Along with luminaries R.E.M. and The B-52's, Love Tractor helped establish Athens Georgia as a mecca of alternative music in the '80s.
The band's earliest material was instrumental, if for no other reason than that they could not afford a PA system. This approach set them apart from other acts on the crowded scene, and helped win them a deal with DB Records.
By 1983, leader and front man Mike Richmond was taking the occasional stab at singing. In 1984 they released the acclaimed EP 'Til the Cows Come Home ' . The band resurfaced again in 1987 with This Ain't No Outerspace Ship, a full vocal exercise on RCA records which also found the group tackling a cover of the Gap Band's "Party Train."
The quartet enlisted Mitch Easter to produce 1989's Themes From Venus, which, while comprised largely of vocal tracks, did contain the instrumental "Nova Express," effectively bringing the Love Tractor story full circle. In 1991 the group took a break from the music business. They reformed periodically, and began writing and performing new material for a projected album.
During their hiatus, Richmond studied art history. After several failed attempts at completing their "comeback" album, Love Tractor returned in 2001 with The Sky at Night, then broke up again shortly after.
Love Tractor returned agian , in 2005, right where they left off with the albums Black Hole, Green Winter and Before and After Christmas - All with great Mike Richmond songs and an incredible new lineup of seasoned professionals. They continue to keep their trademark creative edge alive with the soon to be released album WHITE MOUNTAIN.
Live at the Georgia Theater, Athfest 2006
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"Spin Your Partner" from Around the Bend 1983
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