I tend to sort of blame the various 'folk choirs' ('no names, no pack drill' - you know who I'm talking about!) who were so popular in the 60s and afterwards for many of the more irritating aspects of the post-war revival. I blame them particularly for the self-indulgent dirginess that permeates many clubs and the bellowing nasily in a sort of 'Mummersetshire' accent that is considered 'de rigeur' in many circles.

Many trad. songs have a sort of introspective quality - which is why, I suspect, many of the best singers tend to close their eyes. They are narrative songs - which means that the words are important and don't lend themselves to nasal bellowing. Finally, many song tunes are very beautiful and intricate - full of strange and unexpected intervals. Attempting to harmonise them has a tendency to fill in all the gaps - leaving just a boring, bog standard 'tune'.

I know that this is probably not a popular opinion ... but ... well, tough! It happens to be my opinion.