"IMO being pitch-perfect as a singer is often an over-rated virtue."

true. but going noticibly flat and having a hard time sticking to the tune isn't really cricket. They should take some time off and work with a good vocal coach. At the moment Diane Easby, it's hard not to trivialise what they do because unfortunately, when you get picked up by a big publicity machine for a major label, it's often about your whole "package", which is as much based on image as sound. Not everyone on that level is there for reasons other than talent. I think Kate Rusby is a great talent for instance, and don't have time for those who begrudge her success. But The Unthank girlies look like girlies, and sound like girlies, and cannot hold a tune particularly well. But they do look nice in floaty frocks. It is this that makes them an attractive prospect to a big label like EMI.

I am not surprised that they have parted with Belinda. She doesn't exactly fit the package, does she? And I remember hearing that they treated Jackie Oates pretty shabbily at the time of parting.