Photos By Brooke and Jacob Striewski

Things heated up at the Bandshell in Daytona Beach this past Saturday, May 6 for the Summer Throwback Bash featuring Taylor Dayne, Tiffany, and Freedom Williams of C+C Music Factory (I realize as I type this, these are mostly all artists I remember my older sisters listening to while growing up, and not so much my own – I was more the Iron Maiden type back then).

Upon arrival (fashionably late as usual, of course) local cover artists Are Friends Electric were well into their set already, and within moments they were having technical difficulties with their mics. After having a laugh or two at its expense, the issue was resolved, and the band was able to resume churning out more hits like “Love Shack” before bowing out and stepping aside for the rest of the acts.

Nineties rapper Freedom Williams, best remembered for his time fronting dance hit makers C+C Music Factory, was up next. He wasted no time as he and co-lead vocalist (whose name I want to say was Smooth Jenny?) ran straight through the hits; “Here We Go (Let’s Rock n’ Roll),” “Things That Make You Go Hmm…,” and of course “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” all made their way into the set.

I have long since flown the flag for ’80s pop sensation Tiffany, and I’ve said before and I’ll say it again; her lesser-known, more recent material is far more interesting than the hits she’s remembered for most. And while I’ve seen her live twice before, I was looking forward to hearing her with a full live band this time instead of acoustic (guitarist Mark Alberici was once again by her side, as well as former and current L.A. Guns members Johnny Martin and Scot Coogan).

After opening with “Keep on Swinging,” she launched into the title track of her latest album, “Shadows,” no doubt one of her best songs in recent memory. A couple more new tracks in the form of “Cried For the Last Time” and the ballad “You’re My Everything” followed before going through a trio of her most well-known hits in the form of “I Saw Him Standing There,” “Could’ve Been,” and of course, “I Think We’re Alone Now.”

And lastly, headliner Taylor Dayne – another female artist I can clearly remember salivating over on my big sisters’ LP covers – closed out the evening. “Prove Your Love” and “With Every Beat of My Heart” initially paved way for bigger hits like “Don’t Rush Me,” “Heart of Stone,” and “I’ll Always Love You.”

More than once Ms. Dayne gave a little back story on some songs before performing them, including with “I’ll Be Your Shelter,” “Love Will Lead You Back,” Can’t Get Enough of Your Love,” and of course, “Tell It to My Heart.” While these songs might not have been my cup of tea per se at the time of their original releases, it’s no doubt easier for me to appreciate them now all these years later as a father and husband (especially with my beautiful bride by my side; it turned out to be yet another one of our many adventures together).

Album Review: Tiffany – Shadows (Deko Music)

By: Jesse Striewski

I never expected to be reviewing a “new” Tiffany album here in 2022, but alas, here we are. And what’s more surprising, her latest effort, Shadows, is actually pretty damn good. Forever known best for her 1987 hit cover of “I Think We’re Alone Now,” Tiffany sets out to prove she can be more than just an ’80s pop princess. In fact, Shadows closely resembles the New Wave sounds of the Go-Go’s more than what one would expect from a Tiffany record. But as previously noted, it works.

“Hey Baby” and “I Like the Rain” start things off with plenty of adrenaline, while “Cried For the Last Time” brings listeners back down to Earth, with guitar riffs akin to something one might expect from a Replacements or Cult record. There’s slower numbers that could be classified as ballads, with “I Love You” being the most effective. And then there’s the title track, an infectious little number deserving of radio play it will sadly never receive, and clearly the most well-crafted song on the entire album.

Are there some forgettable sleepers among the more memorable ones? No doubt about it (“Always in My Head” comes to mind as the most generic-sounding). But I’ve actually had the chance to see Tiffany live in concert a couple of times (and even met her on one of those occasions), and should there be a third time, I’d be more than happy to hear a few of the previously-mentioned tracks thrown in her set list; open your mind, and it’s not difficult to understand why.

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Tiffany at Dexter’s in Lake Mary, FL on 3/27/21 Words By Jesse Striewski/Photos By Brooke Striewski

The last time Rewind It Magazine caught up with ’80s pop sensation Tiffany was just a few short months back last, when she played Buster’s Bistro in Sanford last November. While that show was no doubt a fun night for all those there, Tiffany seemed much more in her element at Dexter’s in Lake Mary, where she performed a longer, and much more interactive set with fans than said last show.

Local musician Rob C (or possibly “Z” – my apologies for not getting a concrete name!) started off the evening with a number of cover tunes that spanned multiple decades. Everything from ’80s staples such as “Karma Chameleon,” “Faith,” “I’ll Be Watching You,” “Shout,” “Blister in the Sun,” and “All Night Long” were included along with older and contemporary classics like “Three Little Birds,” “Proud Mary,” “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” “Sex on Fire,” “Say it Ain’t So,” and “Under the Bridge.” By the time Rob had finished his set, the crowd was more than primed for the slightly tardy Tiffany (who, after arriving, explained the power had gone out where she is currently staying).

Despite the late start, Tiffany (once again joined by guitarist Mark Alberici) more than made up for it. After a short Q&A with the audience, and plugging several of her other endeavors that ranged from cooking, mixed drinks, to skin care products, she opened with a new track from her upcoming studio album, Shadows, titled “Hey Baby.” A couple of tracks from her 1987 debut album, including “Spanish Eyes” and the hit “I Saw Him Standing There,” followed before unleashing another semi-new track in the form of “Pieces of Me.”

The Billboard number one hit single “Could’ve Been” followed before a slew of other admirable newer tracks, including “Storm,” “King of Lies,” “Starting Over,” and “Waste of Time” (the latter of which included a small mishap that saw Tiffany briefly singing the lyrics to “King of Lies” again, causing the duo to briefly stop and even laugh at themselves for a minute).

And finally, Tiffany brought down the house once again with her biggest hit to date, “I Think We’re Alone Now,” which even saw her rising from her seat and dancing along with numerous members of the elated audience. But surprisingly, they didn’t stop there, unleashing a rollicking version of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” before finally calling it a night.

Even if you’re not a huge Tiffany fan (which I never claimed to be by any means), it’s still easy to enjoy one of her shows. There’s a sense of familiarity while watching her live, like catching up with an old friend. If the chance to watch her perform ever presents itself, I highly recommend giving it a try.

The Beautiful Bastards at The Alley in Sanford, FL on 11/28/20 Words By Jesse Striewski/Photos By Brooke Striewski

The third and final show Rewind It Magazine made an appearance for this past Saturday, November 28, was none other than local cover act, The Beautiful Bastards. It was the only fitting ending to an already epic evening in Sanford that began with a Tiffany show at Buster’s Bistro in downtown, was bridged by an outdoor concert from The Original Wailers at Executive Cigar, before finally finishing things up at The Alley.

As some of you may recall, we have covered shows from The Beautiful Bastards in the past, as well as even interviewed drummer Timothy DiDuro (formerly of Skid Row/Slaughter/the Vince Neil band) earlier this year. On this particular night, the band – which is of course rounded out by the talents of vocalist/bassist Rick Navarro (formerly of the Pat Travers Band) and guitarist Dean Aicher (formerly of ex-Bad Company singer Brian Howe’s solo band), were once again firing on all cylinders.

Upon arrival, the boys were just closing out their first set with a cover of the Queens of Stone Ages’ “No One Knows” before taking a breather. We were able to briefly catch up with a couple of the guys (Tim and Rick) from the band during the intermission, and they both seemed as pumped up as ever to be out playing live again during these strange times. But the absolute icing on the cake came just minutes after when, my wife/photographer, Brooke, pointed out that none other than Tiffany herself was in the bar as well – and seated right behind us! It was an absolute thrill to finally meet her, and for the night to come full circle in such a way.

After the excitement, the band returned to the stage with a mammoth version of Led Zepplin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” before launching into a fury of classic rock numbers that also included Pink Floyd’s “Have a Cigar,” The Who’s Behind Blue Eyes,” Alice in Chains’ “Nutshell,” The Beatles’ “Helter Skeltor,” “I Saw Her Standing There,” and “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer,” The Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go,” and Violent Femmes’ “Blister in the Sun,” before finally ending things with a raucous version of Wild Cherry’s “Play That Funky Music.”

After eight months since last covering a live event (which was Overkill at the House of Blues in Orlando last March), Saturday’s trio of shows was a much-needed jolt back into the music scene that was without a doubt one for the books. And if you haven’t already caught the ‘Bastards live for yourselves, be sure to check the band’s FB/social media sites for show dates near you!

The Original Wailers at Executive Cigar in Sanford, FL on 11/28/20 Words By Jesse Striewski/Photos By Brooke Striewski

This past Saturday, November 28, was one of those rare nights full of unpredictable moments and chance encounters. Eight months since Rewind It Magazine covered our last live event (before the world was stopped in its tracks by the pandemic), we were able to amazingly cover three shows in one single night, with reggae legends The Original Wailers sandwiched in the middle.

Along with my wife/photographer Brooke and a close friend (Kurt), I was already in downtown Sanford watching ’80s bombshell Tiffany play when someone mentioned The Original Wailers were also playing nearby for the one year anniversary show at Executive Cigar. I knew I could not pass up the chance to see the band behind such classics as “Could You Be Loved,” “Three Little Birds,” and of course, “No Woman, No Cry,” live (my beloved dog of 15 years, Kaya, was even named after a Bob Marley and the Wailers song). So the minute Tiffany finished her set, we were on our way to catch them play.

The second we arrived, we could instantly hear the chords to the classic Marley/Tosh penned-anthem, “Get Up, Stand Up,” and I knew we had made the right choice to make the short trek to see them. The crowd danced and sang along with joy as they continued with “Buffalo Soldier” before closing the night out with “Exodus.” Immediately after their set, we were even able to briefly meet and converse with frontman Chet Samuel, who seemed ecstatic to be there.

Although their name might be slightly confusing to some (guitarist Al Anderson is actually the only member from Bob Marley and the Wailers here, with his association with them going as far back as 1974), it is still no doubt a thrill hearing these songs, which are nearly as embedded in our minds and culture as the music of The Beatles or The Rolling Stones, performed live in some capacity; catch them for yourselves if you’re ever given the chance.

Rewind It Mag’s Jesse Striewski (left) and friend Kurt Potter with Original Wailers frontman Chet Samuel after the show.

Tiffany at Buster’s Bistro in Sanford, FL on 11/28/20 Words By Jesse Striewski/Photos By Brooke Striewski

I was honestly not expecting to write another show review for the remainder of 2020, let alone actually go see not one, not even two, but THREE live shows in one night. But that’s exactly what happened this past Saturday, November 28 in Sanford, FL, starting with the lovely ’80s pop princess, Tiffany.

While she will always be known for her perfection of the ’80s mall tour, a Tiffany show in 2020 looks slightly different than it would have in say, 1987 or 88. Armed with only a microphone and her guitarist, Mark Alberici, by her side on the acoustic, Tiffany’s set was perhaps more akin to a mid-’90s Alanis Morissette set than would be expected from a former ’80s darling. Tracks like “Waste of Time,” “Beautiful,” and “King of Lies” were all actually quite well written and eye-opening, though unfortunately largely ignored by the rest of the crowd at Buster’s Bistro, who it was apparent had only come to drink and hear one song.

Of course, when Tiffany closed out the night with what will always remain her most well-known hit, 1987’s “I Think We’re Alone Now,” the place went wild, with dancing and sing-a-longs as far as the eye could see in every direction. It was a surreal, fun moment for everyone, though the crowd could’ve maintained the same respect throughout the duration of her entire set (though I know that would be asking too much from most people these days).

As previously noted, our evening did not end there; after leaving Buster’s Bistro, we were able to catch both The Original Wailers, and The Beautiful Bastards, who were also playing shows that very same night, all within walking distance from each other (and of course, more reviews will be coming shortly for those as well!). But our time with Tiffany was not over yet; while sitting inside watching the last band of the night play, I turned around to see none other than Tiffany herself sitting behind me watching the show! It was as surreal a moment as ever, getting to briefly meet this pop star, who I can specifically remember looking at on the cover of my older sister’s cassette tape and crushing on when I was just a kid. Thank you for one incredibly unforgettable night, Tiffany.

You can also catch Tiffany live again this week from December 2-4 at the Beach Front Grille in Flagler Beach.