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

De: Barrett Martin

Narrado por: Barrett Martin

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

The arc of the story

Very enjoyable. Thought it would just be a “rock band” story. It was so much more. Heartbreaking, exciting, a life love story and reminds me of the arc of my own life, having seen my first rock band in 1970….and it continues to this day.

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.

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!

Misleading Title

The book was very ok. I feel that the title was very misleading. I understood it to be a history of a band I was not very familiar with. Instead, it was a bunch of random stories. I almost stopped listening at the beginning, but it endes up getting better and gave a somewhat historical telling of the band. The author is the narrator. I gave it three stars because it was average. he probably shouldn't be reading his own books, but it wasn't terrible either

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.