By MELISSA RUGGIERI

The Killers can always be counted on for a bit of holiday cheer – or, as it turns out this year, a lump of coal.

The Las Vegas-based band teamed with fellow Nevada native Jimmy Kimmel to construct their yuletide offering for 2014, “Joel, the Lump of Coal,” a silly-turns-sweet mid-tempo tune with some Queen-like elements on guitar and the chorus.

While singer Brandon Flowers delivers the saga of the little lump of coal who incorrectly thinks that being tagged by Santa means he’ll finally bring a kid joy at Christmas in his usual flat yet somehow appealing delivery, the song swoops to an uplifting ending.

The Killers have recorded a Christmas song for the RED campaign every year since 2006 and enlisted assistance from artists such as Elton John and Neil Tennant. But suffice to say that Kimmel adds some humorous charm to the proceedings this year – and provides the guys with their requisite ugly Christmas sweaters.

"Joel, The Lump of Coal" can be purchased on iTunes . All proceeds benefit the RED campaign.

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