You know, i got to thinking about your statement while i was making dinner, and it got me to thinking. Yeah, it's unfortunate that I'm not in the position of being able to make that choice, but I feel like it's also unfortunate that he can't make that choice either.

If anyone can find his address or phone number, i'd like to call him up and offer him the opportunity to at least decide.

Now how should I do it?

Maybe like so:

Dear Mr. Brion,
My name is Phil Ajjarapu, and I am a big fan of your work. I'd like to invite you to help me make my solo album. I can't really pay you anything, but you're welcome to any of my instruments after the album is recorded as payment, and I have a few nice vintage pieces, which is a wonder, since I'm a public school music teacher. I pretty much have free access to a 2 inch tape machine at a modest but decently known studio here in austin, along with a good engineer. You can stay in our guest bedroom, and hopefully you don't mind dogs (we've got two friendly mutts, Sadie and Jude). I'd say I'm a pretty good cook, and we'll keep you fed, and in beer/wine/liquor should you choose. I'd also say I'm a pretty good songwriter, and am pretty competent on several instruments. I'd be glad to send you some samples of work if this letter piques your interest, and I think that you'll find that many projects you've been associated with have been a huge influence on me since i was young and first fell in love with melody, harmony, and rock.

Thanks for your time, sorry about the decided lack of money, but i figured i might as well ask and regret the things I do, instead of the things I didn't.

Your fan,
Phil Ajjarapu

dave fridmann recorded quasi in exchange for drywalling his porch

anything's possibly, phildo

I was going to ask him on his myspace, since i used to have him as a friend on my personal page as well as the nasty rumors page. Turns out we have been de-friended, and he no longer accepts friend requests from bands.

Imagine that, years of friendship, just thrown away on a technicality.

Still, if i can figure out how to get this request to him, the offer stands.

start a new myspace without the band?

maybe eventually after i exhaust other options.

Why don't you and tania and billyg just ask him for me, since you're there?

Does anyone know anyone who knows someone who tangentially knows jon brion? Cause that stands a better chance than myspace.

you could just go hang out at the largo pub in LA

The last time i tried that, he cancelled because of tendonitis, back in april of 06. It was the first time he hadn't played that show in who knows how long, and the start of his hiatus, but then he started playing festivals.

Bad juju, i don't want the guy to not be able to play.

well....hmmmm

go forth, find me contact info.

I'll make the call or write the letter myself, but i'm going to try and do it properly before i do it through the internet.

Far better pitch than I can make.

You could probably include a mediafire link or something for one of your ideas just in case he has an "ah why the hell not" kind of moment.

i asked one of the few friends i know who might possibly have a connection of some kind

will keep you posted

Let him stalk me for a change. He can find my myspace.

I'll make it easy on him

myspace.com/philplaysbass
or
myspace.com/thenastyrumors

there you go mr. brion, ball's in your court. Should you care to extend the gauntlet of myspace friendship, I would graciously accept, and let the past remain in the past.

And Kit, you work for apple, find me his info.

dig it, send him a link to this thread to pass on.

Mr. Brion, for proof of my cooking prowess, ask any of fine denizens of this board who have chowed with my wife and I.

You know, I wonder how many that is. Pipe in guys, help my case out here.

Also Mr. Brion, I'm going to do my damnedest to keep this thread on the front page until you check in, or we converse in some other way. And let me tell you, being in four bands, conducting a pit orchestra for a high school musical, being a husband and a dog owner... it's a lot to juggle, but having witnessed you on youtube, I know that you understand all about juggling.

You know, it's a crying shame that I have never seen you live, when no one on this board wants it more than I do. Do a search for yourself, you'll see.

Do we know for sure he's living in L.A.? If so, I might be able to have something for you tomorrow. God, I love working for a newspaper.

My 2 cents; this asshole's not making it any easier by having absolutely no label affiliation whatsoever. I can't even find a publishing company.

Someone from the board needs to hatch a hair-brained scheme to kidnap Jon Brion and bring him to Austin.

That would make me weep with joy. You all think I won't call or write him, but I most certainly will.

Also, Jon... why don't you ask Dave Fridmann if he knows Jon Brion for me? Also, tell Mr. Fridmann I'm a big fan of his work as well, and I'd consider him very strongly as a backup choice.

For rillz.

I've got a freelance story I wanna do where I'd need to go to the San Fernando Valley for a couple days. Phil, road trip?

I think "Meaningless" was shelved by Atlantic Records and then he bought it back... or something like that. Don't know if that helps.

If that's the story I think it is... what's the timeline and how do we convince deena to let me go on THAT one?

You're the one going to the inauguration right? Although I suppose you can't ask Barry any big favors yet, besides, i want him to focus on his job.

I am trying to figure out how to get home...and if I really want to subject myself to it all.

Yeah, since it was self released and I don't have a physical copy to look up publishing info I'm dead ended there.

And I've got no solution for your second question. Maybe just give me your letter and I'll take it to him, R2-D2 style.

just looked for my physical copy, couldn't find it. I've bought it a bunch of times too... then i lend it out.

Dave, go to the inauguration man.