So? There are still very many solo singers, the groups simply add to the variety, nay even add extra dimensions. They in no way are trying to emulate the singers of the past, they are taking the material to a new dimension and I might add to new audiences, as are those who use instruments and modern technology. If we don't do this we are simply saying the music is nothing but a museum piece. Anyone is entitled to treat the music in this way, but tradition is about evolution, not stagnation.

Personally I'm not in favour of arranged harmonies or choirs singing folk song, but I'm prepared to accept that we wouldn't have the song 'Three Score and Ten' in the folk repertoire if Filey Fisherman's Choir hadn't taken it up. I quite like some of these large shanty groups and I do like some stuff choirs sing but I agree with you it doesn't suit folk song IMO. I personally love harmony singing and I love the unarranged natural harmonies of most of the groups mentioned. The sugar-sweet girly stuff is not my taste but that's just personal preference. I can still appreciate what they are trying to do.