Join musical legends Jim Kerr from Simple Minds, Andy McCluskey of OMD, Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon, Go-Go's Belinda Carlisle, Toyah, Rick Astley, Curt Smith from Tears for Fears, and Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet as they dive into the vibrant 80s music scene. They share hilarious anecdotes from their early touring days, discuss the impact of synthesizers, and reflect on the artistry that defined their generation. Tune in for nostalgic tales and insights!

NPR Music's picks for the best albums out this week include debuts from singer Madison McFerrin, the U.K. electronic duo Overmono, deep grooves from Rahill, Céline Dion, Belinda Carlisle and more.Featured Albums:1. Overmono — Good LiesFeatured Songs: "Good Lies," "Is U," "Skulled"2. Madison McFerrin — I Hope You Can Forgive MeFeatured Songs: "Fleeting Melodies," "Utah," "God Herself," "Run"3. Belinda Carlisle — KismetFeatured Songs: "Sanity," "If U Go"4. Rahill — Flowers At Your FeetFeatured Songs: "Fables (feat. Beck)," "I Smile for E," "Tell Me," "Gone Astray," "Ode to Dad"5. Céline Dion — Love Again (Soundtrack from the Motion Picture)Featured Songs: "Love Again (from the Motion Picture Soundtrack)," "Love of My Life," "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"Lightning Round:Aespa — MY WORLD - The 3rd Mini Album - EPBOKANI DYER — RADIO SECHABA RP Boo — Legacy Volume 2Midwife & Vyva Melinkolya — OrbweavingOther notable releases for May 12:Alison Goldfrapp — The Love InventionBC Camplight — The Last Rotation of EarthBela Fleck, Zakir Hussain & Edgar Meyer — As We Speak (feat. Rakesh Chaurasia)Bruce Cockburn — O Sun O MoonDaisies — Great Big Open SkyEluvium — (Whirring Marvels In) Consensus RealityThe Jonas Brothers — The AlbumMoby — Resound NYCSexmob — The Hard WayVarious — KPOP (Original Broadway Cast Recording)War — The RemixesLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Belinda Carlisle, the former lead vocalist of the Go-Go's and a successful solo artist, shares her fascinating journey in music. She reflects on the punk beginnings of the Go-Go's and their rise to fame in the 1980s, including the iconic 'We Got the Beat.' The conversation highlights the challenges of being in an all-female band and their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Carlisle also discusses her evolution as an artist and the impact of her feel-good anthems on pop culture.