The holidays are a time for helping out those who are less fortunate. While some people donate coats, give money, or gift toys for tots, an ad hoc UK super group (comprised of Pete Doherty, Imogen Heap, the Kooks, Billy Bragg, Orbital and many more) have decided to contribute … in a different way.

Inspired by last year’s surprisingly successful effort to see Rage Against the Machine‘s 1992-released “Killing In the Name” rocket past X Factor winner Joe McElderry‘s rendition of Miley Cyrus‘ “The Climb” on the UK pop charts, a slew of British musicians have decided to take on a collab cover of John Cage‘s infamous composition, “4’33”“.

The catch? For those of you unfamiliar with the piece, “4’33″” is four minutes and thirty three seconds of … silence. No, not white noise or anything. We’re talking awkward, deafening, oh-god-please-don’t-let-me-have-a-giggle-fit-right-now silence. The single– aptly titled Cage Against the Machine, along with 5 remixes (now that we want to hear…) — goes on sale this week, with all proceeds going to charity.

So, can some heavy breathing and chair creaking nudge the X Factor finalists out of the top spot this Christmas? We don’t know, but there are sure some US chart toppers we’d like to see replaced by the sweet sound of nothingness…
(P.S. If you’re interested in covering the ditty, this piano tutorial may help you out.)

EXTRA CREDIT: Show your yuletide support this holiday season and purchase several moments of silence right here on this very internet via !