Del The Funky Homosapien - Mistadobalina

I don’t know why I confused the two, but when I first heard “Mistadobalina,” I thought it was referring to Fred Travalena. Anyone who stayed home from school sick in the 80s is probably familiar with Travalena as a comedian and celebrity impressionist. He did the game show circuit, appearing on Hollywood Squares, Match Game, etc. He was a lower-tier celeb that you knew, but was never huge. Obviously, I was wrong, Fred Travalena ≠ Bob Dobalina — anyone with ears can tell that. The Bob Dobalina name actually comes from The Monkees’ song “Zilch,” and even then, Mike Nesmith said he heard the name while …… (ugh, shoot me if I ever get like this).

“Mistadabolina” is a bop full stop. It’s got that bright bounce of early 90s hip-hop, and a supremely playful tone. It’s also super fun to sing along to. mistadobalina, mista bob dabolina, mistabobdabolina won’t you quit. The song also doesn’t take itself too seriously with the backup singers proclaiming “Glory, how it’s stupid!” It’s very 1991, but also timeless.

Del is a lyrical master with a distinct flow and voice that just resonates. FWIW, he was also a Marvel comic book nerd long before the MCU was ever a thing (pardon the pun) (iykyk). Lines like “Phase in citywide, like Kitty Pryde,” made my nerdy ears perk up. Del has also maintained a low-key great career over the ensuing decades. In addition to his solo work, you should check out his “collabs” (as the kids say) with Gorillaz and Dan the Automator. Who knows, as prolific as he is, maybe Del will even make a guest appearance on a game show.

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