Dave, I can also recognize the "English sound," which I love. But I really think it's modes (often Dorian) that I'm attracted to - suits my melancholy nature. ;-)

When I first read this thread title, I thought it would be about Rex Harrison's singing in My Fair Lady. It was reported that he really couldn't sing, so his songs were written to be "talked." He was instructed to just use his natural speaking inflections when appearing to sing. Songs such as "I've Grown Accustomed to her Face" and "An Ordinary Man" have a very small range.