Black Gold: The Very Best of Rotary Connection
About this album
Where they were
When 'Black Gold: The Very Best of Rotary Connection' was released in 2006, Rotary Connection was celebrated for its unique blend of psychedelic soul and pop. This compilation arrived long after the band had disbanded in the early 1970s, serving as a retrospective that highlighted their innovative sound and influence on subsequent artists.
Why it matters
This album is significant for showcasing the eclectic sound of Rotary Connection, which has influenced genres ranging from funk to neo-soul. It received positive critical reception, reinforcing the band's lasting legacy in music history and appealing to new audiences discovering their work decades later.
Essential tracks
- "I Am the Black Gold of the Sun" — This track exemplifies the lush instrumentation and vocal harmonies that define Rotary Connection's sound, blending soulful melodies with a psychedelic vibe.
- "Amen" — A standout for its powerful choral arrangement, 'Amen' showcases the band’s ability to fuse spirituality with soulful expression, making it a defining moment in their catalog.
- "Sunshine of Your Love" — 'Sunshine of Your Love' represents their bold reinterpretation of classic rock, illustrating how they melded different genres into their psychedelic soul framework.
- "Memory Band" — 'Memory Band' captures the essence of nostalgia inherent in their music, combining rich lyrics with an engaging melodic structure that resonates deeply.
Release Date
January 1, 2006
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Magical World 4:24
- 2 Amen 4:03
- 3 Rapid Transit 0:38
- 4 Turn Me On 3:07
- 5 Respect 3:05
- 6 Pink Noise 0:23
- 7 I Am the Black Gold of the Sun 5:50
- 8 A Muse 4:02
- 9 Sunshine of Your Love 5:08
- 10 Sursum Mentes 0:44
- 11 Memory Band 3:22
- 12 Didn't Want to Have to Do It 3:15
- 13 May Our Amens Be True 3:04
- 14 Tales of Brave Ulysses 4:32
- 15 The Sea & She 3:32
- 16 Hey Love 4:11
- 17 Song for Everyman 5:32
- 18 Love Is 5:21
Disc 2
- 1 The Salt of the Earth 4:59
- 2 Love Has Fallen on Me 4:20
- 3 If I Sing My Song 3:41
- 4 The Weight 3:27
- 5 The Burning of the Midnight Lamp 4:41
- 6 Living Alone 2:55
- 7 Love Me Now 2:47
- 8 Want You to Know 3:04
- 9 I Got My Mojo Working 2:35
- 10 This Town 3:27
- 11 We're Going Wrong 3:23
- 12 Life Could... 4:24
- 13 Teach Me How to Fly 3:19
- 14 V.I.P. 3:08
- 15 Let Them Talk 4:25