Brian Wilson: Getting In Over My Head

For decades, we've wondered if Brian Wilson would ever regain the knack. Well, wonder no more."Gettin' In Over My Head" is a giant step out of the sandbox for Wilson – an unexpected but dazzling return to the top form of the later Beach Boys years. Special guests – which include Elton John, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney – are mere window-dressing, although the opening tune, "How Could We Still Be Dancin','' is John's best new track in more than a decade. What really elevates this record are Wilson's production and vocal arrangements: The gorgeous Four Freshmen-inspired harmonies recall the grandeur of the Beach Boys and the wonder of multitracking. Wilson is even writing and singing car songs again: "Desert Drive" is a direct descendent of "Shutdown"-era Beach Boys. Impressively, "Soul Searchin','' a duet with his late brother Carl, avoids the creepiness of most from-the-grave studio tricks. Go ahead and cheer: Wilson has earned a standing ovation.