Poppagator, I too was surprised to see Judy Collins mentioned in the same breath as "weak breathy girly vocals." Judy, I believe, is classically trained and does not always, or even usually, sing in "head voice," plus she has pretty powerful vocals when called for. Listen to her rendition of "Pirate Jenny," for just one example.

Loreena McKinnit (sp?) does have a rather ethereal vocal style, but I think it fits the songs she sings.   I don't really mind that style any more than I mind the gritty, gravelly voice of Steve Earle or Greg Brown or any blues singer. I certainly don't think powerhouse vocals and a bellowing style are either necessary or even ideal for all types of songs. (I love Eartha Kitt's voice, for example!)

I also love the kind of thing Sarah McLachlan (sp?) does so superbly with her voice. Again, it's neither necessary nor even desirable for everything (sea chanteys, e.g.), but it's very appropriate and effective for many songs.

Oh, and I don't equate "breathy" with "weak" necessarily.

I have to admit I'm not very familiar with Shirley Collins and some others mentioned here, but I do wonder why the big to-do about breathy singers.   JMO

Genie