Escamillo, I can't comment on "Placebo," and I can take Trisha Yearwood or leave her, but Ladysmith Black Mambazo is (are?) awesome!! I have a videotape of Paul Simon's African Concert, with Joseph Shabalala ( I love that name!) and the guys doing their dance while they sing. Just love watching that tape. They just light up the room and reach down and find whatever joy and energy you've got hidden down there somewhere.

I know you wanted an opinion on Point 2 -- and I'm inclined to dislike overstylization of one's natural voice in order to fit a genre --, but I'm afraid I have a stronger opinion on LBM.

Genie