Reviews of Mary Lemanski's Music

...While a term this reviewer had never before come across, ‘swirled pop’ is an apt description for the music, as she’s applied her chops to New Wave, Hip-Hop, Blues, Pop and Classical music in the past and Eclectic’s 10 originals are, true to its title, equally wide ranging...in “Man of My Dreams” and a “Song for Aiden” her singing calls to mind the bruised hopefulness of “Whitechocolatespaceegg” era Liz Phair. Lemanski’s earnest but world wise lyrics are also somewhat Phair-esqe, as they take on the often-thorny particulars of contemporary relationship without necessary providing easy answers.

Ultimately, its Lemanski’s willingness to stretch both her vocal and range of genre and mood to fit the song, which makes Eclectic an interesting listen. “Such a Mess” calls to mind a track for a musical such as “Rent,” while the punk pop of “Leave Me Out of It” owes a nod to “Blondie.”

Review by Deborah Crooks for Rockin' Moms (www.rockinmoms.com)

Contest Review

Song of the Year Contest: Critique of "Groove Me" from Mary Lemanski EP/Demo

You have some very creative and catchy lyrics with good word usage. The organization of your lyrics has a good natural rhythm. Good work...The melodies are clean and have a nice feel, a sense of attitude. Good composing!

Live Review

Phoenix New Times: March 25-31, 2004

"Austin Translation: A Phoenix Passport to South By Southwest" by Michele Laudig

Her songs are vaguely bluesy and her voice is deceptively sweet, with a hint of naughtiness during the choruses.

David A. Loebach, Ed.D. - Fan Review

Mary Lemanski is a very talented smiling young lady who feels deeply and articulates it well in her song. Her talent is awesome!!!

SongsAlive! Songwriters' Showcase Review

...Mary Lemanski ended with a full-band set of funky-folk, which was a lot of fun, and brought an end to this very diverse and well-put together Showcase, which impressed the songwriters and the audience alike.

Album Reviews

"Six Songs Just For You" Demo/EP Review

Geneva World - Girlmedia.com - Girl Power Flower Hour - KCRH

…I see a bit of Fiona Apple or Tori Amos fame in her future.

Mike McGuirk - Staff Writer - listen.com

Angelic-voiced pianist plays stark, melancholic arias that are as scary as they are pretty. The sound of loneliness.

69.9 TeKa Radio AM 2 - MP3.com Radio Station

Melancholy and mysterious, Notes On Mary. Mary Lemanski is a very talented pianist with a beautiful voice. This song is very "low-key" and yet it has the ability to stir up deep imagery and emotion in the listener, at least it did with me.

"Open Dress Rehearsal" Demo/EP Review

Queenie

"Make It Go Away" by Mary Lemanski: This wistful song by Mary Lemanski has a lovely melody and beautiful arpeggiated minor modal piano accompaniment. It is similar to early Tori Amos songs, back when Amos was a stronger melodist. It is a song about the revulsion that the modern world can invoke in people, and features intelligent lyrics...Mary, age 25, comes from a strict religious background, like Tori Amos, and I think you can hear it in her music that she is not jaded and sick of the world. I usually don't say this sort of thing, but since it will drive more visitors to her page, Mary is just as cute as a button. Mary writes AAA/Adult Contemporary music, which is a style I favor the most over Rockabilly or Country, which she also does. She is a good songwriter and deserves a listen.