If you’re a reader of a certain generation (namely mine), you probably feel a close kinship to The Muppets. And therefore, you’re also likely beyond thrilled that not only is a new Muppets movie coming this November (trailer here, teasers here, here, and here) a new covers album pays tribute to Jim Henson’s much beloved troupe of characters.

The Muppet Show was standard Saturday evening viewing as a kid — yay, Statler and Waldorf sarcasm! — though that childhood memory may be a little fuzzy on the exact night since the series ran in syndication from the start, rather than on a network. I can say with absolute certainty, however, that The Muppet Movie was the first film I ever saw in the theater, and the first time I teared up at the movies too, a tradition that continues to this day (see: Up, Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows – Part 2 ). My siblings and I played The Muppet Movie soundtrack endlessly, and with some friends, even attempted to recreate the movie in their backyard.

While the specifics vary, millions share a similar personal connection. The film’s cultural significance was cemented in 2009 when the Library of Congress named The Muppet Movie to the National Film Registry, preserving the 1979 release for generations to come. (“Life’s like a movie, write your own ending, keep believing, keep pretending…“)

Now we get to revisit a bit of that childhood magic with the release of Muppets: The Green Album, which features covers from the Muppets’ television and film appearances. Artists climbing aboard the time-machine Studebaker include OK Go, Weezer, Hayley Williams of Paramore, The Fray, The Airborne Toxic Event, Andrew Bird, Rachael Yamagata, and more.

The Green Album kicks off with OK Go‘s cover of The Muppet Show theme song. Nodding to the viral-video auteurs’ previous clips, OK Go’s world collides with The Muppets’ universe as it’s time to play the music and light the lights:

The highlight of The Green Album is its closing number, Rachael Yamagata’s take on “I’m Going To Go Back There Someday.” Originally sung by Gonzo in The Muppet Movie, it’s this wistful song that had me shedding little-kid tears in my popcorn. Listen to all 12 tracks via NPR.

Scheduled to reach theaters on November 23, The Muppets is packed with cameos. Ricky Gervais, Whoopi Goldberg, Neil Patrick Harris, George Clooney, Mila Kunis, Wanda Sykes, and Dave Grohl are just several of the big names making brief appearances in the film.

Purchase Muppets: The Green Album via iTunes.