Only when listening/singing along to early Spoon records.

I get a kick out of English singers affecting an American accent (or what they think is an American accent), because you realize something just ain't right about it when you listen closely. Elton John in particular could be unintentionally hilarious in this regard, going from like a Mississippi Delta blues type delivery to a country western drawl from one line to the very next.

Elton John's singing accent is bizarre. What's with his letter i? He pronounces "did" as "deed".

As for the question, yeah of course, not every melody can withstand the untempered New Zealand yowl. Maybe it's the same reason Elton avoids the flat i sound. It's not the best vowel for singing, and it's New Zealand's main vowel.

Although personally I always enjoy hearing people doing it anyway, fuck 'em.

...my black arse!