The Saint

Issue date: 3/5/10 Section: Opinion

Pearl Jam had just finished their 2006 world tour when actor Sean Penn approached lead singer Eddie Vedder.

Penn told his longtime friend Vedder to read the book "Into the Wild," because he wanted Vedder to write the soundtrack for his upcoming film adaption of the book. A skeptical Vedder read the work and immediately fell in love with it, instantly identifying with the book's rebel spirit.

"Into the Wild" tells the true story of Chris McCandless, a 22-year-old man who became disillusioned with empty American materialism and set off on a series of adventures with almost no possessions.

The Emory University graduate gave away all of his money and began hitchhiking around the western United States, eventually walking into the Alaskan wilderness.

McCandless survived in the bush for over three months before finally succumbing to elements for which he was ill-prepared. He died of starvation at the age of 24.

McCandless' story of courageous idealism inspired author John Krakauer to write his bestselling book, "Into the Wild," and Penn's film adaption was released in late 2007.

Vedder's soundtrack is built around the plot of the book, with multiple musical interludes and lyrics that correspond with McCandless' perceived emotions.

The album achieves a lonesome, wild sound throughout the 12-song record, his trademark baritone voice rising above a musical landscape of acoustic instruments, giving a sharp contrast to the raw grunge rock of Pearl Jam.

Ten of the songs were written by Vedder with two covers included.

Standouts include "Rise," an adventurous, optimistic song that highlights McCandless' intense hope, as well as "Guaranteed," the softly sung album finale that won Vedder a Golden Globe

Eddie Vedder cemented his rock-legend status with the release of "Into the Wild." He perfectly captures the spirit of Chris McCandless' tragic tale, and in doing so creates a beautiful folk album that is a pleasure to listen to.

What the Students Say:

"Vedder's music is so minimal, yet he is able to create something powerful."
-James Hunter, freshman psychology major

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