A Philly Special Christmas, various artists (Vera Y Records)

Members of the Philadelphia Eagles joined with Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs to produce this seven-song EP to benefit the Children's Crisis Treatment Center of Philadelphia. Other Philly musicians include Lady Alma and members of the Hooters, Dr. Dog, MeWithoutYou, Pissed Jeans, and Sun Ra Arkestra. Being that the vocals are mostly by football players, you might correctly assume these performances aren't going to be the definitive versions of these covers, but it's surprisingly listenable, although Philly sports references abound through these performances. Still, props for using the Drifters' arrangement of "White Christmas," the Elvis version of "Blue Christmas," the Otis Redding arrangement of "Merry Christmas Baby," and the Specter takes of "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" and "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town," though the latter takes more from hometown favorite Bruce Springsteen's performance. Add to this The Silver Ages turning "Silent Night" into an Eagles cheer and the team's staff announcer Merrill Reese reciting "The Night Before Christmas." The album's website emphasizes pricey package deals with included swag, but it's downloadable and streamable.