The Best of House of Pain and Everlast: Shamrocks & Shenanigans

Album Review

Boston rappers House of Pain scored big with their first single from their first album, "Jump Around." "Shamrocks & Shenanigans" was what followed, and, although it wasn't nearly as big, the single released was actually really good. Every track is a remix of the title song but "Put Your Head Out," which is their excellent duet with Cypress Hill leader B-Real. The original mix is very good, cut together from a John Lee Hooker sample and some discordant keyboards. Everlast has a natural flow that compliments the song nicely, and Danny Boy's somewhat limited skills are hidden behind his charismatic voice. The Butch Vig remix is equally good, mixing heavy guitars under the original vocals years before Limp Bizkit used the same sound to become famous. DJ Muggs also contributes a solid remix, reminiscent of Cypress Hill. Finally, the "Salaam Main Pass" mix is another strong version that brings to mind early Gangstarr or Brand Nubian. The original version of this single is very hard to find, but worth the hunt for the creative remixes of this overlooked gem.