YORK BROTHERS - KING 970 - "SIXTY MINUTE MAN"

Just what the world needed - a hillbilly version of the Dominoes' then-naughty classic. Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqiz1Nk0__Q It was released in 1954.

PAUL WESTMORELAND - 4 STAR 1651 - "HOT ROD RAG"

One of the better early non-"Hot Rod Race" records in this genre, it features nice steel guitar and is backed by the equally-enjoyable "Caffeine and Nicotine". Hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1osDlfwtUNQ It was released in 1954.

PAUL WESTMORELAND - 4 STAR ET-119 - "HOWL AND PROWL"

This is another 4 Star EP with various artists, including this rarity (it also has "Cottontail Stomp" by Long Tom Kizziah). It was released in 1953 (?).

JOE TURNER - ATLANTIC 1016 - "TV MAMA"

A paean to his woman with the "big wide screen", this record has nice slide guitar by Elmore James. Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDfSa4iBJZQ It was released in 1953.

TRENIERS - OKEH 6804 - "GO GO GO"

The Treniers are another great example of a "pre-rock rock group", a r&b combo which became a Las Vegas lounge act in the 1950s. This number features honking sax. Hear it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMi61UmD6Mg It was released in 1951.

CLIFFIE STONE AND HIS HEPCATS - CAPITOL 2910 - "BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY"

Roughly contemporaneous with Elvis' first record, this version of Bill Monroe's song is actually far more indicative of what would become rock-and-roll - faster tempo, more prominent guitar (albeit, here steel guitar). The flip side "Please Please" is equally good. It was released in 1954.

ARKIE SHIBLEY - GILTEDGE ET 102 - "HOT ROD RACE NO. 5"

This is actually an extended play record with songs by four artists, including Shibley. This part of the "hot rod race" saga I think is quite rare and is subtitled "The Kid in the Model A" (being told from his perspective). I was released in 195_ (?).