Dolores & Kimberly

Advance Base

One more from this band before moving on — a song that still blows my mind. Just how good the songwriting is — the story, the subtext. The heartache, the hope. It’s a tender, big-hearted song with great piano, melody and a little echoing drum machine. There are a few lines that kill me that I have to mention. First, the “lunar landscape” reference is a beautiful homage to Springsteen’s great tune OPEN ALL NIGHT. Some of Owen’s songs remind me of Bruce — in fact DOLORES & KIMBERLY would be very much at home on an album like Nebraska if Bruce covered it. Secondly, I love that the singer was allowed to paint their new bedroom blue. This is both beautiful and probably literal, but I think it also means that she supports him when he’s down. Third, the fact the narrator can’t see the kids anymore. What a killer. And what a hefty price for love. 💔

Love the studio version, but today I can’t resist this little in studio that Owen performs with FRIENDSHIP.

I came to Indiana
When I was 32
I didn’t know anyone but you
I got off of the bus
With the one bag I could bring
Plus the cash I got for the ring
You were waiting at the station
With a Thermos & some flowers
I knew your jacket from your picture

The streets were so empty
You’d think it was the rapture
Our midnight world
Just me & you

I moved into your apartment
It was comfortable for two
You let me paint the bedroom blue
I started working at the bar
You would drive me in your car
& you’d come pick me up too

Headlights down deserted roads
Looked like a lunar landscape
Our midnight world
Just me & you

Jesse gave me the divorce
When I turned 34
I just can’t see the kids anymore
That night after closing
We opened up some good champagne
& we slow danced across the floor

That night the radio played Moon River
In our midnight world
For me & you