""voice has a breathy, unearthly quality, which alienates some people".
Shirley Collins was instrumental in popularising the 'head tone' singing in the revival - it was, and still is a main feature of folk singing among some women singers.
Personally, I find the somewhat untraditional technique somewhat limiting in respect to the range of material open to the singer, but it can be a valid style of singing if used sparingly and skilfully.
The main problem with it is the technical difficulties it brings with it - breath and tone control (the dreaded 'gear-change').
On Folk Britannia Sirley made clear her resentment to her appearance on the scene as having been described by Bert Lloyd as "bucolic", so criticism of her performance is by no means limited to Wiki or anonymous guests.
Her contribution to folk song, as a singer and because of her involvement with collecting, makes her a major figure on the English folk scene - she continues to be just that, but this in no way invalidates comments on her singing style.
On the contrary, the influence that her style has had on other singers makes critical discussion highly desirable, if not essential - but please, please not using terms like "She has never been able to sing, and shames the whole folk scene"
The folk scene is fairly unique in attempting to build a cast-iron defence against all forms of criticism, dismissing them as begrudgery and often describing them as "folk policing".
Positive, thoughtful and well-meaning criticism can only bring about the much needed changes on the scene, certainly far more than sycophantic and uncritical praise.
Jim Carroll