Originally Posted by: Mick J
Over the last few days I have been reading up on the analyses of different musical compositions.[/quote]
Good deal! Hopefully, if you find it interesting, you can start to do the analysis yourself. I enjoy doing that very much.

Originally Posted by: Mick J
It’s all very well someone saying to me “that piece was written in D Dorian!” Until I actually know the tune well, I feel none the wiser, but by studying this I am starting to get a feel for the modal influences in music.

Great observation.

Until and unless you know what the word means, it is useless. This is why I am always insisting students make sure their theory is backed up by practice. And vice versa. :)

Until and unless a concept (or term, word, phrase) is actually connected to some concrete real-world object it is merely a floating abstraction and as such useless. In the case of music the real-world objects are auditory sounds!
[QUOTE=Mick J]
Is this way over the top, am I in danger of becoming a total anorak or do other people find it interesting?

I don't know what an anorak is. But it is way over the top, I find it interesting and I love it. :)