Album Notes

Born in Texas and exiled to California, Means creates a darkly intriguing sound that he describes as Gothic Americana. The music incorporates many styles with lyrical references ranging from Homer to Hieronymus Bosch to Edward Albee. Influences of the southern writers Flannery O'Connor, Harry Crews and the hard edged pulp of Jim Thompson also resinate throughout his work.

Means is the new solo project of Craig Means, former singer, guitarist, and song writer for the S.F bands Sterno Sound, Kiss Tackle, and Ruby Deluxe.

"I got my socks knocked off by singer Craig Means, who has this incredible Johnny Cash/Nick Cave voice", wrote Beth Lisick of the S.F. Gate/Chronicle. L.A.'s Music Connection Magazine described Means as "a cross between Stipe and Elvis." Greg Heller of Bam Magazine said Means displays "some of the best lead guitar work I've heard in a long time," while Ron Curran of the S.F. Bay Guardian and L.A. Weekly wrote, "Means songs are just the right mojo of tight and raw."

Means' understated yet powerful themes are highlighted on Damaged Pop, the new 8 song CD featuring a first person narrative of a stalker in Hollywood Stalk Market and a stark account of addiction in Devil Down Off the Shelf. As summed up by Sara Laeh of Bang! Magazine, "Travelling this unique southern gothic landscape will leave you with a feeling of dark elation - both romanced and violated...essential."