ran the and labels out of Texas in the early '50s, being one of the first to see the commercial potential of and rockabilly music. He countered by signing up local talent, sometimes leasing the masters to or when the sides started to show promise on his own imprints. This sparkling 26-song compilation spotlights the cream of 's output on those two labels. From the boppin' country sounds of ( ) to the hard-edged rockabilly of ), to the raucous performances of the (their three missing tracks that aren't on the version of this series, including an alternate take of ), these are some of the music's shining ground-floor moments. Televangelist makes with the shake on while more rock & roll-oriented sides from the , the , , and complete this top-notch package. If you can't spring for 's four-disc run of the / story, here's a great chance to grab all the hot rockers on one disc. ~ Cub Koda