Jon Glaser’s Debut Comedy Album Is Paws-itively Hilarious

As foretold in his Adult Swim series Delocated, Jon Glaser has become the Guardian of All Dogs. Okay, not quite, but the comedian, actor, and writer’s debut comedy album, ​​Jon Glaser’s Soothing Meditations for the Solitary Dog, is made to comfort any pooch who’s been left home alone (please, please do not actually play this for your pet).

If you know Glaser from his more mainstream roles, like his stint as Councilman Jamm in Parks and Recreation, or more recently as Nathaniel in Single Drunk Female, this record may come as a bit of a surprise. No, he’s not his jerkwad, pathetic characters; comedy album Glaser is much more relatable. He may veer off on a curmudgeonly tangent every now and then, but these are always valid—especially his diatribe about the danger of e-scooters and e-bikes zipping around the city willy-nilly.

Jon Glaser’s Soothing Meditations for the Solitary Dog begins with spa-ready ambient music and twinkling sounds in the background as the gentle voice of “Uncle Jon” reassures lonely canines that their humans will surely be home soon (unless they’ve been run over by a car or some other tragedy has befallen them). His plans to record the perfect, calming audio companion for needy dogs are dashed, though, as more and more issues crop up. It’s the type of escalating chaos Glaser excels at, aided by the sound design expertise of Melissa Weiss and additional design as well as mixing and mastering from Nick Zampiello. As Glaser strays further from his noble task, increasingly grating noises disrupt the dulcet background music, from jingling keys to zooming traffic. 

The concept is goofy and excellently executed, though the ending of the album feels half-baked. There’s a welcome cameo from a big comedy star (not naming names—go listen for yourself!), but the final couple minutes of atmospheric countryside sounds feel tacked on to reach the 30-minute mark (which is needed to meet Grammy submission requirements). Even the addition of some silly background noises punctuating the serenity—a flushing toilet or an old-timey car horn—don’t justify how long the final bit continues.

That’s me being nitpicky, though. The first 25 minutes or so of Jon Glaser’s Soothing Meditations for the Solitary Dog are hilarious and creative. Glaser’s eschewing of a traditional stand-up format for the album works in his favor; this isn’t a record you’ll soon forget. It’s fitting that the LP is being released on Pretty Good Friends Records, whose roster includes fellow comedy weirdos like Derrick Brown and Maeve Higgins.

Get yourself some Scooby Snacks and settle in with Glaser’s debut—it’ll leave you howling with laughter.

Jon Glaser’s Soothing Meditations for the Solitary Dog is out now via PGF Records.

Clare Martin is a cemetery enthusiast and Paste’s assistant comedy editor. Go harass her on Twitter @theclaremartin.