It may have taken a long time but Mouse Rat is finally releasing its first full-length album. Indeed, the fictitious band from the hit showParks and Recreation, led by Chris Pratt’s Andy Dwyer, is releasingThe Awesome Albumthis summer. While the band played many songs over the course of the show’s run, those songs have never been collected on an album. Now, that’s happening and fans will have the chance to own a physical copy, should they so choose.
The announcement was made in a way that should suitParks and Recfans. Jay Jackson, who played news anchor Perd Hapley on the show, announced the album via a video, in character. The reveal was made on the ten year anniversary of Lil Sebastian’s memorial. At the ceremony,Mouse Ratplayed the song5,000 Candles In the Wind, which will be included onThe Awesome Album. A video for the song was released today as well. Jackson (as Hapley) said the following in the video.
“It’s been 10 years since Li’l Sebastian went to mini horse heaven, and to celebrate his miniature life, local band Mouse Rat has released ‘5,000 Candles In The Wind’. So, go listen and gently weep with me! Ya heard?”
The album will be released from DualTone and Entertainment 720, the company that was started by Aziz Ansari’s characterTom Haverfordand Ben Schwartz’s character Jean Ralphio. Aside from5,000 Candles In the Wind, other songs featured in the show such asThe Pit, Leslie Knope’s campaign anthemCatch Your Dreamand a cover ofThe Way You Look Tonight. In total, the album has 15 racks. The album also has guest appearances from people like Duke Silver, the saxophone-playing alter ego of Nick Offerman’sRon Swanson.
Mouse Rat was a huge part ofParks and Recreation. WhileAndy Dwyer had many jobsduring the course of the show’s seven season run, he always maintained his love for music and never gave up on his dreams of being a rockstar. Even when he became a children’s performer under the name Johnny Karate.
While The Awesome Album will be available on streaming services such as Spotify, fans also have the option of ordering copies on colored vinyl. Some of the colors include “flush with cash” green and “Cherry Gergich” red. Mouse Rat’sThe Awesome Albumis set to arrive on August 27. We’ve included the full tracklist for you to check out as well. For more details, or to pre-order a copy, head on over toTheAwesomeAlbum.com.
