The Prime Movers

The Prime Movers were a rock band from The Sierra Madre, CA area known for its post-punk ethereal sound and lyrics evocative of the New West. With titles like "On The Trail," "Last Cafe" and "Dark Western Night," The Prime Movers found themselves in the middle of a psychedelic revival in Los Angeles in the mid-1980s along with other bands such as Dream Syndicate, The Long Ryders, Rain Parade, Thin White Rope and Green On Red. Island Records signed The Prime Movers and released a five-song EP (Prime Movers) and two singles, "On The Trail" and "Dark Western Night." A song from the EP, "Strong As I Am" was selected by film-maker Michael Mann to be the featured song in his movie, Manhunter. The song was included on the Manhunter soundtrack LP as well as being released as the A-side of a single on MCA Records. The band broke up in 1988 and the three main members, Severs Ramsey, Gary Putman and Curt Lichter morphed into Dread Zeppelin.