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Cellar Door
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  • Record Label:
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Cellar Door Image
Metascore
78

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

User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 5 Ratings

  • 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. Splendid
    90
    An exciting return to the days of the imaginative songwriter.
  4. 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.
  5. Pitchfork
    79
    As a singer, he's remarkable and distinctive, and on Cellar Door, he explores the range and impact of his voice to great effect.
  6. Billboard
    70
    Another pleasant helping of sweet headphone pop.
  7. Alternative Press
    40
    Cellar Door is clearly the work of a musical mastermind who has never met an instrument he didn't like--or a song he couldn't ruin with it. [Mar 2004, p.96]
    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
    Jan 23, 2004
    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 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
    Feb 13, 2004
    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 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
  4. danr
    Aug 13, 2005
    10
    My favorite of the V-Slice collection.

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