Thanks so much, Andy! I'm beyond humbled and honored by your kind and generous outpouring! The feeling is more than mutual, be assured. It was a true mini-vacation for me last Monday to finally meet you, and then, Stephan at The Otis! It was right about this time, last Monday, in fact (11am CT, recent time change notwithstanding), that I was preparing myself to make the drive downtown to meet you!
And, it's been fun, this week (and I'll continue this coming week!), to travel vicariously with you to Cancun, through your regular pix of you and Stephan, and the beautiful beachside scenery you post on FB! Have a relaxing week, and safe travels back to London next weekend! Happy spinning, sipping and supping! Always, your appreciative and adoring Texas cowpoke!--B🤠👍🎵💿
Thank you, Brad, for making time for me and Stephan, for your coolness, generosity, graciousness, and above all, for the gift of your friendship, which I will treasure forever.
Cancun is an oasis of sun, beach, peace and quiet… I love London, as you know, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else, but man, sometimes even a proud Londoner needs a break from the hustle and bustle!
Have a great Sunday, and thanks again… for everything!!
PS: Tell everyone I’m taller than I look, please! 😂
PS2: We forgot to have an American cookie! Deffo next time 😉
As Homer would say......."Mmmmmm, American cookiessssss!" As for your height, I've been telling folks that not only is Stephan at least 6'4", but I was also standing on a peach crate in our selfies!😂Until next we meet in person, mon bon ami.....🤗❗
For the record, you and Brad are normal height, someone who shall remain nameless, is just over tall.
As for being hit with a hurricane of emotions, and ruminating about this or that, just remember that some of us have reached the age where our hurricanes are now an occasional Squall. It's not that our emotions are not just as intense, we've just reached the point where we realize tomorrow me can deal with it.
I'm jealous that I was not a fly on the wall listening to the conversations being had. I'm sure the musical knowledge being passed around was epic.
Thank you, Bob! Lol I have a feeling I know who you’re talking about 😂 Incredibly helpful, though, when it comes to reaching the impossibly high shelves of our kitchen 😅😅
So true what you say about the benefit of hindsight and perspective. (S)age is always more than just a number.
Thanks, Bob, for your faithful readership and appreciation, not only for FR&B, but for Andy's Vinyl Room, certainly!
Regarding your last paragraph, Andy and I did briefly discuss, at some point, free-wheeling a voice-over or, at the very least, a podcast of sorts, where we do just what he and I did at the Acre 41 restaurant at The Otis! BTW, I laid down some good ole Texas history on Andy'n'Stephan when I asked if they knew why that restaurant had that name. It's 'cause the adjacent U. of Texas campus was initially built on 40 acres of land, and even now, is frequently referred to by that nickname...."The 40 Acres," hence the winky-winky name, "Acre 41"!😉The locals understand!
Just 2 blokes chattin'! Depending on how it goes (if we, hopefully, get to doing something like a podcast, etc), we may edit it or not....or, offer a shorter, highlight-infused edit, as well as the longer, full-length version....but, of course, all of this is just hopeful blue-skyin' at this point!
But, without you there last Monday, rest assured, Bob....you're plugged in to the two places where vinyl and rock history are.....well, suffice to say, we gotcha covered!!🤠💿😊
I've never been to Austin but have always wanted to go. Several years ago, my wife and I seriously looked into SXSW, but the prices to attend were insane, so we went to New Orleans* instead.
There's so much music history in Austin and that's just Brad! I'm glad the two (three) of you had the opportunity to meet in person. 😎
* PS: New Orleans is also fantastic, btw (with amazing music everywhere)!
Awww this was so amazing Andy!! Obviously I’d known that you’d been to visit Brad because I’d seen it on Notes but it was beautiful to read (and hear) your loving tribute to a new friend for life. Substack has become a place that I’ve found new friends (even if I’ve only met one in real life - you!) and I’ve found it to be a really loving and supportive community of generally like minded individuals. Enjoy your vacation!!
Thank you so much, Mark! I totally agree that the MusicStack has changed our lives in the best possible sense. Considering how much support Brad gave me at a very vulnerable time for me, he’s become like a godfather, wise counsel, guru and a true friend for life.
Meeting you and seeing you regularly has been one of the highlights of last year for me and I look forward to more coffees and getting to know each other more (although you will agree it’s crazy we sit down and talk like we’ve known each other for a lot longer).
Wow, that sounds like an incredible trip—especially capped off with meeting one of the maestros of music writing (and indeed one of the nicest guys) here on Substack! I immediately looked up the hotel, and it’s exactly the kind of boutique spot we love to book. And having a turntable in every room with a vinyl service? What a brilliant touch!
So, if I got that right, it’s (or was) off to Cancún next? Does that mean we can expect some “James Bond emerging from the sea” shots in the next episode? 😁👍
Glad you had such a nice time here in the U.S.! I love that you found a hotel that has turntables in the rooms! Sounds like a great place to stay. Also love your appreciation of Brad Kyle. He truly is one of a kind!
Great post, my brother lives in Austin so I visit often, love the city. That Crosley reminds me of an AirBnB i rented, there was a listening room with over 1000 well cared for vinyl, incredible collection, but the turntable was a briefcase player that sounded truly haunted 🤦
Thank you, Jared! It’s such a cool city, isn’t it? Yeah, I hear you: a bad/cheap turntable is a bummer, but when the music selection is so good, one can forgive *almost* everything 😅
I usually find myself haunting any one of about 3 N. Austin-area Panera Bread joints! That ends up being my caffeine-infused office for writing! Holla whenever, yo!
Everyone should visit Austin at least once, preferably twice but never in summer, unless you're trying to decide whether or not to move there after the first visit bowled you over, and then you most definitely need to visit in summer—because it is so unbelievably hot and that's something you don't get from the travel guide. But that's part of what makes it the way it is, and I think this about all of Texas, the heat makes everything different. Brad grew up in Houston, as did I and I'm not sure how long he's been out Austin way, but I lived there for 20 years and it's calcified in my skeleton. For a music freak™ like you, it's a mandatory stop and I'm glad for you that you went. And yeah, that hospitality...
Thank you, Jamie! I grew up in Latin America so I personally love the heat (although a decade plus living in London has certainly made me less tolerant to it than I used to be).
If I’m not mistaken, Brad moved to Austin in the early 90s but I’ll let him confirm.
I moved to Austin, Jamie, from L.A., in '93, after spending '80 thru '93 in L.A. after moving there from Houston, where (as you say) I was born and raised! As Houston is 50 feet below sea level (Gulf level!), that bowl effect is what gives Houston its stifling humidity. While Austin gets hot, its humidity levels seem to not be quite as high, as our elevation is a tad greater, as we're on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country!
My brother lived in Houston for a while and I visited him there one summer - the humidity physically hit me the second I walked out of the airport! I was wondering if Austin was as bad, so good to know it’s not as bad as Houston lol
In Houston, we used to joke ('cause it was so true!), you'd shower, get dressed, and walk out the door, and before you hit your car, your hair just goes instantly limp!!😂And, while Austin's humidity isn't as high as Houston, generally, the stifling days are just not nearly as numerous!😉
That's pretty good....and, certainly accurate! I always enjoyed the exaggerated visuals of "my" example.....If your hair had any kind of length or volume at all, you could practically WATCH it collapse in the 15 seconds it took to walk to your car!
I think the relentless sweltering August nights in The Bayou City are what helped spawn the word, "miserable"!
We were too busy chatting and enjoying the Otis but my husband did a bats tour in Austin when he was there on business. I don’t know how I would react to be honest. I’m dramatic as f*#k as you can probably tell 😂😂😂😂😂
I'm hoping there'll be an opportunity, Linda, for a time he visits where we can take more of a "proper" Austin-centric tour, like the bats (I've seen them once....pretty cool!), or Torchy's queso (which I just had two hours ago!), a karaoke bar, and maybe Hippie Hollow! https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hippie-hollow I'd love to hear "clothing optional" in a British accent!!😱
Thanks so much, Andy! I'm beyond humbled and honored by your kind and generous outpouring! The feeling is more than mutual, be assured. It was a true mini-vacation for me last Monday to finally meet you, and then, Stephan at The Otis! It was right about this time, last Monday, in fact (11am CT, recent time change notwithstanding), that I was preparing myself to make the drive downtown to meet you!
And, it's been fun, this week (and I'll continue this coming week!), to travel vicariously with you to Cancun, through your regular pix of you and Stephan, and the beautiful beachside scenery you post on FB! Have a relaxing week, and safe travels back to London next weekend! Happy spinning, sipping and supping! Always, your appreciative and adoring Texas cowpoke!--B🤠👍🎵💿
Thank you, Brad, for making time for me and Stephan, for your coolness, generosity, graciousness, and above all, for the gift of your friendship, which I will treasure forever.
Cancun is an oasis of sun, beach, peace and quiet… I love London, as you know, and I can’t imagine living anywhere else, but man, sometimes even a proud Londoner needs a break from the hustle and bustle!
Have a great Sunday, and thanks again… for everything!!
PS: Tell everyone I’m taller than I look, please! 😂
PS2: We forgot to have an American cookie! Deffo next time 😉
As Homer would say......."Mmmmmm, American cookiessssss!" As for your height, I've been telling folks that not only is Stephan at least 6'4", but I was also standing on a peach crate in our selfies!😂Until next we meet in person, mon bon ami.....🤗❗
😂😂😂😂 When I say “Brad will always have my back and I will always have his”, this is, in part, what I mean ♥️♥️
Gotcha covered, bruh!📏💝
Glad you had fun.
For the record, you and Brad are normal height, someone who shall remain nameless, is just over tall.
As for being hit with a hurricane of emotions, and ruminating about this or that, just remember that some of us have reached the age where our hurricanes are now an occasional Squall. It's not that our emotions are not just as intense, we've just reached the point where we realize tomorrow me can deal with it.
I'm jealous that I was not a fly on the wall listening to the conversations being had. I'm sure the musical knowledge being passed around was epic.
Thank you, Bob! Lol I have a feeling I know who you’re talking about 😂 Incredibly helpful, though, when it comes to reaching the impossibly high shelves of our kitchen 😅😅
So true what you say about the benefit of hindsight and perspective. (S)age is always more than just a number.
We had a great time indeed. Join us next time!
Thanks for reading and commenting
Thanks, Bob, for your faithful readership and appreciation, not only for FR&B, but for Andy's Vinyl Room, certainly!
Regarding your last paragraph, Andy and I did briefly discuss, at some point, free-wheeling a voice-over or, at the very least, a podcast of sorts, where we do just what he and I did at the Acre 41 restaurant at The Otis! BTW, I laid down some good ole Texas history on Andy'n'Stephan when I asked if they knew why that restaurant had that name. It's 'cause the adjacent U. of Texas campus was initially built on 40 acres of land, and even now, is frequently referred to by that nickname...."The 40 Acres," hence the winky-winky name, "Acre 41"!😉The locals understand!
Just 2 blokes chattin'! Depending on how it goes (if we, hopefully, get to doing something like a podcast, etc), we may edit it or not....or, offer a shorter, highlight-infused edit, as well as the longer, full-length version....but, of course, all of this is just hopeful blue-skyin' at this point!
But, without you there last Monday, rest assured, Bob....you're plugged in to the two places where vinyl and rock history are.....well, suffice to say, we gotcha covered!!🤠💿😊
I've never been to Austin but have always wanted to go. Several years ago, my wife and I seriously looked into SXSW, but the prices to attend were insane, so we went to New Orleans* instead.
There's so much music history in Austin and that's just Brad! I'm glad the two (three) of you had the opportunity to meet in person. 😎
* PS: New Orleans is also fantastic, btw (with amazing music everywhere)!
Thank you, Michael! I immediately thought of you when I saw how dirty some of those records were 😂 I told Brad you would have had a heart attack.
But it was also good to relax on that front as well.
New Orleans is definitely on my list. I so need to go!
Yes, meeting Brad and spending some time together was a blessing.
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting!
I love all of this! Brad’s the straw that stirs the MusicStack drink! So glad you two were able to connect IRL. 😀
Thank you, Kev! Next time please join us!! 💪🏻
Awww this was so amazing Andy!! Obviously I’d known that you’d been to visit Brad because I’d seen it on Notes but it was beautiful to read (and hear) your loving tribute to a new friend for life. Substack has become a place that I’ve found new friends (even if I’ve only met one in real life - you!) and I’ve found it to be a really loving and supportive community of generally like minded individuals. Enjoy your vacation!!
Thank you so much, Mark! I totally agree that the MusicStack has changed our lives in the best possible sense. Considering how much support Brad gave me at a very vulnerable time for me, he’s become like a godfather, wise counsel, guru and a true friend for life.
Meeting you and seeing you regularly has been one of the highlights of last year for me and I look forward to more coffees and getting to know each other more (although you will agree it’s crazy we sit down and talk like we’ve known each other for a lot longer).
Thanks for reading and commenting!
It’s definitely been great meeting you and getting to know you Andy! I’ll be in London at the end of the month and will reach out
Thank you, and likewise! Cool, looking forward to it!
Wow, that sounds like an incredible trip—especially capped off with meeting one of the maestros of music writing (and indeed one of the nicest guys) here on Substack! I immediately looked up the hotel, and it’s exactly the kind of boutique spot we love to book. And having a turntable in every room with a vinyl service? What a brilliant touch!
So, if I got that right, it’s (or was) off to Cancún next? Does that mean we can expect some “James Bond emerging from the sea” shots in the next episode? 😁👍
Thank you, Pe! Austin was great, on every level, and it’s definitely worth a visit!
Meeting “the” real Brad Kyle in person was an incredible experience. Hit him up if and when you venture to Texan land!
Lol yes indeed — if you check my Insta (andres.ldn.uk) I’m already “competing” with Michael Phelps (in my dreams… lol 😂😂)
Thanks a lot for stopping by!
Glad you had such a nice time here in the U.S.! I love that you found a hotel that has turntables in the rooms! Sounds like a great place to stay. Also love your appreciation of Brad Kyle. He truly is one of a kind!
Thank you, Dan! Always a great time in the US of A, and it was a blast to visit Austin for the first time!
Brad truly is one of a kind, as a writer and as a human being. We’re very lucky to have him!
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting!
Great post, my brother lives in Austin so I visit often, love the city. That Crosley reminds me of an AirBnB i rented, there was a listening room with over 1000 well cared for vinyl, incredible collection, but the turntable was a briefcase player that sounded truly haunted 🤦
Thank you, Jared! It’s such a cool city, isn’t it? Yeah, I hear you: a bad/cheap turntable is a bummer, but when the music selection is so good, one can forgive *almost* everything 😅
Thank you for reading and commenting!
I would love that!
I usually find myself haunting any one of about 3 N. Austin-area Panera Bread joints! That ends up being my caffeine-infused office for writing! Holla whenever, yo!
Gee, next time you visit Austin, Jared, feel free to DM me, and we can arrange getting together!
Everyone should visit Austin at least once, preferably twice but never in summer, unless you're trying to decide whether or not to move there after the first visit bowled you over, and then you most definitely need to visit in summer—because it is so unbelievably hot and that's something you don't get from the travel guide. But that's part of what makes it the way it is, and I think this about all of Texas, the heat makes everything different. Brad grew up in Houston, as did I and I'm not sure how long he's been out Austin way, but I lived there for 20 years and it's calcified in my skeleton. For a music freak™ like you, it's a mandatory stop and I'm glad for you that you went. And yeah, that hospitality...
Thank you, Jamie! I grew up in Latin America so I personally love the heat (although a decade plus living in London has certainly made me less tolerant to it than I used to be).
If I’m not mistaken, Brad moved to Austin in the early 90s but I’ll let him confirm.
The music and hospitality are truly special.
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting!
I moved to Austin, Jamie, from L.A., in '93, after spending '80 thru '93 in L.A. after moving there from Houston, where (as you say) I was born and raised! As Houston is 50 feet below sea level (Gulf level!), that bowl effect is what gives Houston its stifling humidity. While Austin gets hot, its humidity levels seem to not be quite as high, as our elevation is a tad greater, as we're on the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country!
My brother lived in Houston for a while and I visited him there one summer - the humidity physically hit me the second I walked out of the airport! I was wondering if Austin was as bad, so good to know it’s not as bad as Houston lol
In Houston, we used to joke ('cause it was so true!), you'd shower, get dressed, and walk out the door, and before you hit your car, your hair just goes instantly limp!!😂And, while Austin's humidity isn't as high as Houston, generally, the stifling days are just not nearly as numerous!😉
I always tell people summer in Houston is like waking up to someone wrapping you up in a warm wet blanket.
That's pretty good....and, certainly accurate! I always enjoyed the exaggerated visuals of "my" example.....If your hair had any kind of length or volume at all, you could practically WATCH it collapse in the 15 seconds it took to walk to your car!
I think the relentless sweltering August nights in The Bayou City are what helped spawn the word, "miserable"!
Uffff qué buena data hay por acá. Guardadísimo esto para un pendiente como Austin. Muy muy bueno!
Muchas gracias! Me alegra que te haya gustado. Gracias por leer y comentar!
Serviste música, serviste recomendaciones hoteleras, serviste gastronomía, serviste nostalgia... Todo en un post
Muchas gracias!! Me alegra que lo hayas disfrutado. Gracias por leer y comentar 😘😘
How super cool!! All of it!! The hotel sounds amazing- to have a turntable and vinyl!!
And to meet up with Brad Kyle! How epic!
Thank you, Kristin! Yes, a turntable in your room and rental records delivered according to your preferences… pure bliss!
Meeting Brad was incredible and I am so so glad we could make it happen.
Thanks a lot for reading and commenting!
Thank you, Linda! He’s one of a kind isn’t he?
We were too busy chatting and enjoying the Otis but my husband did a bats tour in Austin when he was there on business. I don’t know how I would react to be honest. I’m dramatic as f*#k as you can probably tell 😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks for reading and commenting!
I'm hoping there'll be an opportunity, Linda, for a time he visits where we can take more of a "proper" Austin-centric tour, like the bats (I've seen them once....pretty cool!), or Torchy's queso (which I just had two hours ago!), a karaoke bar, and maybe Hippie Hollow! https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/parks/hippie-hollow I'd love to hear "clothing optional" in a British accent!!😱
🤣🤣🤣 thank you!! I feel less bad now 😊