steadily work through it in alphabetical order, or whatever I feel like listening to at any given time. I will listen to everything at least once or twice, and then eventually rate it.

Right now that list is 1.2 days long. It's gonna take a while.