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

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  • 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. The A.V. Club
    80
    For the most part... Cellar Door revels in Vanderslice's exceptional ability to combine mood and melody with exacting attention to detail.
  4. 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
  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
  3. danr
    10
    My favorite of the V-Slice collection.

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