Getting Around. The simplest way to explore my site is by using the list of links found in the sidebar (blue section on the left) and in the footer (in the white part at the bottom) of each page. A brief explanation of each section follows:

Navigation. Most readily, my site search engine (located at the top of every page) scours all the text on my site and will help you find something particular - no matter where it is located on Randy's Rodeo. More conventionally, the Artist Index (an alphabetical list of links to individual artist pages) is an easy way to browse the site contents, and there are genre-specific artist lists within each music review section. Further, a compilation of essential song titles can be found in my Song Index - linked, where possible, to artist reviews.

Music Reviews. Randy's Rodeo is primarily a collection of critical essays which are divided by musical genre (e.g. country, oldies, soul) and organized internally by recording artist (e.g. the Beatles, Elvis Presley). Ideally, The music review sections are designed to read like chapters of a book - start at the beginning and browse through, reading, looking, learning, and linking as you go. If you like to jump around, use the navigational links at the top of each link list

Special Features. I occasionally digress into subjects of particular interest to me (and, I hope, you). For instance, I have compiled an extensive chronicle called the Sex Pistols At Randy's Rodeo, the story of the legendary punk rockers' visit to the San Antonio nightclub. This article and others are listed under the "Special Features" heading in the navigational links.

Information. First-time visitors and curious web surfers will appreciate the facts, instructions, and links I have compiled here (including the page you are reading). This information is about me, the site, or the web rather than about music.

Support Me. Randy's Rodeo is intended to be a consumer's guide. While I frequently pontificate, I hope my recommendations will be useful to you when actually shopping for music. My affiliates (including Amazon, iTunes, and Sheet Music Plus) are companies with which Randy's Rodeo has an economic relationship. Essentially, I recommend you patronize them when purchasing products (including CD's, MP3's, books, videos, posters, and t-shirts) related to the music I have discussed. If you do, I get a commission, and this helps defray the cost of running Randy's Rodeo. (Unpleasant legal disclaimer: this website is not a business, and Randy's Rodeo cannot be held responsible for the actions of any affiliated website.)

Getting around within each section is facilitated by links located at the top or bottom of the "content" portion of each page (that is, the big white part you are currently reading). These links will take you to other pages within the section (say, from one punk rock artist to the next) or allow you to jump around within the individual pages. top of page

Reading The Reviews. As stated above, these pages are the heart and soul of Randy's Rodeo, our raison d'être. I try to be thorough, accurate, and honest, but please bear in mind that these are personal, subjective opinions - not fact - and I mean no disrespect if I diss your homeboys. Each review is divided into four sections:

Review. Depending on a variety of factors, these essays will vary from terse to long winded. Some may include a large amount of biographical data, while others may stick to analyzing the music and the records. The artist's name, the album covers, and album titles in each essay section are linked to the artist's corresponding page in Amazon, our primary affiliate, where you may purchase the music I have recommended.

Selected Albums. These lists compile the albums recommended in the review sections. The lists are in chronological order, and, where appropriate, I have separated the regular releases before the "greatest hits" collections. Bear in mind, I'm not saying you should buy everything on the list; some albums will overlap tremendously, and you should read the reviews to sort out what's what. These are all albums that, in and of themselves, are all worthy purchases.

Essential Songs. Sorted alphabetically, these lists compile the creme de la creme from the Selected Albums sections above them. Also, the lists will include good tracks from albums I don't recommend (clunkers, soundtracks, various artist collections) and occasional flotsam and jetsam like non-LP singles. These are the songs you should look for when choosing from the Essential Album lists.

Bookshelf. Unlike album and song recommendations - which are necessarily part of what I do - I post book recommendations only when worthwhile books have been published. So, not every artist's page will have an Essential Book section. In the case of, say, the B.T. Express, the definitive biography has yet to be written (and don't hold your breath till it is...). Hence, I recommend nothing. In other cases, the best material may be simply a chapter in a book on a larger subject - that book will be listed with a reference to the appropriate material. More general book recommendations may be found either on my Books section or on the introductory pages to the genre sections (the ones you get when click on the left-side menu).

Links. In researching my essays, I scour the web for quality sites and reliable information. These links pass the results along to you. Throughout the page, I also include artist-specific links (where possible) to places (like Amazon) where you may purchase CD's, MP3's, and music-related merchandise.

Feedback. Your witty comments, impertinent questions, helpful suggestions, and angry denials concerning my postings are altogether encouraged. Submit feedback viaemail; all submissions will be edited and posted at my discretion, and I claim no responsibility for virtually anything. top of page

CONTACT ME. In the interest of full disclosure, my contact information is located at the bottom of every page - this one included. I ask only that my visitors respect my privacy; please do not add me to any lists - mail, email, or phone - without my permission.

Finally, for a personal website, Randy's Rodeo is pretty big - and getting bigger all the time. I do the very best I can to ensure that the site loads in your browser quickly, looks good, works properly, and is easy to navigate. Problems arise, however, and if you experience an unpleasantness (broken links, missing content, crashing computers), feel free to contact me. Drop me a line...

Randy Anthony