Thompson Hank - Six Pack to Go Gonna (CD)

Not to be confused with Hank Thompson's similarly titled, classic album of drinking songs, SIX PACK TO GO: GONNA SHAKE THIS SHACK TONIGHT is a collection that gathers together a generous 33 tunes by the honky-tonk hero. Besides the alcoholic anthem of the title track, there's a wealth of tunes that showcase Thompson's blend of jazzy Western Swing riffs, boogie beats, and honky-tonk heartbreak. From the hellbent barroom stomper "Drivin' Nails in My Coffin" to the crying-my-eyes-out lament of "How Many Teardrops Will it Take," this carefully compiled anthology offers a well-rounded portrait of the country king. Focusing on the roadhouse rockers more than the ballads, this disc digs deep into Thompson's catalog, eschewing such obvious hits as "Wild Side of Life" in favor of some of the less explored areas of Thompson's long, rich career.