Pearl Jam's "Yield" Album Based On Ishmael by Daniel Quinn
Pearl
Jam, the multi-platinum Grammy-winning Seattle band, can be listed among
the most famous of those inspired by Daniel Quinn's novel, Ishmael. Countless readers have found
their way to Ishmael through Eddie Vedder and the gang via their 1998 release,
"Yield". Not only did Pearl Jam base many of "Yield"'s concepts on Ishmael, but
they also held a contest for their fan club in which members were asked to
create a work of art displaying what Ishmael meant to them. The band said in their
fan club letter, "This book was passed around during the last recording
session, and we pass it on to you... You could almost go as far as saying that
the liner notes to the record are in there."
The song
Do The Evolution is the most obviously influenced by Ishmael, but subtle
references and allusions can be found throughout the record. According to
Vedder, the title refers to the necessity for humans to yield to nature.
Listen to clips of "Yield" at the band's Sony Website, which includes a
link to the video for Do The Evolution. The video was a collaboration between
the band and Spawn animator Todd McFarlane, and is heavily influenced by
Ishmael.
Read Daniel Quinn's comments on the Pearl Jam album and
get a Pearl Jam fan's comments on the connection between the band and
Daniel Quinn.
Learn More About Ishmael By Daniel Quinn
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