Danny Zelonky (aka
Low Res) demonstrates his ability to orchestrate chaos by carefully programming the sounds on
Blue Ramen to convey the feel of an improvisational jazz session; his ability to simulate spontaneity in music based on precisely arranged samples is quite impressive. This organ-dominated album seems rather kitschy at times, perhaps because it draws on lounge music, soul-jazz, and watered-down salsa and funk as influences. The mood varies from the campy "¡Baila Mami! Pts. 1 and 2" to the doleful "Blue Ramen #3," with most songs moving along at a relaxed pace. Unfortunately, the individual tracks don't quite flow together to form a coherent whole, and the music doesn't carry much emotional weight either. But
Blue Ramen is an interesting and enjoyable listen despite its limitations. ~ Todd Kristel^µÖ