Advanced Search Beta »
Basic Search Fields
ie8 fix
Cellar Door - John Vanderslice
Cellar Door Image
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critics What's this?

User Score
6.0 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
Rate this:
  • Summary: Popular San Francisco-based indie producer and former MK Ultra frontman John Vanderslice returns with his fourth solo album.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    A well-conceived collection of odd pop songs with thoughtful lyrics about unusual subjects. [23/30 Jan 2004, p.101]
    All this publication's reviews
  2. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    It’s certainly a bit early to be throwing around "Album of the Year" type accolades, but Cellar Door is arguably the crown jewel in an already incredible body of work.
  3. Blender
    60
    These songs don't rock; they squirm, shuffle and skulk. [#23, p.111]
    All this publication's reviews

See all 12 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 3
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 3
  3. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. pc
    10
    I've seen John Vanderslice play for years, and he is a true artist in every sense of the word. the way he approaches subjects in his songs is most like how a novelist would; thus you aren't stuck with a verse/chorus/verse type of arrangement. he songs end up being sketches of things from the past or things yet to come, and you go along for the ride. the fact that he produces his recordings with other heavyweight friends in the indie world without resorting to any large label funniness allow him a freedom that is truly admirable. catch him when you can, he tours like a madman, and will play three (3) shows at Sxsw in Austin, Tx this year alone. be sure to say hello to him before/after his set, you'll realize what a kind, wonderful person he is. as for Cellar Door, it's a fine addition to his prior stable of fully realized releases, give it a chance. P… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. EP
    10
    I completely agree with the above reviewer arrangements are so unique! Personally, I have not been this excited about a CD in a very long time. I also have seen him live many, many times and the tunes sound just as good live as on his recordings. He does surround himself with amazing talent but then again I think talent gravitates to this man because he inspires. … Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. danr
    10
    My favorite of the V-Slice collection.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

Current Music Releases

Full List »
  1. Tago Mago [40th Anniversary Edition] - Can
    Metascore: 99
  2. Live in Europe 1967: Best of the Bootleg, Vol. 1 - Miles Davis
    Metascore: 99
  3. Siamese Dream [Deluxe Edition] - Smashing Pumpkins
    Metascore: 96
  4. The SMiLE Sessions - The Beach Boys
    Metascore: 96
  5. National Treasures: The Complete Singles - Manic Street Preachers
    Metascore: 95
  6. Satan Is Real/Handpicked Songs 1955-1962 - The Louvin Brothers
    Metascore: 94
  7. Achtung Baby [Super Deluxe] - U2
    Metascore: 93
  8. Some Girls [Deluxe Edition] - The Rolling Stones
    Metascore: 93
  9. Pull Up Some Dust and Sit Down - Ry Cooder
    Metascore: 92
  10. Unto the Locust - Machine Head
    Metascore: 91
  11. Quadrophenia [The Director's Cut] - The Who
    Metascore: 90
  12. Rio [Live] - Keith Jarrett
    Metascore: 90
  13. What Were You Hoping For? - Van Hunt
    Metascore: 90
  14. Bitch Magnet - Bitch Magnet
    Metascore: 90
  15. Charity Starts at Home - Phonte
    Metascore: 89
  16. Nevermind [20th Anniversary Edition] - Nirvana
    Metascore: 89
  17. Journey of the Deep Sea Dweller, Vol. 1 - Drexciya
    Metascore: 88
  18. Bad as Me - Tom Waits
    Metascore: 88
  19. The Singles - Goldfrapp
    Metascore: 88
  20. Undun - The Roots
    Metascore: 88
All Current Music »