Over the last 30 years or so, hearing, and enjoying the 'big ballads' albeit almost exclusivly from 'revival' singers, I have noticed that there seems to be two types of deliverly.There is the 'just sing the ballad',let the story speak for itself,then there's th 'verbal acting' style. I would equate Shirly Collins with the former & Ewan McColl with the later. As an 'audience' I hace no quarrel with either, as I am in love with Shirley's voice, and admired Ewan greatly. Incidentally a few months ago I called in to Preston folk club, not my usual venue, and was treated to one of the greatest performances of a 'big ballad' I have ever heard. A woman came in to the room, and produced a spell binding version of Clerk Coville, and then left.