Grunge: Seattle

by Justin Henderson

Chronicling the intertwined lives of members of core grunge bands, Justin Henderson reveals the origins and inspirations of the grunge music movement. Illustrating the dramatic and emotional tensions that arose between the various players, he describes the collisions between personalities and egos, artists and corporations, suburbs and cities, obscurity and fame. The book is also a unique guide to the key locations in the grunge story, exploring the cafes, apartments, and studios where members of Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, and Alice in Chains practiced and played. A new chapter explores the continuing influence of Grunge on music today.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music, Rock N Roll

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Lynx · Rating 3 out of 5]

While reading this I got the distinct impression that the author really wanted to write a book about the grunge scene, brought what he had to his publisher and was told, "It's ok, but it's been done before, this needs a gimmick to get sales going!" and suddenly it's a guide book to 90's Seattle hotspots. Henderson will get into something interesting and out of the blue it stops and theres a paragraph or two of Clubs long gone. While I'm in no way opposed to a grunge rock guide book it felt like by putting them together, and having the book be so thin, that we're really only getting two halves thrown together. Those who already know the histories of their favourite grunge bands will find no new information here. It's not a terrible read, anything that lets me relive the 90's for a little while is alright with me, but if thats what you are looking for let me suggest you read Entertain Us: The Rise and Fall of Alternative Rock in the Nineties , a much more detailed in-depth look at the grunge/britpop/alternative scene of the 90's.

2.5/5

[Niki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this is a great book for readers who are interested in where the grunge movement in Seattle specifically took place (the bars, clubs, etc.). As someone who grew up in the area and knows it very well, I found it super interesting to learn about the different locations scattered across the city that hold great significance in the rise of grunge music in the 90's. However, for someone not familiar with the Seattle area or the PNW in general, I could see how this book would not be that interesting or informative.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Probably a good book for anyone planning a physical trip to Seattle to see places that influenced the grunge era. For someone that hardcore, I doubt there's any new info here.

As some have stated, the book is really choppy (the chronology is convoluted and much is repeated), and at times poorly edited.

I'd recommend it to anyone that is a) a slow reader, b) only wants a surface understanding of grunge history, or c) is planning a music history trip to the Northwest.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Seattle–Tacoma International Airport when I was waiting to board my flight home. This was my 3rd time in Seattle. The 2nd time I took a Grunge tour, so it makes me happy to read about some places in the book that I had a chance to physically visit.

I love the grassroots perspective on the grunge scene and the early development the scene when it was in its “subcultural” phase. I also like reflection on “the troubled youth” and how they used grunge poetry and sound to express their alienation.

One disapointment tho: The book begins with the author asking “Was there even one African-American on the grunge scene?” - I hoped that by the end of the book he’ll answer that question by confirming that Tina Bell (from the band Bam Bam), often called the 'Godmother of Grunge', was the one. But sadly, the author never mentions her. Such a pitty to miss the opportunity of placing Tina Bell in the book about the history of Settle’s grunge.

[Shane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for music lovers and for those who grew up during the grunge boom.

[Sebastian Ramirez · Rating 3 out of 5]

A guide to go back in time and visit the place where that great music started.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and cursory overview of the main bands, events, and clubs that created the grunge scene from about 1987-1996.

[Hilary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a pretty quick read and had some interesting facts about the grunge era that I didn't know. I bought the book because I am going to Seattle in the near future and wanted to take in some grunge oriented sights. The book is a strange mix of grunge history and tour book - which should work well for this trip, but maybe is why I felt it was a bit scattered or choppy. For that reason, I'm not sure that it would be the book of choice if somebody just wanted to read about the history of grunge. I'll update this review once I'm back from Seattle to let you know how the tour book part worked out....

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A different take on the Grunge story of Seattle. I originally purchased this book because of a review about it mapping out the Seattle Grunge landmarks and being an easy way to navigate the city to visit these places.

It covers the background on Seattle as a city pre grunge, and then gives a snapshot of the music, the musicians and some of the politics of the time.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief look at the birth of Grunge and the places in Seattle for it. Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains. It took me back to that era and taught me stuff I didn't know (mostly before it reached commercial success). But it left me wanting more in depth looks at the songs and the band members.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm only about a third of the way into it, but so far, it's excellent. Includes a brief history of seattle before going into the whole grunge scene, great, quick read so far!

[Cory · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has good content and great stories. The only thing I didn't care for is that it felt a little like a tourist book.