Bruce Springsteen — Brilliant Disguise
Album: Tunnel Of LoveAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1781
Length: 4:06
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I hold you in my arms
As the band plays
What are those words whispered, baby
Just as you turn away
I saw you last night
Out on the edge of town
I want to read your mind to know
Just what I've got in this new thing I've found
So tell me what I see
When I look in your eyes
Is that you, baby
Or just a brilliant disguise
I heard somebody call your name
From underneath our willow
I saw something tucked in shame
Underneath your pillow
Well, I've tried so hard baby
But I just can't see
What a woman like you
Is doing with me
So tell me who I see
When I look in your eyes
Is that you, baby
Or just a brilliant disguise
Now look at me, baby
Struggling to do everything right
And then it all falls apart
Oh, when out go the lights
I'm just a lonely pilgrim
I walk this world in wealth
I want to know if it's you I don't trust
'Cause I damn sure don't trust myself
Now, you play the loving woman
I'll play the faithful man
But just don't look too close
Into the palm of my hand
Oh, we stood at the altar
The gypsy swore our future was bright
But come the wee wee hours
Well maybe, baby, the gypsy lied
So when you look at me
You better look hard and look twice
Is that me, baby
Or just a brilliant disguise
Tonight our bed is cold
I'm lost in the darkness of our love
God have mercy on the man
Who doubts what he's sure of
As the band plays
What are those words whispered, baby
Just as you turn away
I saw you last night
Out on the edge of town
I want to read your mind to know
Just what I've got in this new thing I've found
So tell me what I see
When I look in your eyes
Is that you, baby
Or just a brilliant disguise
I heard somebody call your name
From underneath our willow
I saw something tucked in shame
Underneath your pillow
Well, I've tried so hard baby
But I just can't see
What a woman like you
Is doing with me
So tell me who I see
When I look in your eyes
Is that you, baby
Or just a brilliant disguise
Now look at me, baby
Struggling to do everything right
And then it all falls apart
Oh, when out go the lights
I'm just a lonely pilgrim
I walk this world in wealth
I want to know if it's you I don't trust
'Cause I damn sure don't trust myself
Now, you play the loving woman
I'll play the faithful man
But just don't look too close
Into the palm of my hand
Oh, we stood at the altar
The gypsy swore our future was bright
But come the wee wee hours
Well maybe, baby, the gypsy lied
So when you look at me
You better look hard and look twice
Is that me, baby
Or just a brilliant disguise
Tonight our bed is cold
I'm lost in the darkness of our love
God have mercy on the man
Who doubts what he's sure of
Comments (156)add comment
ScottN wrote:
Wasn't it Mark Twain who said "
“It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.”?
"God have mercy on the man
Who doubts what he's sure of"
Who doubts what he's sure of"
Wasn't it Mark Twain who said "
“It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.”?
jacopo777 wrote:
You may need some replacement voltage
This guy sounds way to much like Son Volt
You may need some replacement voltage
Man how did we go from this to "Now let me see you / Walk that ass, you're the only one I love / (Walk that ass, walk-walk that ass)"... and the artist that performed that (Drake) is probably making more money than Springsteen back in the day.
guess it takes real genius to make such an instaneously recognisable song out of such a simple opening chord progression. maybe it is just me,
baby.
baby.
Put this up to 9 because it is the boss
"God have mercy on the man
Who doubts what he's sure of"
Who doubts what he's sure of"
Being from "Seger" country, Bruce was always an afterthought but a few gems snuck through for me. This is one of them...
Cm
Cm
Wonderful sad poetry
phlattop wrote:
and your point is?
great song still. every era has its production quirks
My point was exactly what I said: the production is cheesy but the song is good. Every era may have its production quirks, but not all songs fall prey to them.
and your point is?
great song still. every era has its production quirks
RabbitEars wrote:
and your point is?
great song still. every era has its production quirks
good song, cheesy 80s production
and your point is?
great song still. every era has its production quirks
On_The_Beach wrote:
Yeah, this is an old post, but I'm scrolling through the comments and listening to Side 2. Yep, this is one hell of an album side. One that you want to play through all the way.
Been listening to Bruce for a long time. First saw him in 1973 at the Allen Theatre in Cleveland. He broke national out of Cleveland thanks to WMMS and Kid Leo in particular. The rest, they say, is history.
veegez wrote:
Not sacrilege; I totally agree. Pretty much every song on "Side 2" (vinyl) was excellent.
This will be sacrilege to most Bruce fans out there, but this is my favorite album from Springsteen. All of the songs have real feeling to them, stemming from a failed relationship. A real downer of a theme, I know. But he really tells all in this record, and he does it thoughtfully.
Not sacrilege; I totally agree. Pretty much every song on "Side 2" (vinyl) was excellent.
Yeah, this is an old post, but I'm scrolling through the comments and listening to Side 2. Yep, this is one hell of an album side. One that you want to play through all the way.
Been listening to Bruce for a long time. First saw him in 1973 at the Allen Theatre in Cleveland. He broke national out of Cleveland thanks to WMMS and Kid Leo in particular. The rest, they say, is history.
I was too young to understand what Springsteen was saying in this album when it came out. In the 80's I was riding his Born in the USA wave -- living with just enough introspection to get by. I'm finally, and a little too late, acknowledging enough of life's lessons to appreciate this album, lyrically, as one of Springsteen's best.
Song plays much different live than the studio version. (but most of his music does) I'm glad I had WXRT in Chicago back in 74 and Terri Hemmert playing with my Sophomoric High School mind.
Never cared for the production on Tunnel of Love. This song is so good, though, it held up briliantly over time.
Off on my bike,riding into the sunset with the Boss singing so fabulously 😎
rgio wrote:
I remember being handed these circa first grade and thinking "WTF do I do with these?"
Maybe the greatest rock song ever with claves (those wooden sticks you played in first-grade music class) driving the beat!
I remember being handed these circa first grade and thinking "WTF do I do with these?"
My favorite Bruce album, coming from a guy who's not a big Bruce fan
Maybe the greatest rock song ever with claves (those wooden sticks you played in first-grade music class) driving the beat!
Long Live Radio Paradise
My rating 8 - Most Excellent but weak
My rating 8 - Most Excellent but weak
YES BILL!!!! Great way to start the day! 
Queue wrote:
He looked a little different then, no?
Darn! He has some some sexy hair.
He looked a little different then, no?
Darn! He has some some sexy hair.
sfyi2001 wrote:
Bruce Springsteen, 1971, The Upstage, Asbury Park, NJ
He looked a little different then, no?
Bruce Springsteen, 1971, The Upstage, Asbury Park, NJ
He looked a little different then, no?
This guy sounds way to much like Son Volt
good song, cheesy 80s production
mistermerp wrote:
I thought you had made an error, then realized I was thinking of brilliant mistake. Which I think is a much better song.
Great song - but I think I like Elvis Costello's version better - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IibfRi_7S_o
I thought you had made an error, then realized I was thinking of brilliant mistake. Which I think is a much better song.
I have this rated at a 7, which is maybe the highest I've rated a BS track in the RP playlist. And I do realize how odd it is that I am 'meh' about BS and 'yay!' about Bob Dylan....guess we don't always get to make sense of our likes and dislikes.
I will say RP gets a 10 from me each and every day....too bad my funds aren't where my mouth is....still I say LONG LIVE RP!!
I will say RP gets a 10 from me each and every day....too bad my funds aren't where my mouth is....still I say LONG LIVE RP!!
Great song - but I think I like Elvis Costello's version better - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IibfRi_7S_o
gjeeg wrote:
Masterpiece, indeed.
I am am sure that I love this song. No doubt about it.
Thanks, RP for playing it.
Masterpiece ~
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
Masterpiece, indeed.
I am am sure that I love this song. No doubt about it.
Thanks, RP for playing it.
sfyi2001 wrote:
Bruce Springsteen, 1971, The Upstage, Asbury Park, NJ
WOW. Back in the Day.
He released this album and another CD at about the same time, after taking a break from recording for a coupla years. I heard this too many times on the FM. It still needs to remain in the vaults for a while.
Bruce Springsteen, 1971, The Upstage, Asbury Park, NJ
WOW. Back in the Day.
He released this album and another CD at about the same time, after taking a break from recording for a coupla years. I heard this too many times on the FM. It still needs to remain in the vaults for a while.
Bruce Springsteen, 1971, The Upstage, Asbury Park, NJ
inbagt wrote:
In Texas they do. Boots, cowboy hat, and a bolo tie - that there is TX style formal wear.
I wonder if people wear Bolo ties anymore.
In Texas they do. Boots, cowboy hat, and a bolo tie - that there is TX style formal wear.
I wonder if people wear Bolo ties anymore.
thecdar wrote:
duh...Yet another listener that has apparently come to the wrong place.
Whoops!
meh...I came here to NOT hear this, among many others like this.
Yeesh!
Yeesh!
duh...Yet another listener that has apparently come to the wrong place.
Whoops!
drove west yesterday to my parent's house, we've got to empty it now that they're both gone, on the van's radio I caught Nassau Community College's "Thunder Road" program - all Springsteen songs, by him or covers, some of which are awesome, was awful glad for the diversion as I headed back to little old Plainedge
great song here, Thanks RP
great song here, Thanks RP
ScottN wrote:
Yes, but God should also have mercy on the man who has all the answers to questions he doesn't understand.
gjeeg wrote:
A line of genius song-writing. Says so much in what, twelve words...
Masterpiece ~
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
A line of genius song-writing. Says so much in what, twelve words...
Yes, but God should also have mercy on the man who has all the answers to questions he doesn't understand.
Hannio wrote:
Same here. This is one of the better ones for me.
I never cared much for Springsteen, but this one I like.
Same here. This is one of the better ones for me.
I never cared much for Springsteen, but this one I like.
meh...I came here to NOT hear this, among many others like this.
Yeesh!
Yeesh!
Wardleader wrote:
Strong words! Beauty and knowledge in music! I am lucky to receive these lessons, thank you Peace
More truth in lyrics, more lives lived sung in song, more truth of this world than most of you will ever know. Be glad, the owl of Minerva flies at dusk for the man of letters, the people who had the good life, the owl of wisdom comes with the back of a hand, a fist before you know that child has ended or maybe was never even permitted in the first place. This was right before he played East Berlin and brought the wall down. Ask the East Germans if this is bourgeoisie product pure content from the suits and marketing. Ask the crowds around the world if the universal truth of humanity is present outside of the uptight plastic middle class world of sub-urban phonies and their doctor and lawyer dramas.
Strong words! Beauty and knowledge in music! I am lucky to receive these lessons, thank you Peace
More truth in lyrics, more lives lived sung in song, more truth of this world than most of you will ever know. Be glad, the owl of Minerva flies at dusk for the man of letters, the people who had the good life, the owl of wisdom comes with the back of a hand, a fist before you know that child has ended or maybe was never even permitted in the first place. This was right before he played East Berlin and brought the wall down. Ask the East Germans if this is bourgeoisie product pure content from the suits and marketing. Ask the crowds around the world if the universal truth of humanity is present outside of the uptight plastic middle class world of sub-urban phonies and their doctor and lawyer dramas.
(Banned) wrote:
Laughably wrong, but thanks so much for trying.
Bruce Springsteen is generic Rock-n-Roll and he's even ruined that with his big mouth.
Laughably wrong, but thanks so much for trying.
(Banned) wrote:
Yes , he is the root of all evil in the world.......puuuuuulease
Bruce Springsteen is generic Rock-n-Roll and he's even ruined that with his big mouth.
Yes , he is the root of all evil in the world.......puuuuuulease
gjeeg wrote:
A line of genius song-writing. Says so much in what, twelve words...
Masterpiece ~
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
A line of genius song-writing. Says so much in what, twelve words...
Masterpiece ~
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
"God have mercy on the man, who doubts what he's sure of...."
Bruce Springsteen is generic Rock-n-Roll and he's even ruined that with his big mouth.
A very under-rated album in his large collection of output.
why does bruce alway look like he is in pain
When every step this guy took was hitting its stride.
Maybe it's just tonight, but, baby, that's a powerful song.
Lazarus wrote:
That's my kind of church!
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked... love this song... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
That's my kind of church!
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked... love this song... love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
Commercial hits or not...
:)
Great song.
:)
Great song.
Sasha2001 wrote:
Seconded. "Born to Run" was probably his most commercial song (but not best, by a long shot), so I'm not sure what BR's on about. This album for instance may well be his best.
Spoken like someone with no historcal knowledge of Bruce's work. The least you could do is read the syllabus before slamming the Professor.
Seconded. "Born to Run" was probably his most commercial song (but not best, by a long shot), so I'm not sure what BR's on about. This album for instance may well be his best.
BLADERUNNER wrote:
his last good song was Born to Run. since then he been living off of his reputation. look up the word "commercialized" and it might say see Springsteen, Bruce.
spoken like someone with no historcal knowledge of Bruce's work. The least you could do is read the syllabus before slamming the Professor.
his last good song was Born to Run. since then he been living off of his reputation. look up the word "commercialized" and it might say see Springsteen, Bruce.
spoken like someone with no historcal knowledge of Bruce's work. The least you could do is read the syllabus before slamming the Professor.
martinc wrote:
Likewise saw him in the 80's and recently and he is an outstanding performer. And always a wonderful artist. I'll always appreciate Bruce.
Saw him a couple of months ago. I had seen him 4 times in the 80's. The show rekindled my appreciation for his music, songwriting and as a performer. He played for 3.5 hours and not a weak song in set list which extended from day on to the present. The band was tight. Hearing his songs during the night reminded me of what an artist he is. Has had ups and downs but not denying his musical talent and love to entertain.
Likewise saw him in the 80's and recently and he is an outstanding performer. And always a wonderful artist. I'll always appreciate Bruce.
BLADERUNNER wrote:
his last good song was Born to Run. since then he been living off of his reputation. look up the word "commercialized" and it might say see Springsteen, Bruce.
Darkness on the Edge of Town disproves this, IMHO.
his last good song was Born to Run. since then he been living off of his reputation. look up the word "commercialized" and it might say see Springsteen, Bruce.
Darkness on the Edge of Town disproves this, IMHO.
Saw him a couple of months ago. I had seen him 4 times in the 80's. The show rekindled my appreciation for his music, songwriting and as a performer. He played for 3.5 hours and not a weak song in set list which extended from day on to the present. The band was tight. Hearing his songs during the night reminded me of what an artist he is. Has had ups and downs but not denying his musical talent and love to entertain.
his last good song was Born to Run. since then he been living off of his reputation. look up the word "commercialized" and it might say see Springsteen, Bruce.
scraig wrote:
You have to admit this is funny! I think Bruce would laugh at it.
This is what Chris Isaak would sound like if he had no talent and was from the east coast.
You have to admit this is funny! I think Bruce would laugh at it.
There are only two BS songs I like. This one (9) and Tunnel of Love (10). The rest? Pffft. Really, what's the BFD?
Like Bruce or hate him, I think you have to admit this is a masterstroke of songwriting.
I was gonna say that this sounds like filler to me, but then again I'm not much of a Bruce fan. However there are some tracks from this album that I do like. It's amazing to me what a following Springsteen has considering that his style is so non melodic and gruff. That being said, if that style was a deal breaker then Tom Waits and Dylan would all be unheard of.
I have never been a big fan of Mr. Springsteen. However, this song will always take me back to the fall of 1987 and those first few dates with the woman who would eventually become my wife.
scraig wrote:
Good Lord, I am not a huge Springsteen fan especially post 70s but that is a bit of a stretch!
This is what Chris Isaak would sound like if he had no talent and was from the east coast.
Good Lord, I am not a huge Springsteen fan especially post 70s but that is a bit of a stretch!
Great midlife crisis album.
scraig wrote:
I think you got that backwards, Sparky.
Sure, Chris is OK at aping the sound of other, more talented artists, such as Bruce, but he's no original.
This is what Chris Isaak would sound like if he had no talent and was from the east coast.
I think you got that backwards, Sparky.
Sure, Chris is OK at aping the sound of other, more talented artists, such as Bruce, but he's no original.
scraig wrote:
Says the person who rated "She blinded me with science" a 9. To each his own, I guess.
This is what Chris Isaak would sound like if he had no talent and was from the east coast.
Says the person who rated "She blinded me with science" a 9. To each his own, I guess.
GirlFriday wrote:
there are a lot of musicians...
but only one BOSS...
I just really don't like Bruce Springsteen, man!
there are a lot of musicians...
but only one BOSS...
This is what Chris Isaak would sound like if he had no talent and was from the east coast.
The Boss is rad... Like him or not he is awesome!
I just really don't like Bruce Springsteen, man!
handyrae wrote:
Is that you baby or just a bridge in disguise...
Is that you baby or just a brick in disguise.........
Is that you baby or just a bridge in disguise...
scrubbrush wrote:
makes me think of Neil Diamond
Or (from the same era) Steve Wynn & the Dream Syndicate sans piano...
makes me think of Neil Diamond
Or (from the same era) Steve Wynn & the Dream Syndicate sans piano...
Just shows you that Bill has impeccable taste in music.
I don't understand the hate for this song. I like it. I think the lyrics are nicely done and the tune is catchy. Maybe not the most edgy Springsteen out there, but still enjoyable to me.
Blecchhhhh
This album is so unique for the Boss. I honestly feel its his best work ever. I listen to this one top to bottom far more than is more famous works like Darkness. Its almost a shame it was so commercially successful, which so often is the only reason it draws out the haters.
there are a lot of musicians...
but only one BOSS...
but only one BOSS...
Kitschy pop not worthy of the Boss, or RP.
Is that you baby or just a brick in disguise.........
Have always considered this to be one of his worst hits. Even if infrequent, I'm surprised this is a RP pick.
is it me or does this sound fast?
I like Bruce so much better when he isn't trying so hard.
Two brilliant songs from around the same time. Mistake by Elvis C. and Disguise by Bruce.
Rooney wrote:
If I never heard this song again for the rest of my born days, it'd be okay, ya know?
HazzeSwede wrote:
Neil Presley !
Elvis Dimond
Neil Presley !
Elvis Dimond
scrubbrush wrote:
makes me think of Neil Diamond
Neil Presley !
makes me think of Neil Diamond
Neil Presley !
HazzeSwede wrote:
makes me think of Neil Diamond
Love this one....make's me think of Elvis. Weird.
makes me think of Neil Diamond
Love this one....make's me think of Elvis. Weird.
If I never heard this song again for the rest of my born days, it'd be okay, ya know?
It is always good to hear bruce on RP. Between the sacred ground of the 60's and whatever it is you crazy kids are listening to today is Springsteen territory. Not as forceful as his face of the future of Rock, but, he got older, grew up and wrote about that stuff too. You know, cowboys aren't the only guys with no good floozie girlfriends, bitter divorces and friends that died to young in the cold light of the sun. The Tunnel of Love is dark and you don't know if you'll be the same when you come back out into the light.
And this is where I leave for a few minutes.
This is an overlooked masterpiece. It's Bruce's Blood on the Tracks, for lack of better comparison. I'll put this up against anything he's done.
One of my favorites from The Boss 
joemama wrote:
Absolutely! Anyone who says they've got it figured out is most likely delusional.
Love and life is confusing.
Absolutely! Anyone who says they've got it figured out is most likely delusional.
"God have mercy on the man who doubts what he's sure of." Yes! Thanks Boss.
One of his better pieces.
I'm a huge fan of Bruce's early work, but this, like so much of his later stuff, is pedestrian.
Love and life is confusing.
sorry, folks, I just can't stand this one.
Photo-John wrote:
Totally agree-this song is among his most personal and moving tunes
Got me to log in. I love this song. I love this whole album. It's got a seriously late eighties sound but that doesn't ruin the wonderful song writing. I think Mr Springsteen had gone through a divorce before he made this album and it obviously provided some great emotional material for him to work with. This song and "Tunnel Of Love" are both masterpieces in my book.
Totally agree-this song is among his most personal and moving tunes
Got me to log in. I love this song. I love this whole album. It's got a seriously late eighties sound but that doesn't ruin the wonderful song writing. I think Mr Springsteen had gone through a divorce before he made this album and it obviously provided some great emotional material for him to work with. This song and "Tunnel Of Love" are both masterpieces in my book.
This song doesn't rock,just kind of rolls,,,,love it !
Fantastic- one of Bruce's best songs
It's sacrilege not to listen to it and I just can't help it - I've warn a groove in Hard Lands and it doesn't play anymore now I've reverted to Brilliant Disguise and wearing a groove into that as well... I've always liked Rock but now only listen to Bruce and Patty Smith. Like a painter who goes through stages and eventually paints only the essential.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Not sacrilege; I totally agree. Pretty much every song on "Side 2" (vinyl) was excellent.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Not sacrilege; I totally agree. Pretty much every song on "Side 2" (vinyl) was excellent.
Excellent song from a very strong and somewhat overlooked and under-appreciated album.
coding_to_music wrote:
It Reallly is!
Song title has 3 L's
Brillliant !
Brillliant !
It Reallly is!
Played Stockholm last week,terrible weather,just before the concert began,rain stopped!
After Mr.Lofgren had opened with one Astrid Lindgren song,they played, Who'll stop the rain!
Rest is history, as always when B plays in Sweden!
After Mr.Lofgren had opened with one Astrid Lindgren song,they played, Who'll stop the rain!
Rest is history, as always when B plays in Sweden!
veegez wrote:
On_The_Beach wrote:
Agreed, this is a strong album!
This will be sacrilege to most Bruce fans out there, but this is my favorite album from Springsteen. All of the songs have real feeling to them, stemming from a failed relationship. A real downer of a theme, I know. But he really tells all in this record, and he does it thoughtfully.
On_The_Beach wrote:
Not sacrilege; I totally agree. Pretty much every song on "Side 2" (vinyl) was excellent.
Agreed, this is a strong album!
I have a new appreciation for post-Born to Run Bruce, since I've started hearing it in rotation on RP. I used to be kind of snobby about the first 3 albums, but it turns out his "later" stuff is really quite good - just different.
Lllousy.
veegez wrote:
Not sacrilege; I totally agree. Pretty much every song on "Side 2" (vinyl) was excellent.
This will be sacrilege to most Bruce fans out there, but this is my favorite album from Springsteen. All of the songs have real feeling to them, stemming from a failed relationship. A real downer of a theme, I know. But he really tells all in this record, and he does it thoughtfully.
Not sacrilege; I totally agree. Pretty much every song on "Side 2" (vinyl) was excellent.
snakefinger wrote:
Me too exactly!! He played at my college in '74. I knew the guy who ran the concerts, he was friends with my best friend. Bruce came to a frat party (hippie frat, btw) that was held for him by my friend(ish). So I had the chance to talk to him for a bit before we had any clue... he was very sweet. Of course that's before he became one of the more famous people on the planet. But maybe he's still a sweet guy. Anyway, those first 2 albums were so incredibly great, and after that...
was a huge bruce fan in 70's - saw him live at Liberty Hall in Houston - first 2 albums were art - then the hit machine took over and I lost interest
Me too exactly!! He played at my college in '74. I knew the guy who ran the concerts, he was friends with my best friend. Bruce came to a frat party (hippie frat, btw) that was held for him by my friend(ish). So I had the chance to talk to him for a bit before we had any clue... he was very sweet. Of course that's before he became one of the more famous people on the planet. But maybe he's still a sweet guy. Anyway, those first 2 albums were so incredibly great, and after that...
Ahhhhhh... autobiographical Bruce! He gets my vote. Haters can "honk on Bobo". 
Song title has 3 L's
Brillliant !
Brillliant !
aaaaaagh, make it stop!!!!!!!!!
was never interested!!!
was a huge bruce fan in 70's - saw him live at Liberty Hall in Houston - first 2 albums were art - then the hit machine took over and I lost interest
Being from "Seger" country, Bruce was always an afterthought but a few gems snuck through for me. This is one of them...
Cm
Both on the pantheon of song writers from my generation, but being from the west coast without a horse in the race, no doubt I could relate to the Jersey Shore experience much more than the Motor City madness that was BS.