Hey baby. Yeah, you know we're chill. We can keep this whole thing casual. No strings attached.

Oops...sorry, wrong post. Because we totally have strings attached this week, as Simon Chesterfield (aka Simon Barber) from UK indie pop faves The Chesterfields joins us to discuss our Top 5 Songs with Strings.

The use of strings in pop music has traditionally been to contribute texture and dimension to a record. In the context of rock bands, it often symbolizes musical sophistication, grandeur, and the ambition to break outside of the standard band format.

It's all very timely too, because Simon has just released his first solo album, Simon Chesterfield, in which he re-imagines six of his compositions as orchestral performances. This gorgeous album was co-produced by Ben Scott Turner, Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey) and Simon, and was orchestrated by Charles Harrison. It is now out on digital platforms and on limited edition 10-inch vinyl from Legere Recordings.

Simon Barber is the co-founder, ever-present member, bassist, songwriter, and vocalist of The Chesterfields. Their jangling, exciting sound made them fixtures on the UK indie charts - with albums like their debut Kettle (1987, #5) and 1988's Crocodile Tears (#10), and singles like "Completely and Utterly" (1986, #16), "Ask Johnny Dee" (1987, #4), "Goodbye, Goodbye" (1988, #10), and "Blame" (1988, #11). Nearly two decades after lead singer Dave Goldsworthy's tragic death, Simon led a new lineup of The Chesterfields (featuring Loft guitarist and past O3L guest Andy Strickland, Helen Stickland and Rob Perry) on their first new album in 27 years, the marvelous New Modern Homes.

Hey, think of us as your friends with benefits. Y'know, if those benefits are learning about cool music and stuff.

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