A while back my coworker came into the office with a shocking discovery. He just learned that, statistically, people stop discovering new music in their thirties. How sad! If that grim finding is correct, I have three years until my playlists begin to prune.
To increase my odds of hearing something new, I’ve been challenging myself to take my earbuds out in public. I know it’s customary to adhere to a headphones-in, world-out, mentality—but, what if that’s holding us back? Maybe, just maybe, the key to having great music taste is opening yourself up to new findings. The great Willie Nelson said so himself in “Smoke Hour II” from Beyonce’s (grammy winning!) country album, Cowboy Carter. “Sometimes,” he croons, “You don’t know what you like until someone you trust turns you on to some real good shit.”
I can’t say I trust the people of Paper Source, but their staff members do have good taste. Years ago I walked into the store to kill time, and “Someone That Loves You,” by Honne was blaring through their sound system. The bouncy track has been stuck in my head ever since.
In the spirit of discovery, I’ve decided to continue looking for new music in the wild. So, without further adieu, welcome to Music Mondays. In this series, I’ll share a song I heard (and liked!) the week prior. The goal is to expand my repertoire, and, if I’m lucky, learn about what you’re listening to as well.
This week, we’re kicking things off with “Baby Baby” by Sports.
As a newly(ish) unemployed woman, I’ve spent an ungodly amount of time at my local coffee shop. I know the baristas by name, can list their weekly specials, and, of course, have damn near memorized the cafe’s playlist. Typically, there’s a mix of old Hozier and The Lumineers—good stuff, but nothing fancy. Imagine my surprise when this slinky track came on mid-afternoon. By the time the chorus hit, I’d shoved my phone in the air and asked Shazam (do people still do that?) what I was listening to.
Here’s what I learned: The group’s name is Sports, they’re from Tusla, Oklahoma, and the track is from their 2022 album Get a Good Look. Also, they’re sexy. Their whole vibe is verrryyy oooh lala. Very cocktail lounge chic. In other words,“Baby Baby” is the kind of song you hope that guy from Hinge makes, though deep down you know he’s just a bootleg Harry Styles. Thankfully, the Sports guys don’t disappoint.
I’m still working through their discography, but I like what I’ve heard so far. Apparently, your least favorites politician’s least favorite politician likes them too.
A nod from Chi Ossé tells me everything I need to know.
That’s all for this week. If you need me I’ll be listening to “Baby Baby” and keeping my ears peeled for new gems.
Talk soon,
B