March 15th, 2026 - Shamrocks, Shenanigans, and Smithwicks

 

Yo-yo-yo... hello and happy Sunday!  The Meista here tonight getting ready for St. Paddy's Day with something a little different for me... "Shamrocks & Shenanigans – The Best Of House Of Pain And Everlast" by Irish American hip-hop musicians House of Pain and Everlast and a classic Smithwick's Red Ale from Smithwick's & Sons / Guiness Brewery (and a shot of whiskey)!  

Album Info:

• Artist: House Of Pain and Everlast
• Title: "Shamrocks & Shenanigans – The Best Of House Of Pain And Everlast"
• Recorded: 1989 through 2000 at various studios
• Release date: February 10th, 2004 (1st compilation album by House of Pain)
• Record company: Rhino / Tommy Boy / Warner Bros.
• Production: Barry Benson, Craig DeGraff, Everlast, John Gamble, DJ Lethal, DJ Muggs, Dante Ross
• Album cover art: Joe Buck (illustration), Kristin Callahan (photography), and Maria Villar (art direction and design)
• Personnel: Everlast (vocals and mixing), DJ Lethal (scratches), and Danny Boy O'Connor (vocals)
• Additional musicians: Helmet (all instruments on "Just Another Victim"), Pete Rock ()
• Musical style: Hip-hop, rap, and sampledelia with elements of the blues, R&B, and punk rock
• Sound: Blending classic hip-hop and rap with bluesy, soulful rock and R&B with a little punk rock, House Of Pain and Everlast created a unique and engaging sound that lives on!
• Major themes: Life, death, drug abuse, drinking, violence, rebellion, assault, murder, race, the streets, being true to oneself, freedom, etc. 
• Tracks: 

1. "Jump Around" - House Of Pain
2. "Shamrocks And Shenanigans (Boom Shalock Lock Boom)" - House Of Pain
3. "What It's Like" - Everlast
4. "Who's The Man" - House Of Pain
5. "Black Jesus" - Everlast
6. "Same As It Ever Was" - House Of Pain
7. "Punch Drunk" - House Of Pain
8. "Put On Your Shit Kickers" - House Of Pain
9. "Ends" - Everlast
10. "Just Another Victim" - House Of Pain & Helmet
11. "Pass The Jinn" - House Of Pain
12. "Jump Around (Pete Rock Remix)" - House Of Pain
13. "On Point" - House Of Pain
14. "Word Is Bond" - House Of Pain
15. "I Got The Knack" - Everlast
16. "Never Missin' A Beat" - Everlast
17. "The Rhythm" - Everlast

Brew Info:

• Brewery: Smithwick's & Sons / Guinness Brewery (Kilkenny, County Kilkenny / Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland)
• Website: https://www.smithwicksexperience.com/our-ales & https://www.guinness.com/en-us
• Brew: Smithwick's Red Ale
• Style: Irish Red Ale
• Serving: 16 ounce can
• ABV: 4.5
• Ingredients: Aroma hops, roasted barley, and Ale malt
• Pour: The Smithwick's Red Ale pours a clear, deep brownish ruby color with frothy, 1-finger, off-white head with good retention and layered, sudsy lacing.
• Nose: The nose is malty, bready, floral, and slightly fruity.  There are aromas of sweet malt, biscuit, roasted barley, light apple, floral hops, and a soft caramel.
• Taste: The taste of the Smithwick's Red Ale follows the nose with malty, bready, and somewhat sweet, fruity flavors.  There are notes of bready malts, toasted biscuit, roasted barley, floral hops, light apple, light plum, and soft caramel/toffee.
• Mouthfeel: Light to medium-bodied and well carbonated, the mouthfeel is crisp and very smooth with a dry, slightly sweet finish. 

Overall pairing: The Smithwick's Red Ale is a perfectly crushable and easy drinking brew... great for the landmark hip-hop stylings of House Of Pain and Everlast on the wonderful "Shamrocks & Shenanigans – The Best Of House Of Pain And Everlast" compilation album!  'Nuff said!

Sláinte!!