In By Of

IN BY OF is a compilation of tracks from Bob Wiseman's previous three albums: CITY OF WOOD, IN HER DREAM, and PRESENTED BY LAKE MICHIGAN SODA. An American compilation of Bob's first three solo albums (only the first of which was ever [briefly] released stateside), "In By Of" features many of the notable tracks from these albums, but ironically, comes across as very disjointed by pulling these songs out of their context. As each album encompasses a basic concept (Wrench Tuttle, political agitprop, the tragic beauty of the world), the seemingly random assembly of tracks on In By Of does not make a lot of sense, as many of the songs do not stand as well on their own as they do as part of a larger picture. Also, the meager selections from City Of Wood are sadly misrepresentative of Wiseman's best, most poetic work. It is unfortunately not very surprising that this album did not manage to break Wiseman's unique style in the U.S.
-Tomas Mureika

All songs written or co-written by Bob Wiseman
Photographer: Graham Kennedy
Personnel includes: Bob Wiseman: vocals, guitar
Producers: Bob Wiseman (tracks 1-3, 5, 7, 13-15); Dame Julia Nesbelch (tracks 4, 6, 8-12)