With the long-running court drama dismissed, The Beach Boys have ostensibly buried the hatchet, notably between long-running adversaries Brian Wilson and Mike Love. Not only have they reunited for this 50th anniversary tour, but they also have a new album due in June. At their best, they mix sweet, tender innocence with a begrudging acknowledgement of encroaching darkness, all swathed with brilliant harmonies and soaring, swelling arrangements. While many have lifted the formula, few have managed to retain their bubbling, insistent pop effervescence. While Wilson's own career has been feted, his recent results have been spotty. We can only hope together they can rediscover the missing magic. —Chris Parker