Mitch Cooper - Always On The Horizon -1986
from his self-titled 7" ep on Prismic Records

Charlotte's Mitch Cooper led the area's retro-60's psychedelic revitalization with the release of this e.p. in 1986. Shortly after, he formed "The Inn" and his vision was fully realized. The Inn released three LP's all with the same wonderful 60's-influenced West Coast-styled psychedelic-pop. They went from free-form freakouts to more structured flowing rock pieces. I saw them numerous times at the Milestone and remember a vivid light show, tons of balloons floating all around, and other sorts of visual enticements. From what I understand, they are still together.

Before the Inn, Mitch was the original drummer for Fetchin' Bones. He caused a local stir when he released an unauthorized bootleg of early Fetchin' Bones demos in the late '80's (right as Fetchin' Bones were signing to Capitol Records--and appeared to be on the verge of breaking out). Hope Nichols and Capitol Records threatened legal action, but nothing ever came of it.

Mitch is probably best known for a Todd Rundgren tribute cd he released in 1991 ("For The Love Of Todd") which featured contributions from Peter Holsapple, Mitch Easter, Don Dixon, The Woods, Jamie Hoover, Parthenon Huxley, and Bill Lloyd. He released a follow-up Todd tribute cd in 1995 ("Still There's More").

Fred Mills adds:

Cooper, along with his Inn cohorts, was also responsible for the now-lengendary series of "Psychedelic Psunday" happenings in Charlotte; each concert featured a brace of lysergic locals jamming from early in the afternoon until way into the wee hours of the next morning -- on Sundays, naturally -- in true Fillmore fashion.

Patrick Richardson

Band Members:
Mitch Cooper - all instruments