The Greatest Band That Ever Wasn't

The Story of the Roughest, Toughest, Most Hell-Raising Band to Ever Come Out of the Pacific Northwest, the Screaming Trees

By: Barrett Martin

Narrated by: Barrett Martin

Length: 7 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1992, the Screaming Trees were expected to become the next big band to come out of the Seattle music scene during the heyday of grunge. Except it never happened. It wasn't because the band didn't have great songs—indeed, the Trees were revered for their ability to write a great song that was both artistically original and commercially viable, which is no easy task. Other Seattle bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden were fans of the Screaming Trees, playing shows with them and collaborating on albums, long before their own bands broke through into the mainstream. That kind of success eluded the Screaming Trees, and it seemed as if there were more demons than angels in the band's corner when it came time for the Trees to make their mark. Their songwriting skills, however, remain as their greatest legacy.

Written by Screaming Trees' long-serving drummer, Barrett Martin, The Greatest Band That Ever Wasn't flows like a Greek comedy or tragedy, depending on your viewpoint. Each of the three acts contained in this book features 11 short stories, for a combined total of 33 stories. These tales will make you laugh and perhaps even cry, which is why the saga of the Screaming Trees flows more like a great myth—one that is incredible, at times unbelievable, yet still contains volumes of humor and wisdom.

©2023 Barrett Martin (P)2023 Barrett Martin

Great complement to Lanegan’s memoir

This book is great! For me, it brought a lot of insight to many of Mark Lanegan’s accounts in his memoir, and a different perspective. I love to hear details about a band’s inner circle, and the dynamics of song writing, influeces, etc., and this book offered a lot of that. I love how Barrett tells the stories, and I loved each one. I definitely recommend it if you are a fan of this band!

Positivity and Candidness

Martin provides interesting insight into his experiences. This work provides a positive perspective on The Screaming Trees, and like most, I wish the book was even longer.

The Lighter Side of the Trees

Barrett Martin's telling of the history of the Screaming Trees in The Greatest Band That Ever Wasn't is like the light as opposed to the darkness that was Mark Lanegan's memoir Sing Backwards & Weep - now, that "light" may be lightning amongst all the thunder, but it's still illuminating & beautiful to see. Barrett fully believes in the soul of the band & that comes through in every word - as a huge fan of the band that is heartening. His narration is as of he was just talking to you, normal & connecting. If you're also a fan of Barrett Martin, The Screaming Trees, and/or Mark Lanegan I'm sure there'll be plenty for you to learn & enjoy in this book.

Excellent

An excellent telling of the history of Screaming Trees and Mad Season from Barrett’s time with the groups. Loved getting to know these bands better and then diving back into the music for a fresh perspective after hearing the stories. Thank you for this, Barrett!

The Light Side of The Screaming Trees Story

If "Sing Backwards and Weep" was Lanegans dark retelling of his time with The Trees and his life, then Martin's story was the light side, the perfect balance.

Barrett told his stories with great emotive passion, even hearing his giddy, happy, verge of laughing sense of telling that made me crack smiles and laugh, too.

Martin had a sense of self reflection of not only his experiences, but his feelings during that time period. You could hear joy in his voice in many parts, also sadness upon speaking of the dark times, the downside of their career together, and of course, the passing of Lanegan and Van Conner.

The part that still has me laughing was, the fact I was walking in Walmart with my earbuds in and listening, when he said "let me repeat this for you. Mark Lanegan said that "I" had a drinking problem " I laughed ao loud and hard that other people just have thought I was crazy.

I have been waiting for this to pop up on Audible for awhile now, as I'm a major fan of The Trees, and I'm glad it is finally here. It makes me sad to know that two members are gone, but we still have Martin to tell the stories, and ti continue to make great music.

Thank you for this wonderful book, and for the great way it was written and told, for yourself, snd for us, the fans. If you're a fan of thr Trees, Martin, 90s Alt music, this is definitely for you.

Great storytelling. Great band. Great guys.

Barrett did a wonderful job giving homage to his friends and bands. The Screaming Trees had Great songs and his explanation of how and why they weren't bigger was very clear and interesting. I love his view on all things in life and this book gives a plethora of reasons for why things happen for a reason or how one moment can shape your life. Best of all, at the end, he describes what a good song is and I believe in this fully. Listen to the lyrics. Feel the story and emotion behind them. That's a great song. I may include...add some amazing musicians and it's beauty. Thank you Barrett for reading me your story. I loved it.