The Knife is one of my favorite bands, and since their debut they've changed their sound fairly dramatically, but on this album there is none of the raw or rough sound that you would expect from a first CD. The production is top-notch, the music is art, it's the sound of a finely honed group. However, there is none of the static music-by-numbers feel that for many draws the line between scratchy indie records and overproduced major label albums. The songs move about, never staying in the same place for too long, leaving the listener with an unpredictable but completely enjoyable feel. What's inside is difficult to describe -- there are techno beats, pop/rock influence, songs with amazing lyrics and instrumentals alike. If you're a fan of their later albums, this record is closer to "Deep Cuts" than "Silent Shout," but combines the pop sensibilities of the former with a touch of the darker feel of the latter. What's particularly impressive, at least for me, is the lead singer's voice. Those who are fans of singers who manipulate their voices like Tom Waits, Mike Patton, or Danny Elfman should wholeheartedly enjoy listening to The Knife's Karin Dreijer Andersson. I don't remember where I came upon this fairly obscure release, particularly living in mid-Missouri, but since I first heard this album I have been a fan. It's the kind of thing that you play for friends in the car: "Oh, man, you've got to hear this..." Highly recommended.

The dynamic duo and their debut album "The Knife" proved to be a worthy duo of incredible magnitude. From the opener "Neon", you sense a cool calmness entwined with a dark yet poppy minimal beat made alive by lead singer Karins almost whispered voice (rare in this singer). Then comes, in my opinion, the albums DIAMOND entitled "Lasagna". To date, i have NEVER been able to find a beat like the one on this song. This song alone stands out above the rest then followed by GEMS like Kino, I Just Had To Die, I TAKE TIME (amazing) and NY Hotel. I consider the other tracks JEWELS (i'm weird like that :D). In general, this is a must have album. Kudos to The Knife for this (they should remaster it and makes some more videos, especially one for lasagna)

An avant garde masterpiece from Sweden. Every song is an adventure musically and lyrically.

This is the first album The Knife wrote, and if you are a fan of The Knife you will appeciate the individuality and growth this album represents of their music.