Updating My Sound

So I'm downloading some compilation albums over at the iTunes store just so I am still attuned to the "now" sound.

As a producer, I've always made it a point that the music I come up with is current, so that I would stay current. The worst approach to pop music production for me is building a track using decade-old sensibilities (like 90's pop groups dragging their sound to the teen market with their comebacks). 

Although the mixing of 70's/80's sound sometimes work (e.g. Bruno Mars's song "Treasure"), I think I prefer to dabble with the kick-heavy, synth-filled sound I hear today. 

They ask, what training to you go through to come up with these sounds? I say, listen. Listen. That's how I've always learned.