Charlie Hall, drummer for Philly’s own The War on Drugs, is the producer behind some of the hottest Christmas music in the country over the last three years. “A Philly Special Christmas Party” is his latest (and last) album from the group known as The Philly Specials, which stars Eagles greats Lane Johnson, Jordan Mailata, and the recently retired Jason Kelce (plus his brother, Travis, and wife, Kelcie) alongside musical legends like Boyz II Men and Stevie Nicks.
In an interview with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, Hall talked about why Philly is the perfect inspiration for Christmas music and how a song about a stoned Santa driving down Broad and Pattison is both climbing the holiday charts and raising money for Philly kids. You can listen to the full conversation in the podcast linked below. After the interview, Hall answered Hey Philly’s “3 Questions”:
What’s your favorite Christmas song?
“Last Christmas,” George Michael — I think that's a masterpiece. Ron Sexsmith, “Maybe This Christmas." -- that's one that I really was hoping would resonate with the guys. That's the Stevie [Nicks]-Jason [Kelce] duet.
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” — we always listened to the John Denver and the Muppets Christmas record when I was little. The way John Denver sings that song is one of the greatest recorded vocals of all time in my opinion. I also love a Christmas song by a band called Low – “Just Like Christmas.” It's another favorite of mine. We always put that on when we start decorating the tree every year.
What are some of your holiday traditions?
I have an older brother and an older sister. The tradition used to be that I'd sleep in my brother's room on Christmas Eve, but I think that was kind of so that he could contain me from, you know, running downstairs and tearing open presents.
Other traditions … Lobster chowder that my wife makes, and biscuits. We always do that on Christmas Eve. I mean, Lobster Chowder, John Denver. What else is there, you know?
Would The War on Drugs ever make a Christmas song or album?
That is unlikely!
