Love Tractor
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | April 1980 |
| Founder | Mark Cline, Mike Richmond, Armistead Wellford |
| Headquarters | Athens, Georgia , United States |
| Products | Albums, singles |
Love Tractor is an alternative rock group originating from Athens, Georgia, established in the spring of 1980 by guitarists Mark Cline and Mike Richmond alongside bassist Armistead Wellford, all of whom were students at the University of Georgia. Along with bands such as The B-52's, Pylon, and R.E.M., Love Tractor is acknowledged as a foundational influence in the Athens alternative rock movement. The band embarked on extensive tours and produced six albums that received critical acclaim, frequently leading college and alternative music charts, known especially for their instrumental rock sound.
After a period of inactivity, Love Tractor re-emerged in the late 1990s, releasing The Sky At Night in 2001 before entering a hiatus in 2002. They regrouped in the mid-2000s with a refreshed lineup and went on to produce three further albums.
In 2016, original members Wellford and Cline collaborated with Bill Berry and multi-instrumentalist Douglas Stanley (from The Glands) to release the instrumental track "A Trip To the Museum," marking a return to their instrumental origins. On August 13, 2016, all founding members reunited for a live show at Athens Popfest held at the Georgia Theatre. The performance featured additional musicians including guitarists Bryan Poole (Elf Power, Casper & the Cookies) and Jay Gonzalez (Drive-By Truckers), drummer Joe Rowe (The Glands, Casper & the Cookies, Pylon Reenactment Society), and synthesist Kevin Dunn (The Fans). This expanded ensemble continues to perform live while reissuing their discography on vinyl along with previously unreleased tracks and new compositions.
History
Love Tractor was formed in April 1980 by University of Georgia students Mark Cline, Mike Richmond, and Armistead Wellford. Initially, the band utilized a drum machine before drummers Kit Swartz (formerly of The Side Effects) and future R.E.M. drummer Bill Berry alternated on percussion duties. In 1983, Andrew Carter joined as the full-time drummer, later succeeded by John Poe from Guadalcanal Diary. Producer and keyboardist Alfredo Villar (of The Fans) contributed to their first two records. The band’s early work was predominantly instrumental, with minimal vocals introduced by Richmond beginning on their second album, Around the Bend.
In 1981, they signed with DB Records and released their self-titled debut album produced by Bruce Baxter (Pylon) and Villar. Their 1983 album Around the Bend drew critical acclaim; during its supporting tour, The New York Times highlighted their advancing instrumental approach.
After two albums and a college radio chart-topping cover of Kraftwerk’s "Neon Lights" featured on the 1984 EP "Till The Cows Come Home," they signed with Big Time/RCA and issued This Ain't No Outerspace Ship in 1987. Following 1989’s Themes from Venus, produced by Mitch Easter, the band entered a semi-hiatus phase. Wellford later became part of Gutterball. Touring activities ceased in 1992; however, songwriting efforts persisted among Cline, Richmond, and Wellford.
The group reassembled as an active performing unit in 1996 and recorded The Sky at Night (2001) under Razor & Tie. In 2005, they released Black Hole via Fundamental Records featuring a largely revamped lineup led by Mike Richmond; this record incorporated progressive rock elements inspired by King Crimson and Yes. Further releases included Green Winter (2006) and the holiday-themed Before and After Christmas, which contained a Pink Floyd cover.
As of early 2024, Love Tractor is engaged in reissuing their earlier works on vinyl while preparing for a new album expected in 2023.
Discography
- Love Tractor (1982) released by DB Records
- Around the Bend (1983) under DB Records – reached US CMJ chart position #32
- Till the Cows Come Home (1984) issued by DB Records – peaked at US CMJ #11
- Wheel of Pleasure (1984) distributed by DB/Press London
- This Ain't No Outer Space Ship (1987) through Big Time RCA Records
- "Party Train" single (1989) Big Time RCA Records
- "Athens Georgia Inside/Out" Soundtrack (1988) released via IRS Records
- Themes from Venus (1988) on DB Records – attained US CMJ #26
- The Sky at Night (2001) published by Razor & Tie – charted at US CMJ #144
- Black Hole (2005) via Fundamental Records
- Green Winter (2006) issued by Fundamental Records
- Before and After Christmas (2006) released through Fundamental Records
- A Trip to the Museum (2016) single on Cosmic Media
- Love Tractor 1880 to 1920 + 200 single released by HHBTM Records (2020)