Soul Asylum - Black Gold

What this video is

Released January 1993 as the second single from 'Grave Dancers Union' on Columbia Records, 'Black Gold' arrived at the zenith of the alternative rock crossover moment. Written by Dave Pirner, the song's lyrical ambiguity — readable as geopolitical commentary on oil-driven conflict or as personal power-struggle metaphor — exemplifies the era's taste for politically suggestive rock. The video's working-class…

Why it matters

Represents the commercially ascendant phase of Minneapolis alternative rock, bridging the band's indie Twin/Tone and A&M years with major-label Columbia success. Sits alongside 'Somebody to Shove' and 'Runaway Train' as the triptych that defined Soul Asylum's mainstream visibility. Charted top-10…

The director

David Roth is a Minnesota-based filmmaker specializing in Twin Cities music culture and social issues. His music video credits include Soul Asylum's 'Black Gold' (1993) and 'Artificial Heart' (1988), and Babes In Toyland's 'Won't Tell' (1992). He also…