The Greatest Band That Ever Wasn't

Written by Barrett Martin

Narrated by 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 reads 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 reads more like a great myth-one that is incredible, at times unbelievable, yet still contains volumes of humor and wisdom.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sunyata Books
• Release date: Nov 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9798823492140

Barrett Martin

Barrett Martin is a Grammy-winning producerwho recorded and toured with the Screaming Trees for over a decade. He holds a master's degree in ethnomusicology and linguistics and has written four books about music and culture around the world, as well as several short stories that have been published in magazines and as album liner notes. His work as a producer, drummer, percussionist, and composer can be heard on over 150 albums, including several film and television soundtracks. His ethnomusicology work has taken him to six continents and numerous countries, winning Latin Grammys and writing awards along the way. When he's not traveling, he lives in Olympia, Washington with his wife, Dr. Lisette Garcia, where they oversee a recording studio and a music and film production company.