James Lugo's Vocal Insanity

As other reviewers have mentioned, this is a very short book. It's a little too short to give you enough information if you're a beginning singer. At the same time, I like that it's to the point and gets you practicing quickly. Most other books/courses on singing include way too much information like they're trying to justify the cost of the product. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find a singing book or course that's just right. This one doesn't have quite enough information and all the others have way too much.If you're a beginning singer, you can use this book to dive in and start practicing without being overwhelmed with too much fluff and information. The book provides you with a password to download seven vocal exercise audio files (seven in the male range plus seven in the female range). Most of these exercises are pretty standard. The main thing that makes this book somewhat unique is the introduction of exercises for the Pharyngeal voice (aka witch's cackle). These exercises are supposed to help with grittier rock singing.Also, as other reviewers have mentioned, the quality of the vocal exercise audio files could be a little better. I've listened only to the male exercises but I assume they have about the same quality. The author literally just got up one morning and made himself record these audio files. While there's something to be said for spontaneity, I wished he had taken more time to plan out and properly record them. His vocal mic is in a fixed position so whenever he turns his head his voice fades in and out a little. You can still hear everything he says but it comes off as a little bit less-than-professional for a paid product.There is a digital version of this book available on Vendera Publishing's website if you don't want a paper copy. Also, there is a video course named Vocal Asylum available on the Groove3 music tutorial website. The video course covers pretty much the same information that's in this book and may be more helpful.

As a beginner, I like how James is able to boil it all down to the essentials. He gives a clear picture of how the vocal chords function as an instrument and how to maintain and strengthen the instrument without damaging it. As a practitioner, he's honest about what to expect depending on what a person puts into their efforts and how to avoid common mistakes. His advice is straight forward and positive with no fluff or filler. It is however, upbeat and funny at times and encouraging to the reader. I would recommended Vocal Insanity no matter what your style of music!After putting the work in with the audio practice files that come with it , I plan on having an INSANE tone that fluctuates between head and chest voices with ease! Thanks James!

I was worried about the length of this book BUT since Jaime Vendera was involved knew it would be good stuff. Well I was right awesome book chock full of useful info. Whether you are at a basic or advanced level it WILL help you. From breathing to tone it is all here. Sure he looks like a metal head but it will work for all types of music. Whne you get through with the book it also has info on his vocal video and how to check it out if you desire also. Get it today and you will be rocking tomorrow!!!

I ordered this book on 4/2/14 from Amazon, likely my most popular online source for buying. This is an easy, short read, but don't misinterpret my choice in words as demeaning or beneath you. 1st, nothing's more annoying than someone trying to talk over your head to show their self-importance. Mr. Lugo gets down to it, while keeping it "light". 2nd, this isn't some large tome that requires your locking yourself away to get thru, but, despite its lean 56 pages, is full of insight to keep you busy for a long time as you hone your singing ability! While the book has helped & is handy, easily portable with my music gear for quick reference, the downloaded MP3s are something I revisit throughout the week during my commute to work. I even use them for warm-up & cool-down for rehearsal & on. Pick it up! Improve your technique, save your voice, & rock out. You won't regret it!!

i read this a while ago (i am still a serious singer). It was pretty good. it taught me new things.

Just as it says on the cover, Vocal Insanity.Lugo Delivers

Excellent product, excellent service. Thanks.

James is veteran Pro. You can't go wrong with his products...Hollywood's favorite Rock vocal coach.

The book is only a small thin 58 pages long but has quite a lot of useful to the point information, although mastering the pharyngeal was briefly explained could have gone into a lot more depth as this was the area that really interested me.The main sore point with this book that really lets it down is the online audio exercises. For someone who is used to studio work the audio quality is appalling. Often when he is explaining things he waffles and mumbles the explanations and it is hard to hear what he is saying or singing(he wanders away from the microphone) as when you turn the volume up the piano suddenly comes through at deafening volumes. It sounds like he recorded it after a heavy drinking session through a cheap child's tape recorder, its very frustrating to listen to as the volume goes up and down and you strain to hear the exercises. Also apart from the brief pharyngeal and tongue out exercises all the others were pretty bog standard that you will find in any tutorial singing/audio book. So could have gone in a lot more depth into the heavy rock style and screaming etc. There are better books out there.

I like this book. It a good book that gives idea to the point.

it s ok you will find most of the basics in this book, but you won't learn anything more than the vocal stuff you could find on youtube.Still better than "raise your voice1 &2" where all you learn is warm ups ..lol (more of a gym book)