Various Artists June 28 2006

Historically, drinking songs have been almost as plentiful as love songs — and often the two themes bookend each other. But self-proclaimed "beer-drinkin' gospel" preachers the Bearfoot Hookers have decided to uncork their new label by releasing a compilation of fellow Athenians playing, you guessed it, drinkin' songs. The result is a refreshing 14-pack o' tunes, including seven that were previously unreleased, pouring the praises and pitfalls of partakin' potables.

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The Hookers open with "I'd Rather Two-Step (Than 12-Step)," and the intoxicating collection weeps and wails with country-tinged roots-rock from the Chasers, Tishamingo, Brian Connell and the Dickens, Connor Rand & the Red Dirt Band and more. Of special interest to Atlantans is Rand's foamy "Christmas at the Clermont Lounge." The song isn't as depressing as it sounds; it's an easy-rolling ode to inebriated yuletide desperation that name-checks Blondie, the infamous stripper/beer can-crusher. Beertender, gimme another bar and keep that music playing. 4 stars.

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A Drinking Town CD release show is Fri., June 30 at Smith's Olde Bar.