Brian's response kinda nailed it, intellectually, the playing in modes thing was new to jazz. Kinda Blue was from 58 or 59 though..you might actually find the earlier stuff a bit more to your liking, albums like Workin', Cookin' Steamin', Relaxin' are from 56 as I recall, and are more blues and popular tune oriented, jazzy versions of the days pop songs...try Some Day My Prince Will Come...Credit pianist Bill Evans for opening up Miles to more challenging chords & rhythms. He is a big part of the Kinda Blue sound. In my musical journey, something I don't like the first time I hear it, I've learned a few years later my ears are big enough to appreciate it. Especially in jazz I've developed an ear for things over time. I'd keep that Cd and try it again down the road, or listen to it over & over so the tunes become imprinted, then it is like you are playing along. I've bought this title several times over the years as formats or mastering has improved, definitely a classic. As an aside there is a CD title So What, one of the tunes on Kinda Blue, it is on Acoustic Disc by Jerry Garcia and David Grisman, this style of jazz played on acoustic guitar & mandolin, with rhythm section. Great album.... These compositions have become classics and are cool even without the horns!