In Summer of 2008 things looked to be winding down musically for Joseph Brown. After leaving the popular Northern Bay Area band Blaming Johnny, he returned to the Eastern Bay Area to pursue alternative interests and for a time, put down the bass guitar he had been known for playing.

But old habits die hard, it was only a matter of time before Joseph was back to writing and working on new music; this time, opting for the acoustic guitar and his own voice to provide the mood and melodies.

What has come out and continues to be developed from the project known as "Mean Raccoon" can be described as a mix of smart Songwriting, Rock, Blues, Jazz, pop and even the occasional Ragtime influence. This mixed with Brown's more loose and fun stage presence and his penchant for covering unconventional songs(e.g. Nu-Metal Act Korn's "Freak On a Leash") has given birth to a singer-songwriter who, while not fitting the typical mold expected of those in the genre, has found and looks to continue his success within the Bay Area.