As far as I'm concerned Kampervan has nothing whatever to apologise for.
Personally, I might have set the question "what makes EC as good as some people appear to think she is", but then again, that's me.
It does no harm to have our values and tastes called to question occasionally, especially as there seem to be a number of us around who lack the bottle do do so ourselves.
Anyway, there's always the entertainment value in observing some people running round like headless chickens trying to close down a thread because it has been suggested that their particular idol might have clay feet.
As a long time admirer of MacColl, I find the suggestion that our leading singers should NEVER be criticised - well - more than a little hilarious, especially as, eighteen years after his death he still receives a kicking from any stray necrophiliac who happens to be in the vicinity. There is no harm in our discussing the merits and demerits of the singers we admire, it is all part of the learning curve in my opinion.
It would be nice to be able to discuss MacColl's singing and his ideas on same rather than why he sang with his hand over his ear, or why he changed his name, or did he prefer porridge to cornflakes for breakfast - and other such important topics, but - One Day At A Time Sweet Jesus - as the song says.
In the meantime, long live healthy and 'vive la difference'.
Jim Carroll