SPIN

6

• SPIN Rating:6 of 10

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Release Date: October 18, 2011
Label: RJ's Electrical Connections

RJD2's collaboration with Philly singer Aaron Livingston bears the qualities that have divided the instrumental hip-hop producer's fans since the 2006 misfire The Third Hand -- most prominently, jazz-rock ellipses and thin, expressive vocals (Livingston's are only slightly better than RJ's own efforts). But give Icebird a chance. The arrangements sound dynamic -- no beat loops here -- from the twinkling keyboards and bluesy guitar blasts of "Gun for Hire" to the subtle xylophone plinks on "King Tut." Livingston makes a meandering first impression, but his lyrics quickly move to a clearer, more forceful statement: "Just live," he sings on "Just Love Me." "Forget everything we just did."