Carl Perkins was one of the brightest, friendliest lights in rock and roll. Being a Beatles fan, I got sucked into his orbit when the HBO special (now out on DVD!) aired with guests Ringo and George. Ever since that night I've been a huge fan of Carl. Saw him live once in Philly a few years before his death. Anyhoo, a few years ago he released a CD, "Go Cat Go"The album mostly features him doing duets with rock and roll luminaries: John Fogerty, Ringo, George, Paul Simon - and Tom Petty. There are even Carl-less tracks of Lennon and Hendrix each doing "Blue Suede Shoes" (Hendrix at some point changes the lyrics to "You can steal my mantra...")But the highlight of the CD for me are two new songs he does with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Here's "Restless":And, as a bonus, from the aforementioned HBO special, Carl, George Harrison, Dave Edmunds and others doing "True Love" live.Ain't it funny how Carl, going bald in the 50s, managed to grow such a mane late in life? ;-)
ivylander says
Yeah, when Carl says he's wearing a shag, he means it in a different way. Seriously, butt-stompin' song. Thanks for the wake-up call, DM.
soulrocket says
i have seen that video before, good one. but its the first time i see the cd. one for completists.
i noticed the fat rat sleeping on carl perkins’s head too, heh.
waydutch says
Carl says it best at the end with his, "Wooha, that there’s good, man can you all play"
and he's obviously having a blast in that video clip
Marigold says
no prob. This post reminded me that I have been wanting to get some CP. Ever since I heard him singing on the Cash - Unearthed box set I been wanting to check him out further. Your post was the ding ding ding ding reminder bell for me. thanks.
Jonh Ingham says
The whole 'concert' is fabulous. Tom is a bit of a slut when it comes to these pairings with his heroes (after all, he did a whole tour with Dylan, not to mention The Wilburys), but George Harrison is definitely a recluse in this department. There are moments when Carl is really rocking out and George is running right behind him where George looks in total bliss. Always good to be reminded of Carl Perkins - those who don't know him should check out 'Matchbox' and 'Honey don't' - both covered by The Beatles (for good reasons).
scotfree says
This is great D. I ran across this CD 'cause I have one by a rockabilly band named Go Man Go and thought I'd like to hear it. That was a few weeks back. Now, here you are. Love the stereo seperation in restless and, as Waydutch notes, the sincere comments Carl makes at the fade. Hairplugs are rockin'!
deadmandeadman says
Great Post, Mark. Your enthusiasm is well founded. The cd is great, the DVD is just so cool! To see Clapton and Harrison and and the rest sitting their at the guru's feet is to understand the influence this man had on the gods. As a man, as a guitarist, as an entertainer, Carl Perkins was tasteful, inventive and generous.
Thanks for this.
mousetrap says
Oooh, nice one, dermahrk. Yep, Carl Perkins should've gotten way more attention over the course of his career - even for just his songwriting alone.
And speaking of people who deserve more attention, how about Dave Edmunds? A monster talent, in my opinion, and a triple threat with his supple voice, nonstop guitar twang and solid songwriting. Can you say "Rockpile?"
deadmandeadman says
Good call, moustrap. Dave Edmunds is indeed that triple threat and a damn good showman himself. And like his mentor, Dave likes to let other's lights shine in concert, very generous in that regard.
FastRMacR says
Perhaps something to do with _lending combs_ over the years?!
OMG this post just rocked my day - fantasticX100!!
That man's laugh is infectiously endearing - I most certainly share the sentiments he does at the end of that GREAT tune (plays 43,44,45,46..)... (buys as writing this)!
Thanks so much dermahrk (I knew I couldn't wait for this post)! _Incredible_ watching George in this clip - like a gushing kid fresh from the Cavern - solid fretwork! As said before the DVD is in queue - now I'm off onto a Dave Edmunds binge as well.
"Wooooah that felt GOOD!"
Carl Perkins was one of the brightest, friendliest lights in rock and roll. Being a Beatles fan, I got sucked into his orbit when the HBO special (now out on DVD!) aired with guests Ringo and George. Ever since that night I've been a huge fan of Carl. Saw him live once in Philly a few years before his death. Anyhoo, a few years ago he released a CD, "Go Cat Go"
The album mostly features him doing duets with rock and roll luminaries: John Fogerty, Ringo, George, Paul Simon - and Tom Petty. There are even Carl-less tracks of Lennon and Hendrix each doing "Blue Suede Shoes" (Hendrix at some point changes the lyrics to "You can steal my mantra...")But the highlight of the CD for me are two new songs he does with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Here's "Restless":And, as a bonus, from the aforementioned HBO special, Carl, George Harrison, Dave Edmunds and others doing "True Love" live.Ain't it funny how Carl, going bald in the 50s, managed to grow such a mane late in life? ;-)
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